The term ‘minor’ in this policy will be used to refer to any member of the Club or visitor under 18 years old. Also, ‘designated adult’ is used for any adult acting for the minor’s parent or guardian.
The Club has a responsibility for any minor to prevent abuse in any form, such as sexual, physical or emotional and to protect them from bullying.
Members’ attention is drawn to this policy on the enrolment form along with other Club rules and policies and adherence is a condition of membership. A parent or guardian must countersign the form as acceptance of the policy.
The Club will take any complaint from a minor seriously and in confidence. It will be recorded and the appropriate authorities notified.
If there are Club activities where minors are present a Code of Behaviour is available to guide members – see notes below.
Photographs of Club members, in a group or individually, can be taken for publicity or record purposes. Parents or guardians of minors accept this by countersigning the enrolment form.
It is in the nature of Photography as art that some images may be presented at Club meetings that may not be to everyone’s taste or may offend. Parents or guardians of minors accept this by countersigning the enrolment form.
A nominated Child Protection Officer is appointed by the Club and in his/her absence any other committee member.
This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Club Committee.
Further up to date information on Child Protection Legislation is available on the websites of the NSPCC and the Charity Commission.
Policy Notes
Members should avoid spending time alone with a minor on his or her own. If members find themselves in this situation, they should make sure that they are clearly observed by others.
Members should avoid doing anything for minors of a personal nature that they can do for themselves or that their parent, guardian or designated adult can do for them.
Members should avoid taking a minor to the toilet unless another adult is present or has been made aware. This should include the parent, guardian or designated adult, if present.
Members, other than a minor’s parent, guardian or designated adult should avoid having a minor in their own vehicle, unless accompanied by that minor’s parent, guardian or designated adult.
Members should avoid making sexually suggestive comments to, or within earshot of, a minor.
Members should avoid reducing a minor to tears as a form of control.
Members should avoid any unnecessary physical contact.
Members must not allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind or engage in rough physical horseplay.
Members must not physically restrain a minor unless the restraint is to prevent physical injury to the minor, another individual or the member themselves. In all circumstances the physical restraint must be appropriate and reasonable otherwise the action can be defined as assault.
Mentoring of minors under 16 is only allowed with the explicit permission of their parent or guardian and only if more than one adult is present which may include the parent, guardian or designated adult.
When demonstrating equipment or techniques the mentor may be required to be in close proximity to the minor. This should be for as short a duration as possible and only with the express permission of the minor and prior permission of the parent, guardian or designated adult.
Alton Camera Club 