Sport volunteers support checks

The study found sports club volunteers support child protection measures

Adults have not been put off from volunteering at local sports clubs in Scotland despite strict vetting procedures, according to new research.

The findings are in contrast to a recent Children's Commissioner report which said 48% of people would avoid volunteering because of tough checks.

The latest study of about 750 sports club volunteers found 90% thought child protection measures were essential.

About 60% of respondents felt the checks helped remove unsuitable adults.

The Sheffield University report was commissioned by Sportscotland, the children's charity Children 1st and the Scottish Sports Association, following concerns over volunteer numbers.

We would like to see a 'one stop shop' that advises and encourages adults who want to volunteer with young people Maire McCormack Children's Commissioner's head of policy

However, the findings have challenged the idea that recruitment problems were due to increasing legislative requirements around child protection.

The majority of potential volunteers said the main deterrents to volunteering were lack of time, the demands of paid employment or concern over skill levels.

The report also showed that only 5% of clubs in Scotland currently have a written child protection code of conduct.

Concerns were raised that volunteers were often recruited on the basis of a clean disclosure check rather than being assessed on their overall suitability to work with children and young people.

'Rewarding activity'

Maire McCormack, head of policy for Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, said, "It is heartening to see that sports volunteers support and understand the need for children protection measures.

"This report identifies the need for easy access for volunteers to information, guidance and shared practice - something that previous research by the Children's Commissioner has also highlighted.

"We would like to see a 'one stop shop' that advises and encourages adults who want to volunteer with young people in order to tackle the widespread uncertainty about insurance, form-filling and regulation.

"Young people consistently tell us they want safe, fun things to do, and sport and other activities can really help to bridge the divide between generations, so ensuring the right support is in place is crucial."

Kathleen McInulty, manager of the Child Protection in Sport Service, said: "The importance of children and young people enjoying their chosen sport, whether it's a kick-about in the park, an after school club, or something more competitive, is something that should be encouraged.

"The findings reveal that most adults can see how various measures like disclosure checks or child protection policies play a real part in keeping children safe.

"Sport is something that children and adults can enjoy together, and we are delighted that adults are not being put off from a really rewarding activity."

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