Child Protection Policy Statement
Chess Rising Stars London Academy (CRSLA) follows a Safeguarding Policy in line with the English Chess Federation guidance materials.
CRSLA promotes and develops chess. It acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people aged up to 18 years and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.
The policy recognizes that the welfare and interests of children and young people are paramount in all circumstances as enshrined in the Children Act 1989. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or identity, or socioeconomic background, all children
- have a positive and enjoyable experience of chess in a safe and child centered environment
- are protected from harm and abuse whilst participating in chess or outside of the activity.
It also aims to provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
CRSLA acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare. As part of our safeguarding policy CRSLA will
- promote and prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
- value, listen to and respect children and young people
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognize, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
- make clear who the designated Lead for Safeguarding and Safeguarding Officer is/are and their roles.
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
- share concerns with agencies who need to know, involving parents and children appropriately.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in CRSLA including staff, officers, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of the CRSLA. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organization.
Legal framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:
- Children Act 1989
- United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
- Sexual Offenses Act 2003
- Children Act 2004
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015
- Data Protection Act / UK GDPR 2018
- Relevant government guidance on safeguarding children including: KCSIE (2025) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
Contractors and Safer Recruitment
- All contractors working with children must undergo enhanced DBS checks and reference checks prior to appointment and comply with this safeguarding policy.
- Any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- All safeguarding concerns must be treated confidentially. However, in situations where a child’s safety is at risk, information will be shared with appropriate external agencies on a need-to-know basis
- All contractors are expected to be alert to signs of radicalisation or extremist behaviour and to report any concerns immediately to the DSL, who will make appropriate referrals in line with local Prevent procedures.
- All information must be stored securely in line with data protection laws.
DSL contact information:
- Name: Maria Manelidou
- Email: london@chessacademy.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 785 856 3332
Whistleblowing
- The DSL must be informed immediately.
- The staff member involved will be suspended pending an investigation.
- A referral will be made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) if the allegation meets the threshold for significant harm.
External Agencies
Where there are safeguarding or child protection concerns, we will share information appropriately and work collaboratively with schools, local authority children’s services, the police, health services and other relevant partners.
We will follow local safeguarding partnership procedures, contribute to multi-agency assessments or meetings where appropriate, and ensure that the DSL represents our organisation in such processes.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed annually by the director of CRSLA or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
The CRSLA Child Protection Policy is approved by the Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead of CRSLA, Maria Manelidou.
Date of last review: 22nd July 2025
The full 43-page English Chess Federation Policy and Procedures document can be found here.
