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

CHILD PROTECTION - SUCCESS!

I mentioned in last quarter’s article that a portfolio of evidence had been submitted in January to the Child Protection in Sport Unit to show The Wheel’s commitment to safeguarding children and protecting our teachers. The evidence of the work done to date has been independently assessed, and I am pleased to report that we have been successful.

The CPSU commented that our "policies and procedures mirror the respect inherited in the culture of the organisation", and were particularly impressed by our approach to safe recruitment and training. So for those teachers who have gone through the process of obtaining Enhanced Disclosures and completing other CP-related paperwork - THANK YOU for your time and patience; the importance of it has been recognised.

The assessors also highlighted as an example of best practice our form on Hands-On Adjustment, and "one that should be promoted across other sports bodies". The form, along with other CP paperwork, can be downloaded from the website www.bwy.org.uk following the links About The Wheel/Child Protection and Equity.

EQUITY - PROPOSED TRAINING

Our Statement of Intent written into the BWY Equity Policy reads in part:
"The British Wheel of Yoga will ensure that there is open access for all those wishing to participate in the practice of yoga and that they are treated fairly."

Equity, in this context, means treating everyone in an unbiased and non-discriminating way. All of us, despite our best intentions, can sometimes hold prejudices, consciously or otherwise, which may affect our behaviour towards another.

To help raise awareness of these issues we are intending to present an Equity Workshop during this year’s Teacher Retreat Week which will enable you as teachers to respond to your equity responsibility. The aim of the workshop is to help you be fairer in a multitude of ways to cater for the wide range of ages, backgrounds and the individuality of each student in your classes.

More information will be sent in due course to those teachers who are attending Teacher Retreat Week. I would encourage you to sign up to attend.

Thank you for your continued support; do please contact me if you have any queries in relation to Child Protection and/or Equity.

Angie Punaks - BWY Ethics, Equity & Welfare Manager
Tel: 01394 446054 email: CP and Equity