Child Protection Policy.

Child Protection is an area that the IWDIG takes extremely seriously it is vital that children and vulnerable adults are able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from harm.

All organisations that work with children and their families share a commitment to safeguard & promote children’s welfare and this is underpinned by a statutory duty under the Children Act 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010.

The IWDIG is committed to policies which promote good practice and protect children as defined as young persons aged 18 years and below and vulnerable adults. Parents or guardians are always advised to attend meetings with junior IWDIG members under 16 years of age. We are committed to making sure that they are protected and kept safe from harm while they are engaged in all formal or informal activities organized by Officers of the IWDIG or group members.

Officers of the IWDIG accept and recognise their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues which may cause children harm.  To demonstrate this commitment the IWDIG provide and maintain an environment that protects children from harm as well as protecting the IWDIG and its members from potential allegations.

To ensure IWDIG members are familiar with our Child Protection Policy within the group and organised external events we advise IWDIG members as much as is reasonably possible to abide by our following child protection guidelines:

• Only use verbal commands for setting-up any posed photographs containing children
• Images where children are appropriately dressed for the activity should only be taken/uploaded
• No images of children in distress or pain should be taken/uploaded
• No images at an inappropriate viewing angle should be taken/uploaded
• No close-up images of any specific part of the body except head and torso should be taken/uploaded
• No personal details i.e. name, address or email (title only) will be accredited to any image
• If at any event organised by the IWDIG and requested by a carer/parent or child not to have their picture taken IWDIG members will fully comply and delete those images from their camera immediately

Some events by their nature are in the public arena and when entering such an event all participants acknowledge this fact. They are also aware that professionally approved or amateur photographers may take photographs. IWDIG members will agree to take all reasonable precautions to protect participants against the possible inappropriate use of any photographic images taken.The IWDIG officers and members agree not to upload any inappropriate images onto any of our websites.

The IWDIG recognises that it is not practical to provide definitive instructions that would apply to all situations at all times. However, the standards of behaviour required of IWDIG members in order to fulfil their role in the operation of our IWDIG Child Protection Policy should assist in the protection of both children and the members themselves.

All photographic clubs and organisations must accept that prevention of abuse is part of their duty of care to the children with whom they work, and amend their practice accordingly.

The IWDIG may amend the above policy to account for changes in any applicable laws.

© 2004-20018 IWDIG