Child Welfare Officer needed

After many years of great work, Cerry has decided to stand down from this post and the club must get the position filled at the AGM on 22nd April. An outline of the role is given below and if you wish to be considered for the position then please tell your manager ASAP

Guidance for the Club Welfare Officer

Starting points

1 Attend one of The FA’s Child protection and best practice workshops. This will help you explore child protection issues and raise awareness on the risks facing children. It will also help you think about strategies for preventing abuse and bad practice and for responding should you come into contact with issues of concern.
2 Make sure everyone at the club is aware of your role. This includes not only the club officials but also parents, carers, children and young people. Posters can be ordered from www.TheFA.com/Goal to help you promote child protection and your role.

Role of the Club Welfare Officer

1 Find out who your County Child Protection Officer is and know how to contact them. Contact details are in the Child Protection and best practice workshop pack.
2 Act as the point of contact for any referrals in your club.
3 Refer any concerns to your County Child Protection Officer.
4 If your concern is for the safety of a child and if you cannot contact the County Child Protection Officer, use The FA/NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000
5 In an emergency contact the local police or local social services. Both have powers to investigate immediately. This does not mean they will take a child away from the parents or carers (although this does occasionally have to happen) but does mean they have powers to investigate, respond, and support the child and family.
6 Ensure that the club are aware of The FA’s Child Protection and best practice guidelines and encourage them to implement them.
7 Ensure that the club are aware of The FA’s Policies and Procedures and encourage them to implement them.
8 Promote the benefits of the Child protection and best practice education programme.
9 Co-ordinate the collection and confirmation of identity for club members who require CRB checks.

Further Information

• Visit the FA website www.TheFA.com/goal where you can access Child Protection and best practice – Guidelines, Policies and Procedures. There is advice about photographing children and recruitment of volunteers. There are also weekly bulletins about child protection issues.
• Visit the Disclosure website www.disclosure.gov.uk where you can find more information about CRB checks and the code of practice.