Wellingborough Indians Cricket Club

Safeguarding&ChildProtection

Keeping young cricketers safe is our highest priority

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Wellingborough Indians Cricket Club is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who participate in our activities. We follow the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) safeguarding guidelines and have robust policies in place to protect young players.

All our youth programs are delivered by trained, DBS-checked coaches who understand their responsibilities for child protection. We create an environment where children can enjoy cricket safely and where concerns can be raised without fear.

Safeguarding Contacts

Club Welfare Officer

First point of contact for any safeguarding concerns within the club.

NCB County Safeguarding Officer

Northamptonshire Cricket Board safeguarding support.

Emergency Contacts

For urgent child protection concerns outside club channels.

Police: 999 (emergency) or 101

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Childline: 0800 1111

Our Safeguarding Commitments

All coaches and volunteers working with young people are DBS-checked

All youth coaches are trained in ECB safeguarding and first aid

We follow ECB Safe Hands guidelines for junior cricket

Clear reporting procedures are in place for any concerns

Regular safeguarding training and policy reviews

Appropriate adult supervision at all youth activities

Photography and social media policies protect young players

Open communication with parents and guardians

Key Policies & Procedures

Recruitment & Vetting

All adults working with children undergo DBS checks and provide references. We follow safer recruitment practices for all positions.

Training

All coaches complete ECB safeguarding training and regular refresher courses. First aid training is mandatory for youth session leaders.

Supervision

Appropriate adult-to-child ratios are maintained at all sessions. Parents are welcome to observe sessions.

Reporting Concerns

Clear procedures exist for reporting safeguarding concerns. All concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially.

Photography & Social Media

Written consent is required for photographs. We follow strict guidelines on sharing images of young players.

Transport & Away Fixtures

Parents are responsible for transporting their children. Clear guidelines exist for any club-arranged transport.

How to Report a Concern

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child at WICC, please speak to our Club Welfare Officer immediately. All concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially.

What happens when you report a concern?

  1. Your concern is listened to and recorded
  2. The Club Welfare Officer assesses the situation
  3. If necessary, concerns are escalated to the County Safeguarding Officer or relevant authorities
  4. You are kept informed of any action taken (where appropriate)

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.

ECB Safeguarding Resources

ECB Safe Hands Policy

We follow the ECB Safe Hands policy, which provides comprehensive guidance on safeguarding in cricket. This policy covers all aspects of child protection, from recruitment and training to responding to concerns.

Visit ECB Safeguarding

Information for Parents

As a parent or guardian, you play a vital role in keeping your child safe in cricket. We encourage open communication and welcome any questions about our safeguarding practices.

What we expect:

  • Complete registration forms including emergency contact details
  • Inform us of any medical conditions or special requirements
  • Remain contactable during sessions (or designate someone who is)
  • Collect children promptly at the end of sessions
  • Inform us of any concerns about your child's wellbeing
  • Provide photo consent (or decline if you prefer)

What you can expect from us:

  • A safe, welcoming environment for your child
  • Trained, DBS-checked coaches
  • Clear communication about sessions and events
  • Your concerns taken seriously and handled appropriately
  • Your child's images only used with your consent

Questions About Safeguarding?

Our Club Welfare Officer is available to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about child protection at WICC.