2010 Welsh Cup

Child Welfare

In October 2003 the England and Wales Cricket Board launched its new Child Welfare Policy – “Safe Hands-Welfare of Young People in Cricket including Vulnerable Adults”.  All E&WCB affiliated Clubs and Leagues must adopt a policy in which all Coaches, Umpires, Captains and Scorers, and any other persons who has regular or significant contact with children and teenagers under 18 and Vulnerable Adults must have a satisfactory CRB check.  

E&WCB made it clear that all Clubs must appoint a Club Welfare Officer (CWO)  who must attend a Safeguarding Children Course followed by a second Course entitled “Time to Listen”.  Tutors for the safeguarding Children Seminar are available in most areas of Wales, and for the Time to Listen Courses.  It was considered desirable for Leagues to appoint CWO’s as well where they could be considered responsible for ensuring that each Club complies with the Child Welfare policy.  

 Since the launch in October 2003, over 3000 CRB checks have been carried  out on Wales registered Coaches, Umpires, Captains, etc – a testimony to all those in Wales who have taken it seriously.  

In the last four years Safeguarding Children  Courses have been arranged in all areas of Wales, well attended by Club Welfare Officers and Cricket Coaches.  Time to Listen Courses have already started to take place, with all areas in Wales to be covered during 2009 / 2010.  

Plans have already been drawn up for 2010/2011 during which time  CBW/WCA will target all non compliant  Junior Cricket Leagues, and the smaller Weekend, and the Evening Leagues throughout Wales to provide them with the necessary information so that their coaches, Club Welfare Officers can comply with the provisions of the Policy.  

As from October 2009 the Independent Safeguarding Authority introduced the first part of the Vetting and Barring Scheme which is for referrals only which have to be made to them where necessary in conjunction with the England and Wales Cricket Board.  

As from July 2010 all persons applying for a CRB check will also have to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority, these two will run parallel with one another (New Form to be introduced to enable both items can be completed in one.  There will be no charge for either application, the CRB check will expire after 3 years and you will only have to register with the ISA once unless any changes are made).  Anyone with a current CRB check will have to register with the ISA when they renew on expiry of their CRB.  This scheme was shelved until early in 2011 by the newly elected Government so things stay as normal for the moment.  

The Time to Listen Book has been reviewed and will be available January 2011 as will a revamped Time to Listen Course available early next year for new CWO and refresher courses will be arranged where required.  

Anyone who requires any information regarding Child Welfare can contact Brian Crockett on 01639 892232 / 07968 318280 or brian_crockett@lineone net

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