What were our objectives?
The Black Country Sports Partnership wanted to ensure that information and training opportunities were available for coaches to guide them in best practice when working with all children, young people and disabled adults. Adopting best practice, through the adoption of a Child Protection Policy, helps to safeguard young people and disabled adults from potential abuse as well as protecting coaches and other adults in positions of responsibility.

What did we do?
The Child Protection Policy was formally adopted by the Steering Group in May 2004. It is mandatory for all sports coaches, staff and volunteers working for or on behalf of the Black Country Sports Partnership.

What were the results?

• The policy has been endorsed by the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
  
• The policy has also been endorsed by the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) for Dudley MBC and is one of only a small number of CSP policies to be endorsed by an ACPC
  
• 495 coaches and volunteers have attended child protection workshops.

“The Child Protection Policy, available to professionals and volunteers in sport, is the first of what I envisage to be a raft of common policies for the Black Country that will enhance the development of opportunities for people of all ages to be physically active and to enjoy sport," says Andy Webb, chairman of Black County Sports Partnership Shadown Board