Newcastle Cricket Club recognise that taking the step  up  from  junior  to  open age group cricket is an important event in any  player’s  cricket  experience.  The player’s safety, personal development needs and overall cricket experience will be considered.

• Clubs, squad coaches and managers must take into account the ECB requirements
  on age detailed below
• Each case will be determined on an individual basis, depending on the player’s ability and stage of cognitive and emotional maturity to take  part  in  Open
  Age cricket The  ECB minimum  age  guidance provided below MUST be followed.
• Juniors should be involved in all aspects of the game wherever possible i.e.
  socialising, team  talks,  practice,  decision making and so on, so they feel part of the team
• Children will often feel more  comfortable and  able  to  perform  if  they  have  a  family member or friend also playing in the side
• We recognise that children’s early experiences will remain with them always and will often determine whether they want to remain  playing  the  game  or  give  up and do something else
• Children must be provided with an opportunity to show their talents  in  an  appropriate  way.
• Players must be supportive, at  all  times,  for  all  forms of effort even when children are not successful. We will try and put them in situations where they will experience some success (however small) and ensure plenty of praise and encouragement
• The captain must inform the Umpires of under 18s in the side.

Restrictions

ECB Helmets, Fast Bowling Directives and  Fielding  Regulations  should  always  be  adhered  to  for  junior  players  in  Open  age  group cricket .

Minimum age

The  minimum  age  for  Open  Age  cricket  is the U 13 age group. Players must be in Year 8, and 12 years old on the 1st September of the preceding year.

This  applies  to  all  club  and  district  players who are not  in  a  county  or  area  squad (or region in Wales)   .  Written parental consent is required.

Exceptionally, players who are selected in a County  U12  squad  (or  Regional  squad  in Wales) in spring for a summer squad – are also eligible to play Open age cricket providing  they  are  at  least  11  years   old, are  in  School  Year  7  on  1st  September  in  the  year  preceding  the  season,  and  have  written  parental  consent  to  play. 

Please be aware that at under 12 level the ECB recommends that the focus is on  participation  rather  than  Talent  I.D, and many counties no longer run under 12 squads. Inclusion of ANY Under 12s in  Open  Age  teams  should  be  an exception and not an expectation.

 

It is essential  clubs  and  coaches  recognise  the   ‘duty of care’ obligations they have towards young players in Open Age cricket

The duty of care should be interpreted in two ways:

Not to place a young player in a position that involves an unreasonable risk to that  young  player,  taking  account  of  the circumstances of the match and the relative skills of the player

Not to create a situation that places members of the opposing side in a position whereby they cannot play cricket as they would normally do against adult players

 In addition, ECB guidelines note the need for clubs and  leagues  to recognise  the  positive  experience  young  players  should  have  in  open  age cricket.  Newcastle Cricket Club will  provide  an  opportunity  for  players  to  show  their  talents 
in an appropriate way.

Agreed January 2023                      Completed by Sally Green

Newcastle Cricket Club

Safeguarding Children Policy Statement

Newcastle Cricket Club (The Club) is committed to ensuring all Children (i.e. all persons under the age of 18) participating in cricket have a safe and positive experience.

We do this by:

1. 1)  Putting things in place
2. 2)  Having the Right People in Place
3. 3)  What do you do if you have a concern?
4. 4)  Cricket Specific Guidance

1) Putting things in place

We recognising all children participating in cricket (regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability) have the right to have fun and be protected from harm in a safe environment

We ensure individuals working within cricket at, or for, our club provide a welcoming, safe, and fun experience for children

We provide an environment where the views of children, parents and volunteers are sought and welcomed on a range of issues. This will help us create an environment where people have the opportunity to voice any concerns (about possible suspected child abuse/neglect, and/or about poor practice) to the Club Safeguarding Officer

We Adopt and implement the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children”

We ensure all individuals working within cricket at, or for, the club are recruited and appointed in accordance with ECB guidelines and relevant legislation

2) Having the Right People in Place

Appointing a Club Safeguarding Officer and ensuring they attend training modules required by the ECB, Our Club Safeguarding Officer’s details are below –
Name                    Paul Gibson                                                                        Sally Green
Email address     newcastle@therockproject.com                              penshawnursery@btinternet.com

Phone Number 07802234843                                                                      07984945350

Club Safeguarding Role

As the first point of contact for parents, children and volunteers/staff within the club – As a local source of procedural advice for the club, its committee and members.

As the main point of contact within the club for the ECB County Safeguarding Officer and the ECB Safeguarding Team.

As the main point of contact within the club for relevant external agencies in connection with child safeguarding. Ensuring correct and comprehensive reporting procedures exist for raising and managing child safeguarding concerns.

3) What do you do if you have a concern?

We ensure all suspicions, concerns and allegations are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

We ensure access to confidential information relating to child safeguarding matters, is restricted to those who need to know, in order to safeguard children – including the Club Safeguarding Officer and the appropriate external authorities, such as the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), as specified within ECB child safeguarding procedures.

4) Cricket Specific Advice

We ensure all individuals working within cricket at, or for, the club are provided with support, through education and training, so they are aware of, and can adhere to, good practice and Code of Conduct guidelines defined by the ECB, and the club.

We ensure all people who work in cricket at, or for, our club (such as staff, officials, volunteers, team managers, coaches and so on) understand how the “Safe Hands Policy” applies to them

Agreed AGM   January 2023               Completed By – Sally Green

We are a family friendly club and recommend that a parent/guardian remains at the club whilst their child/children are attending, particularly for younger age children.

We follow the ECB Missing Children Guidelines

If a child goes missing, the following guidelines have been devised to clarify the actions to take:

1 Ensure other children in your care are looked after appropriately while you organise a search for the child concerned

2 Inform the child’s parents, if they are present at the event, or nominate an appropriate person to telephone them and advise of the concern. Reassure them you are doing all you can to locate their child. Remember the child may contact the parents directly so this action is very important

3 Organise all available responsible adults by areas to be searched. It is best to take a short time to organise the search properly so that all places are searched fully

4 Send searchers immediately to any exits to ensure the child has not left, and to any obvious potential danger spots such as roads.

5 Search the area in which the child has gone missing including changing rooms, toilets, public and private areas and the club’s grounds

6 Request all those searching to report back to a nominated adult at a specific point

7 This nominated person should remain at this reference point and make a note of events, including a detailed physical description of the child. This should include approximate height, build, hair and eye colour as well as the clothing the child was wearing and where and when they were last seen. All this will be required by the police. If the search is unsuccessful, you should then contact the police

8 A report should go to the police no later than 20 minutes after the child’s disappearance is noted, even if the search is not complete

9 If the police recommend further action before they get involved, follow their guidance

10 If the police act upon the concern, always be guided by them in any further actions to take.

11 At any stage when the child is located, ensure you inform all adults involved including the parents, searchers and the police if, by then, they are involved

12 All missing child incidents MUST BE notified at the very earliest opportunity to the Club Welfare Officer, who must immediately notify the County Welfare Officer, and they must notify the ECB Safeguarding Team

A child going missing can be extremely traumatic – for adults and children. However, if everyone is aware of some simple pre-defined guidelines, panic levels can be minimised, and more critically, the missing child can, hopefully, be found in an organised and efficient way. Hopefully no child will ever go missing but if they do, please remember most children are found within a few minutes of their disappearance.

Agreed AGM January 2023                                Completed by Sally Green

Newcastle Cricket Club takes the protection of the data we hold about you as a member seriously and are committed to respecting your privacy. This Privacy Notice explains how we may use and protect the personal data we obtain about you and your rights in respect of your personal data.

Names of data controller	Newcastle Cricket Club
Categories of personal data we collect	Name Date of birth Contact details of your parent of guardian Contact details of the young player if you are over 16 Your participation confirmation Your video/photography preference Your membership declaration and signature Emergency contact details information Sporting experience information Disability information Medical information
Our sources of the personal data	We obtain personal data from: The parent/legal guardian registering a child to join the club The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Leagues (where relevant) County Boards (where relevant) Club coaches / leaders Medical practitioners
Automated decisions we may take	The Club will not take any automated decisions about you.
Purposes for which we process personal data	The Club will process the personal data for: Administering your application for membership of the Club Administering bookings and attendance at sessions Dealing with medical needs/specific requirements Supporting the delivery of cricket sessions  Training and competition entry Reporting of participation and any incidents and of figures and trends (including equality and inclusion information) Quality and improvement monitoring

 

Who we will disclose your personal data to   [Club to amend to add any additional discloses]	For members under the age of 16 the parent of guardians information will be shared, on reaching 16 the players personal data may also be shared so: Leagues where you have been nominated for / agree to play for a League The ECB where you are registered for or express an interest in an ECB programme The County Cricket Board that supports the local Cricket Club whose programmes you have registered for Coaches and junior co-ordinators for administrating training sessions Volunteers who work at cricket clubs/venues to support the delivery of sessions. The County Cricket Board that supports the local Cricket Club whose programmes you have registered for
Legal basis for processing your personal data	The legal basis for the collection and processing of your personal data is: ·      for administration and programme delivery: that it is necessary to fulfil the contract that you are going to enter into or have entered into with us ·      for dealing with medical needs:  that you have given your explicit consent or in the child’s vital interests. ·      in all other cases: that it is necessary for our legitimate interests which are to build a programme to encourage participation in cricket and does not prejudice or harm rights and freedoms of parents / guardians or the children that join the programme.
Your right to withdraw consent	Where you have given your consent to any processing of personal data, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.  If you do, it will not affect the lawfulness of any processing for which we had consent prior to your withdrawing it.
Location of your personal data	The Club will keep your personal data within the European Economic Area.
How long we will keep your personal data for	We will not retain your personal data for longer than is reasonable and necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. We shall retain your personal data for such time as you are registered with Newcastle Cricket Club as a member.     2 years after you cease to be a member of Newcastle Cricket Club or play an active part in Newcastle Cricket Club , we shall delete your data excepting that needed to keep historical scorecard and statistical records
Your rights in respect of your personal data	You have the right of access to your personal data and, in some cases, to require us to restrict, erase or rectify it or to object to our processing it, and the right of data portability.
Our contact details	mail.                           Newcastle Cricket Club email.                         manager@newcastlecc.org.uk phone.                       01912810775 website.                    https://newcastlecc.org.uk
Complaints	If you have any concerns or complaints about how we are handling your data please or wish to exercise any of your rights do not hesitate to get in touch with Nick Brown Chair of the Club. You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (details can be found at www.ico.org.uk) .

Newcastle Cricket Club, in all its activities, is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity in cricket, and to ensuring that its employees, members and all other individuals working or volunteering for Newcastle Cricket Club, and participating in or watching Newcastle Cricket Club’s activities are treated fairly and are able to conduct their activities free from discrimination, harassment or intimidation.

• Newcastle Cricket Club, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably against on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

• Newcastle Cricket Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of individuals.

• Newcastle Cricket Club will endeavour to create access and opportunities for all those individuals who wish to participate, and are lawfully eligible to participate, in its activities.

• Newcastle Cricket Club will ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that its employees, members and volunteers adhere to these requirements and this policy.

• This policy is fully supported by Newcastle Cricket Club’s officers and management committee who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Newcastle Cricket Club is committed to the investigation of any claims when brought to its attention, of discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, and reserves the right to impose such sanction as it considers appropriate and proportionate, where such is found to be the case.

• In the event that any employee, member, volunteer, participant or spectator feels that he has suffered discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation, they should report the matter in writing to the management committee of Newcastle Cricket Club.

• Any such report should include: details of what occurred; when and where the occurrence took place; any witness details and copies of any witness statements.

• If the accused individual is an employee, the management committee will regard the issue as a disciplinary issue and will follow Newcastle Cricket Club’s employment disciplinary procedure.

• If the accused individual is a non-employee, the management committee:
– may decide (at its sole discretion) to uphold or dismiss the complaint without holding a hearing;
– may (at its sole discretion) hold a hearing at which both parties will be entitled to attend and present their case;
– will have the power to impose any one or more of the following sanctions on any person found to be in breach of any policy: (a) warn as to future conduct; (b) suspend from membership; (c) remove from membership; (d) exclude a non-member from the facility, either temporarily or permanently; and (e) turn down a non-member’s current and/or future membership application; and
– will provide both parties with written reasons for its decision.
• A party may appeal a decision of the management committee to the relevant County Cricket board by writing to the relevant County Cricket Board within 3 months of Newcastle Cricket Club’s decision being notified to that party.

• If the nature of the complaint is with regard to the management committee of Newcastle Cricket Club, the complainant may report the complaint directly to the relevant County Cricket Board.

This policy will be reviewed periodically by Newcastle Cricket Club in consultation with the England and Wales Cricket Board Limited.

Newcastle Cricket Club promotes the appropriate use of photography and filming of children participating in cricket, however, it’s important to be aware of the potential child protection and safeguarding issues that arise when people take photos or film children in relation to sporting activities. The potential for misuse of images can be reduced if we are all aware of the potential risks and dangers and put appropriate measures in place to reduce these risks.

Potential Risks:

• children may be identifiable when a photograph is shared with personal information
• direct and indirect risks to children and young people when photographs are shared on websites and in publications with personal information that may identify and locate the child
• inappropriate photographs or recorded images of children
• inappropriate use, adaptation or copying of images

The following guiding principles from the ECB Photography and Video Camera Guidelines will be implemented by Newcastle Cricket Club

1. Photographs/images are not to be taken at matches or training without the prior permission of the parents/carers of the child. This permission can be given by proxy by the coach of each team only after parental consent for this has been granted. The coach will arrange this prior to attending matches.
2. If no consent has been given for a child on the player registration & consent form, then it is to be made known to the relevant person of the other team (e.g. Coach / Team manager) so that the appropriate person/s taking photos for the other team is aware and can avoid taking photos of that particular child.
3. The children should be informed that a person will be taking photographs.
4. The children should be informed that if they have concerns, they can report these to the Coach or Team Manager.
5. Concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported to the Newcastle Cricket Club Child Safeguarding Officer and recorded in the same manner as any other child protection concern.
6. It is recommended that at cricket tournaments/festivals/events/competitions that a camera registration book is set up for adults to complete before taking photographs.

The following guiding principles will be adopted for the publishing of images:

1. Ask for parental permission to use their child’s image and wherever possible show the image to the parents and child in advance. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image will be used.
2. Ask for the child’s permission to use their image. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image will be used to represent cricket and Newcastle CC.
3. If the player is named, avoid using their photograph. In cases where the player, parent / carers wish for the players name and photograph to be used, direct written consent will be required for each publication.
4. If the photograph is used, avoid naming the child. In cases where the player, parent / carers wish for the players name and photograph to be used, direct written consent will be required for each publication.
5. Don’t use player profiles with pictures and detailed personal information on websites. In cases where the player, parent / carers wish for the players name and photograph to be used, direct written consent will be required for each publication.
6. Don’t use an image for something other than that what it was initially intended and agreed.
7. Don’t allow images to be recorded in changing rooms, showers or toilets. This includes the use of mobile phones that record images.
8. Focus on the activity rather than the individual.
9. Only use images of children in appropriate kit (training or competition) to reduce the risk of inappropriate use, and to provide positive images of the children.
10. Aim to take pictures which represent the broad range of youngsters participating safely in cricket e.g. boys and girls, disabled people, ethnic minority communities.
11. Encourage the reporting of inappropriate use of images of children to Newcastle CC CSO/Deputy CSO/ or County Safeguarding Officer and/or the ECB Child Protection Team.

Using video as a coaching aid:

Newcastle Cricket Club may use video equipment as a coaching aid as and when appropriate. Players and parents/carers may view the footage and know that the material taken in connection with coaching will be stored securely and will be deleted / destroyed upon requests, or when the material is no longer needed. Only coaches who are UKCC level 2 or above qualified are permitted to use video analysis when coaching on behalf of Newcastle CC or when coaching Newcastle CC juniors. 

All players and their parents / carers will be asked each year to either; accept and adhere to the above policy in their registration process or to not accept the policy to refuse any use of photography in their cricket while playing at Newcastle CC.

 

Agreed AGM January 2023                 Completed by Sally Green

• Adults must not change, or shower, at the same time using the same facility as children – if the same changing room is used then they must have different times
• If adults and children need to share a changing facility, they must do so at different times to be advised by the captain.
• Mixed gender teams must have access to separate male and female changing rooms – see signage on doors
• Due to the risks of inappropriate photography or filming, mobile phones must not be used in changing rooms

If children are uncomfortable changing or showering at the club, no pressure should be placed on them to do so. It is suggested instead that they may change and shower at home.

Agreed AGM January 2023                 Completed by Sally Green

This policy provides guidance on how Newcastle Cricket Club uses the internet and social media and the procedures for doing so. It also outlines how we expect club members and volunteers, to behave online.

The aims of our online safety policy are:

• To ensure we are operating in line with our values and within the law, regarding how we behave online.
• To provide club members and volunteers with policy and procedure information
• To protect all children and young people involved with our organisation.

Social Media 

Social Media, when used properly, is exciting and opens up a lot of opportunities, but by following some simple guidelines potential pitfalls can be avoided, and Social Media can be safely used as a promotional tool and a means of communication for the club.

Newcastle Cricket Club accepts that it is any member’s, supporter’s or player’s right to pass reasonable and considered comment on a specific match or on the sport in general. The club does, however, expect all such social media postings to be constructive and relevant given the potentially unrestricted audience of services such as Facebook or Twitter. Whilst an individual’s comments may not ‘officially’ represent the Club, they can reflect badly on the Club, the game of cricket and the individual.  Always remember that everyone involved with the Club has a responsibility to safeguard its good image.  The Club urges members to use common-sense and ‘think before posting

Managing our online presence

Our online presence through social media will adhere to the following guidance:

• All social media accounts will be password-protected and at least 3 club members will have access to each account and password
• The accounts will be monitored by a designated person, appointed by the club committee. The designated person will take advice from the Safeguarding Officer on safeguarding requirements
• Identifying details such as a child’s home address, school, or telephone number should not be posted on social media platforms
• “If you wouldn’t put it on the club notice board, it doesn’t belong on the club’s social media pages”.

Guidelines on Social Media Use 

This guidance applies to any social media posting relating directly or indirectly to Newcastle Cricket Club, this could be on a club social media site or on a club member’s own site(s).

The Club requires members to observe the following guidelines on responsible social media use. 

• Do NOT post unpleasant, offensive or potentially inflammatory comments about Club members or Officials; other clubs or players; leagues; Umpires; or ‘controversial’ subjects and so on (for example, containing abusive, insulting or indecent language/ swearing; or threats).
• Do NOT respond to inaccurate, negative or nasty comments (for example, made about you, our teams or others, your friends or the Club). Individuals should never respond on behalf of the Club. Instead, please bring any matters of concern to the attention of the Club’s Committee.
• Do NOT make hostile or harassing comments, or discriminate based on any status liable to cause offence (such as a person’s race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, disability).
• Do NOT post comments which may undermine the unity of a team or the good standing of the Club; or which are detrimental to the interests of the Club or game of cricket; or which bring the Club individual, or game of cricket into disrepute (that is, damage their reputation). 
• Do NOT divulge confidential information or information belonging to the Club, which is not in the public domain, or expand upon such information already in the public domain. This includes (but is not limited to) team selection, tactics and injuries.
• Do NOT post information which could implicate another person in disciplinary or legal proceedings. This could include (but is not limited to) copying or redistributing another person’s social media posting.
• DO remember that we are a family orientated Club with many junior members who will sometimes form part of the audience. Whilst social events such as our annual dinner, Quiz and Race Nights are important parts of our social calendar, in keeping with the Club’s family image, we expect that posts relating to social activities such as drinking or gambling remain appropriate. It is in no-one’s interests to glamorise excess!
• DO identify or credit any material which is copyrighted or which you have borrowed (ie, with an appropriate mention, or link to the source).
• A good way to decide whether you should post something is to ask yourself: “Could I say this face-to-face without causing offence, or would I be happy to see my comments published in a newspaper?” If you are unsure or the answer is “No”, then you should NOT post it.
  Think before you Click!

Texts, apps and emails: contacting Under 18 players 

The Children Act defines a person under 18 years as a child. Contact arrangements for under 18’s should be via their parents or carers; this includes text and email or WhatsApp messages etc. It is understood that in the case of over 16’s this may not be ideal. An acceptable exception to this rule is to text or email the parent and to copy in the 16 or 17 year old, with the parent’s prior consent. This means the parent is able to monitor communications, but the 16 or 17 year old receives the information directly. If you receive any responses that appear inappropriate they should be brought to the attention of the parent or carer. You should not engage in individual text or email conversations with a 16 or 17 year old without their parent receiving the same messages from you. All contact with children should be in relation to coaching, matches and cricket-related activity.

Social Media: Do’s and Don’ts Coaches / Managers / Clubs 

DO 

• Have separate social media accounts for cricket-club related and personal use.
• Keep your photos and personal information private.
• Apply the Codes of Conduct and appropriate professionalism to your behaviour online, by text and email.
• Obtain consent before posting any personal information online – this includes photographs where an individual can be identified. Remember the picture/no name guidance for under 18s.

DO NOT

• Send text messages to juniors – make arrangements via their parents.
• Send private messages to children and young people via apps or social media. Invite or accept children and young people to become “friends”.
• Send inappropriate text messages or post messages on social media that are offensive, nasty or derogatory in any way.

Adult players in Open Age teams 

Please be mindful of who may have access to material you share via social media, including Facebook, twitter and other platforms.

Club Responsibilities

All Committee members have a duty to comply with, promote awareness and understanding of this Policy and act if they become aware of any breach of it.

If you suspect that someone is using social media in an unsafe or inappropriate manner, you should report their behaviour to the Club Safeguarding Officer.

Consequences of not following this Policy

Any member found to be in breach of the above Policy may be subject to disciplinary action by the Club (up to and including cancellation of Club membership), or relevant league or both. In extreme cases it could even result in criminal prosecution or civil liability.

The Relevant Club Codes of Conduct apply to online, text and email communications.

Newcastle Cricket Club’s Safehands Policy incorporates the ECB Guidance for clubs on the use of Social Media, texts, apps, email and messaging services.

Approved AGM January 2023                   Completed by Sally Green

The ECB is committed to developing a culture where it is safe and acceptable for all those involved in cricket to raise concerns about unacceptable practice and misconduct. You may be the first to recognise that something is wrong but you may not feel able to express your concerns out of a belief that this would be disloyal to colleagues or you may fear harassment, victimisation or disadvantage.

These feelings, however natural, must never result in a child continuing to be unnecessarily at risk. Remember that it is often the most vulnerable children who are targeted. These children need someone like you to safeguard their welfare. Those involved in the sport must acknowledge their individual responsibilities to bring matters of concern to the attention of senior management and/or relevant agencies. Although this can be difficult it is particularly important where the welfare of children may be at risk.

The ECB assures all involved in cricket that they will be treated fairly and that all concerns will be properly considered. In cases where the suspicions prove to be unfounded, then no action will be taken against those who report their suspicions/allegations provided they acted in good faith and without malicious intent. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects whistleblowers from victimisation, discipline or dismissal where they raise genuine concerns of misconduct or malpractice.

Reasons for Whistle Blowing Each individual has a responsibility for raising concerns about unacceptable practice or behaviour:

• to prevent the problem worsening or widening
• to protect or reduce risk to others
• to prevent becoming implicated yourself

You should not attempt to deal with any allegation or suspicion yourself, rather inform your Club Safeguarding Officer or your County Safeguarding Officer or the ECB Child Protection Team.

Specifically do not:

• Inform the person about whom the concern was raised
• Inform any other members, participants or employees
• Commence your own investigation
• Annotate or remove evidence
• Delay in reporting the suspicion

Also do not assume

• “all is well, otherwise it would have been spotted earlier”
• “it doesn’t matter” or “no harm will arise”
• “Ignore it as it is not my responsibility”
• to protect or reduce risk to others
• to prevent becoming implicated yourself

What stops people from Whistle Blowing?

• Starting a chain of events which spirals
• Disrupting the work or training
• Fear of getting it wrong
• Fear of repercussions or damaging careers
• Fear of not being believed

What happens next?

• You should be given information on the nature and progress of any enquiries
• All concerns will be treated in confidence.
• During the process of investigating the matter, every effort will be made to keep the identity of those raising the concern unknown, except to the minimum number of individuals practicable
• Your Club Safeguarding Officer, County Safeguarding Officer and the ECB have a responsibility to protect you from harassment or victimisation
• No action will be taken against you if the concern proves to be unfounded and was raised in good faith
• Malicious allegations may be considered a disciplinary offence

ECB Safeguarding Whistle Blowing Procedures

Should suspicions be raised via a “tip off”, the person receiving the tip off should attempt to obtain the following information from the informant.

• Name, address and telephone number
• Names of individuals involved
• The manner of the alleged incident/s or
  circumstances

Who do I tell?

The first person to whom you should report your suspicion or allegation is your Club Safeguarding Officer. If for any reason you cannot or do not wish to report to your Club Safeguarding Officer, you should refer to your County Safeguarding Officer. If you cannot, or do not wish to, report the information to either of these, then please contact the ECB Child Protection Team by email on crb@ecb.co.uk or 020 7432 1200.

 

Feedback

The amount of feedback relating to the issue will vary depending on the nature and result of the investigations. However, where possible, those who have raised concerns will be kept informed of the progress and eventual conclusion of investigations.

Useful contact numbers for Club Safeguarding Officers:

Paul Gibson     07802234843                         

Sally Green      07984945350

Concerned about a child

If you think a child is in immediate danger you should call POLICE 999.

Childline 0800 1111

NSPCC 08088005000

ECB safeguarding team: safeguarding@ecb.co.uk  020 7432 1200

 

Approved AGM January 2023             Completed by Sally Green

Newcastle Cricket Club

Newcastle Cricket Club (hereby known as the “club”) uses closed circuit television (CCTV) on the premsis for the prevention, identification and reduction of crime and to montior the club buildings in order to provide a safe
and secure environment for members, staff and visitors, and to prevent the loss or damage to club property.

CCTV surveillance at the club is intended for the purposes of:

• protecting the club buildings and assets, both during and after hours;
• promoting the health and safety of staff, members and visitors;
• reducing the incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour (including theft and vandalism);
• supporting the Police in a bid to deter and detect crime;
• assisting in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting offenders; and
• ensuring that the club rules are respected so that the club can be properly managed.

Location

The system comprises of 2 cameras in the Pavilion Bar and the Function Room currently. Two additional cameras will be installed into the front and rear of the building in due course, and the right remains to add further cameras if deemed necessary. The CCTV system is owned and operated by the club and the deployment of which is determined by the club Board or Directors. The CCTV is a standalone system and operated by the club.

Storage

The images are stored locally without sound, and a backup of the images may be securely uploaded to a Cloud storage solution using encrypted delivery. The local storage will hold around 2 months of data before the oldest images are recorded over. Images will only be stored during this retantion period except where the image identifies an issue and is retained specifically in the context of an investigation/prosecution of that issue.

Access will be restricted to authorised personnel. Supervising the access and maintenance of the CCTV System is the responsibility of the Data Protection Officer. TheData Protection Officer may delegate the administration of the CCTV System to another staff member.  In certain circumstances, the recordings may also be viewed by other individuals in order to achieve the objectives set out above. When CCTV recordings are being viewed, access will be limited to authorised individuals on a need-to-know basis.

Usage

The club’s CCTV Scheme is registered with the Information Commissioner under the terms of the Data Protection Act. This policy outlines the club’s use of CCTV and how it complies with the Act.

All authorised operators and employees with access to images are aware of the procedures that need to be followed when accessing the recorded images. All operators are trained in their
responsibilities under the CCTV Code of Practice. All employees are aware of the restrictions in relation to access to, and disclosure of, recorded images.

The club complies with Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) CCTV Code of Practice to ensure it is used responsibly and safeguards both trust and confidence in its continued use. The use of the CCTV system will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner and any diversion of the use of CCTV security technologies for other purposes is prohibited by this policy e.g. CCTV will not be used for monitoring employee performance.

CCTV Video Monitoring and Recording of Public Areas may take place for the following purposes:

• Protection of club buildings and property: The building’s perimeter, entrances and exits,
  lobbies and corridors, special storage areas, office locations, receiving areas for
  goods/services, bar areas.
• Verification of Security Alarms: Intrusion alarms, exit door controls, external alarms
• Video Patrol of Public Areas: Main entrance/exit gates, terraces
• Criminal Investigations (carried out by police): Robbery, burglary and theft surveillance

Notification

A copy of this CCTV Policy will be provided on request to members and visitors, and will be made available on the club’s website.

The location of CCTV cameras will also be indicated and adequate signage will be placed at each location in which a CCTV camera(s) is sited to indicate that CCTV is in operation.
Adequate signage will also be displayed at the entrance to the club property to indicate the use of CCTV.Appropriate locations for signage will include:

• at entrances to premises i.e. external doors
• outside the door to each bar
• at or close to each internal camera

Access

Recorded footage and the monitoring equipment will be securely stored in a restricted area. Unauthorised access to that area will not be permitted at any time. The area will be locked when
not occupied by authorised personnel.
Access to the CCTV system and stored images will be restricted to authorised personnel only.
A record of the date of any disclosure request along with details of who the information has been provided to (the name of the person and the organisation they represent), why they required it
and how the request was dealt with will be made and kept, in case of challenge.
Data will be provided to those requests authorised in a permanent format where possible. If this is not possible the data subject will be offered the opportunity to view the footage.

In relevant circumstances, CCTV footage may be accessed:

• By the police where the club are required by law to make a report regarding the commission of a suspected crime; or
• Following a request by the police when a crime or suspected crime has taken place and/or when it is suspected that illegal/anti-social behaviour is taking place on the club’s property, or
• To the ECB and/or any other statutory body charged with child safeguarding; or
• To assist the Board of Directors in establishing facts in cases of unacceptable member or visitor behaviour
• To data subjects (or their legal representatives), pursuant to a Subject Access Request or
• To individuals (or their legal representatives) subject to a court order.
• To the club’s insurance company where the insurance company requires same in order to pursue a claim for damage done to the insured property.

Subject Access Requests (SAR)

Individuals have the right to request access to CCTV footage relating to themselves under the Data Protection Act.
Individuals submitting requests for access will be asked to provide sufficient information to enable the footage relating to them to be identified. For example, date, time and location.
The club will respond to requests within 30 calendar days of receiving the request in line with the club ’s right of access policy.
The club reserves the right to refuse access to CCTV footage where this would prejudice the legal rights of other individuals or jeopardise an on-going investigation.
A record of the date of the disclosure along with details of who the information has been provided to (the name of the person and the organisation they represent) and why they required it
will be made. In giving a person a copy of their data, the club provide a still/series of still pictures or a disk with relevant images. However, other images of other individuals will be obscured before the data is released.
Where footage contains images relating to 3rd parties, the club will take appropriate steps to mask and protect the identities of those individuals.

To make  SAR, please email the Data Protection Officer on the address outlined at the foot of this document. The request must comply with the requirements outlined above and contain sufficient information to allow identification of the segment of footage requested.

Complaints

Complaints and enquiries about the operation of CCTV within the club should be directed to the Data Protection Officer (details below) in the first instance.

Responsibilities

The overall responsibility of the CCTV system lies with the Data Protection Officer but the Board of Directors are also responsible for ensuring it is used in a responsible manner as outlined in this document.

They will:

• Ensure that the use of CCTV systems is implemented in accordance with the policy set down by the club
• Oversee and co-ordinate the use of CCTV monitoring for safety and security purposes within club
• Ensure that all existing CCTV monitoring systems will be evaluated for compliance with this policy
• Ensure that the CCTV monitoring at Newcastle Cricket Club is consistent with the highest standards and protection
• Review camera locations and be responsible for the release of any information or recorded CCTV materials stored in compliance with this policy
• Maintain a record of access (e.g. an access log) to or the release of images or any material recorded or stored in the system
• Ensure that monitoring recorded images are not duplicated for release unless authorised in the circumstances listed above
• Ensure that the perimeter of view from fixed location cameras conforms to this policy both internally and externally
• Give consideration to both members and staff feedback/complaints regarding possible invasion of privacy or confidentiality due to the location of a particular CCTV camera or associated equipment
• Ensure that all areas being monitored are not in breach of an enhanced expectation of the privacy of individuals within the club and be mindful that no such infringement is likely to take place
• Ensure that external cameras are non-intrusive in terms of their positions and views of neighbouring residential housing and comply with the principle of “Reasonable Expectation of Privacy”
• Ensure that monitoring footage are stored in a secure place with access by authorised personnel only
• Ensure that images recorded on digital recordings are stored for a period not longer than 28 days and are then erased unless required as part of a criminal investigation or court proceedings (criminal or civil).
• Ensure that camera control is solely to monitor suspicious behaviour, criminal damage etc. and not to monitor individual characteristics
• Ensure that camera control is not infringing an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy in public areas

Data Protection Officer

Tony Whaling – Finance Director
Email: tony@newcastlecc.org.uk