'Safe Hands'Policy

On this page, the NCL aims to give a sound guide to the adoption of the ECB's 'Safe Hands' Policy.
We will feature details of the implementation, a summary of those Club officers who wull need CRB checks or Self-Declaration, a typical Job Description of the Club Welfare Officer, plus a number of PDF and Word documents for you to download

"Safe Hands"
Just over a year ago, the ECB announced its 'Safe Hands' policy which sets out the approved procedures and guidelines for protecting young players in cricket.
The first step is to acknowledge our responsibilities to young and vulnerable cricketers by adopting an appropriate commitment in constitutions and by the appointment of dedicated people.
The NCL has changed its General Rules and has appointed a League Welfare Officer. The essentials of the approach are shown below.
Structure
The 'Safe Hands' scheme will have a pyramid of people with special responsibilities, from the ECB Child Protection Manager, through county Welfare Officers , league Welfare Officers to club Welfare Officers.
Implementation
It will be mandatory for clubs to:
  • adopt the "Safe Hands" policy
  • appoint a Club Welfare Officer
  • facilitate appropriate training
  • ensure that appropriate club officers are checked through the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
  • ensure that other officers complete 'self-declaration' as required
  • ensure that club members and players are properly registered
  • introduce appropriate procedures to cover topics such as photography, travel, parental or guardian consent, vehicle registration and player profiles
Adoption
Adoption of the policy is mandatory and the first stage of implementation is to amend constitutions to reflect the adoption. Our suggested addition to 'The Aims of the Club' is shown in the box below.

Recommended wording for policy adoption:

To ensure a duty of care to all members of the Club by adopting and implementing the ECB Safe Hands Policy

In support of the policy, the ECB has produced a comprehensive document - "Welfare of Young People in Cricket" - which can be viewed or downloaded from its website www.ecb.co.uk.
Although there is still some leeway on the timetable, ALL clubs will be expected to include their agreement to implement the policy by April 2005. The next step is to appoint a Club Welfare Officer and ensure that they are able to attend a suitable training course.
Training
The most appropriate course is called "Good Practice and Child Protection", and this will be available at various times. CWOs in larger clubs (those applying for accreditation or running a junior section) will also have to complete the enhanced "Safe Hands" course.

If you have any queries
please contact the
League Welfare Officer
Malcolm Kauffman on
01603 783849
or email

Guideline documents
Self Declaration Self Declaration
Junior Registration Junior Registration
Senior Registration Senior Registration
Volunteer Volunteer
Incident Incident

Club Officers Checklist
Please note that this list has been developed as guidance for clubs but club welfare officers will need to assess the role of individuals within the club in making a decision on whether or not to require a CRB check.

CRB Check
 Coach, Youth Age Group Managers, Umpire (League panel and Club), Scorer, Club Welfare Officer

Self Declaration
 Chairman (Junior Section), Secretary, Asst Coach, Club Development Off, Team Sec, Groundsman, Bar Manager, tea Lady, Active Volunteers, Website Administrator

For a full list, please see the attached PDF