Policies

All members are asked to agree to both of the policies below.

Code of Conduct Draft

Code of Conduct for Burntwood Chess Club

Our aim

Burntwood Chess Club exists so that everyone — whatever their age, background or ability — can enjoy playing chess in a friendly, welcoming environment. This code sets out what we expect from members and visitors so that the club stays that way.

We expect members to:

• Treat other players, visitors and venue staff with courtesy and respect.
• Play fairly, follow the rules of chess, and accept results graciously.
• Welcome new and visiting players, including those trying the club for the first time.
• Respect the venue and follow any house rules of Grangemoor Working Mens Club.

Equality & inclusion

We welcome members of all ages and abilities, all genders and sexual orientations, and neurodivergent members. Discrimination, harassment or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.

Unacceptable behaviour

• Abusive, threatening or discriminatory language or behaviour.
• Cheating, or deliberately intimidating an opponent.
• Any behaviour that puts another person's safety or wellbeing at risk.

Raising a concern

If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this code, please speak to a committee member or use our contact form. Concerns will be looked into fairly and, where needed, may result in an informal conversation, a formal review by the committee, or in serious cases removal from the club.

Safeguarding Policy Draft

Safeguarding Policy for Burntwood Chess Club

Our commitment

Burntwood Chess Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults who take part in club activities, and expects everyone involved with the club to share that commitment.

Scope

This policy applies to all club sessions, events and communications, including our regular Wednesday evening session at Grangemoor Working Mens Club.

Good practice

• Children attending club sessions remain the responsibility of their parent or guardian, who is expected to remain on-site or make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.
• Any adult who would be working alone with, or taking regular unsupervised responsibility for, children (for example running dedicated junior sessions) should have an appropriate DBS check in line with English Chess Federation guidance, arranged before taking on that role.
• Any concern about a child or vulnerable adult's welfare should be treated seriously and promptly.

Reporting a concern

If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact a committee member as soon as possible, or use our contact form and mark your message as urgent. If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999.

Further guidance

The committee will refer to guidance from the English Chess Federation and, where relevant, Staffordshire safeguarding services, when developing this policy further.