Safeguarding Matters                     March, 2010

Sorry folks. It is three months since I last wrote a Newsletter and I can’t even blame the bad weather!

I’ve just returned from the RFU Safeguarding Conference and there is a fair amount of news to impart.

One piece you will be delighted to hear is that the RFU are investing in online CRB completion. Basically, you log on, enter the identity evidence, and either e-mail the rest of the form, for applicant  to complete, or do it with them,  on a laptop, if Club has wi-fi.

More about this and ISA at County Conferences we will hold in May. We are looking at Sundays at the moment and identifying suitable venues. It is imperative that CSOs and/or Youth Chairs attend these Conferences to find out all about ISA and the new Vetting and Barring Scheme.

A new CRB form will be coming out in July, but more at the Conferences.

Chris Rawlings, who sends you CRB forms is on right and Alexis Holding who organizes Courses on the left.

15% of CRBs submitted get returned.  I’ve now put advice on ECRU website under Safeguarding to help you with common errors. The new online form self checks so should prevent errors, and speed up the process. Check renewals! RFU have not been sending reminders!

If your CRBs do not appear on your site then they are probably in pending. Get your webmaster to clear the pending membership list.

I have also put the Coaches Code of Conduct on the website as we have had a lot of infringements of this code. Can I remind you that abuse of the referee could be a 10 week ban!! Accusations of Assault are referred to the Police, but are also forwarded to the RFU.

This is Nic Scott who heads up the Safeguarding team and will deal with these issues., and suspend coaches. However, if you want to chat to someone at RFU about a concern you  may have, then Ann Hutchins is the one to talk to. Please let me know if you do ring her.

Chris Rawlings 0208 831 7454

Ann Hutchins 0208 831 7479

They are in Rugby House, Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA

We are, as ever, happy to chat about concerns.

Martin Peacock 01284 761536

Chris Mepham(C) 01763 208620

Sally Lloyd(N) 01362 850722

Martin Pratley(S) 01206 561688

 

Club Safeguarding Officers Workshops

I need to do another one in May/June in the south. If you would like to attend, e-mail me and I’ll find a suitable venue

peacockrm@aol.com

Safeguarding & Protecting Young People Courses We now run these ourselves! Contact Lisa if you’ve got coaches who wish to attend. 7.00 -10.00pm

Woodbridge RFC March 22nd

Ipswich RFC April 12th

Beccles RFC Apr/May?

Shelford RFC May?

North Norfolk May?

Can I remind you that the majority of incidents on a pitch are disciplinary and should be referred to Huw Davies. If the Club deals with an incident internally they still need to inform Discipline. Boys banned by a Club are still playing School Rugby then offending there! It is not a reflection on the Club. Please keep us informed