Welfare Report

2010 has been my third year as the club’s Welfare Officer (CWO).  The role is accurately reflected within the recently reviewed job description, which can be viewed on the BASC website.   The role is one that endeavours to oversee all aspects of welfare for the club and its members.  The role is to implement good practice and child protection policies and therefore helps to provide a safe environment for members.

Liaising with club members and poolside staff, who have identified safety issues or concerns, has been an important part of the role.  It continues to be well supported by the Committee members and at County level.  BASC follows the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Child Protection Guidelines (Wave Power document 2009-2011), available for viewing on the ASA website.

The role of Club Welfare Officer also includes supporting all members of the club, volunteers and swimmers and the reporting of incidents out of the pool (i.e. dry side).  From 2011 I will share this role with Mr Jamie O’Malley.  This will allow us to provide a more accessible and visible welfare officer presence poolside and ensure ongoing transparency to our role, which aims to be impartial and independent of the committee. 

Throughout the year the process of applying for Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosures for all adult members of the club, and those swimmers assisting poolside staff in the pool, has been and is an ongoing process.  Training for all volunteers, in the areas of ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’, also remains necessary.  For all volunteers who have not completed this 3 yearly training it will be required as soon as possible in 2011.

Finally I would like thank all members who support me in the role as Club Welfare Officer.  I value all ideas and suggestions that firstly promote and maintain the safety of the swimmers, and secondly support the volunteers who provide a safe environment for all members of BASC.  I am delighted that we will also now have Jamie as a male Welfare Officer, and I will be willing to continue in my role if nominated and seconded at the forthcoming AGM.

The CWO can be contacted:

• direct when on poolside

• via the BASC mobile number 07909 948494 (leave a message, which will be forwarded)

•  via the BASC Feedback and Complaints form (available to download from the policies section on the website) complete and pass to any committee member who will forward it on.

• or  email welfare@busheyasc.org

Alternatively

• Any Committee member can be approached with a concern if the CWO is unavailable; the information will be forwarded as soon as is possible

All information will be dealt with in confidence, on a need to know basis. All members have a responsibility to raise concerns about safety or child protection issues that may affect any club member, volunteer or swimmer.

 

Julie Rose

Club Welfare Officer, Bushey Amateur Swimming Club