Spectrum article: Summer 2005

Angie Punaks, BWY Ethics, Equity & Welfare Manager writes:

The British Wheel of Yoga was recognised at Congress 2005 by the NSPCC for its work in Child Protection.

We were very pleased to welcome Nick Slinn of the NSPCC to present their Award for achieving the Preliminary Level for Safeguarding and Protecting Children. In his address Nick stated that the achievement of the preliminary Standard "raises the profile of the BWY as a National Governing Body and demonstrates leadership". We now have a robust CP policy plus appropriate procedures in place to respond effectively to any concerns in respect of children and young persons.

All children and young people accessing yoga through our trained teachers have the right to practice in safety. Parents and carers are increasingly demanding assurances that organisations fulfil their duty of care, and our CP Policy will help to reassure them to have confidence in us. Clear procedures, policies and particularly codes of ethics and conduct also provide reassurance and protection for teachers and other students within a teaching session.

Many BWY personnel have contributed to the Policy, not least Emma Evans who initiated the project and did the groundwork. Since then there has been involvement of volunteers at both national and regional level, and at Congress thanks were extended for their invaluable support. Their contribution demonstrates a key point for the BWY: child protection is not the responsibility of one person or a small group. It is vital that everyone in the BWY recognises their responsibility and contributes to the safeguarding of children and young people.

Nick finished his presentation by saying: "England is ahead of the world game in child protection in sport, and within England this NSPCC Award shows that the BWY is at the forefront. I congratulate The British Wheel of Yoga on this preliminary level success, and trust that it will be followed in due course by further awards."

The development of the Child Protection Policy is an ongoing process which the government expects all organisations such as ours to undertake. We have successfully achieved the first of 3 levels of the Standards and are aiming to achieve the Intermediate level by 2007. This will include basic CP training at national and regional level which can also be accessed locally by any member.

If you would like more information on local basic CP training contact SportsCoach UK www.sportscoachuk.org.