This guidance applies to all images and videos, which are not suspected of falling under the guidance on indecent/child abuse images of children, taken on any type of camera or recording device (including mobile/smart phones). It  applies to all training sessions, activities and events at Faversham Swimming Pools.

It should be acknowledged that although the majority of images taken are appropriate and in good faith, images can be misused and children can be put at risk if common sense procedures are not observed. 

Aims

This guidance aims to help organisations avoid three often unintended and unforeseen potential sources of child abuse: 

• The use, adaptation, sharing or copying of images for child abuse purposes, either electronically or in print.
• The possible identification of a child when an image is accompanied by significant personal information, which can lead to the child being “groomed”.
• The identification and locating of children where there are safeguarding concerns; such cases would include, for example, children who could be compromised by an image because:

1. They have been removed from their family for their own safety.
2. There are restrictions on their contact  with one parent/guardian following a parental separation.
3. They are a witness in criminal proceedings.

Recommended Best Practice

The publishing of a photograph of a member under 18, either on a noticeboard or in a published article or video recording (including video streaming) of a competition (“publication”) should only be done with parental consent and in line with Faversham Pools and Swim England guidelines.
A parent or guardian has a right to refuse to have their child photographed.
The exercise of this right of refusal should not be used as grounds for refusing entry into a competition.
Therefore, any photo that may go to press or on a noticeboard, be it through a member of the organisation or an official photographer, should receive parental consent before being published or displayed, preferably in writing.
Parents/guardians can indicate refusal of consent at any time.
In the case of any event or competition where we have an official photographer, or for example we intend to stream the event or competition online, all parents/guardians or members who are attending should be made aware of this in the event details.
If photos are to be published anywhere, each individual parent/guardian should be given the opportunity to withhold their consent.
Their right to do so should be specifically drawn to their attention.

Swim England guidelines state that all photographs for publication must observe generally accepted standards of decency, particularly:

• Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity and not a sexualised image in a sporting context.
• Action shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a torn or displaced swimming costume.
• Poolside shots of children should be above the waist only in a swimming costume. Full length shots are permitted if the children are fully clothed. 
• Photographs should not be taken from behind the starting blocks or that show children climbing in and out of the pool. 

Published photographs may identify the individual by name and organisation but should not state the member’s place of residence or school attended. Swim England does not wish to stop parents/guardians photographing their child if they wish, but all organisations must ensure they do all they can to safeguard  every child’s wellbeing, helping parents/ guardians understand why they should refrain from including other individual children in such shots. 

Official Photography

In some cases, the organisation will ask a member or officer to act as an official photographer for an event and in some cases they may employ a specialist photographer.
Their role is to take appropriate photos that celebrate and promote our pools.

When taking any image, they should be asked to: 
• Focus on the activity rather than the individual members.
• Include groups of people rather than individuals, if possible.
• Ensure all those featured are appropriately dressed.
• Represent the broad range of participants.
• External Photographers will be screened for their suitability (just as they would check any other member of staff or volunteer working with children) and then provide training and information on the organisation’s child safeguarding policies and procedures.
• The official photographer (whether a professional photographer or a member of staff) will receive clear instructions, preferably in writing, from the organisation at an early stage.
• They will be provided a copy of this guidance and a clear brief about what is appropriate in terms of content.
• Images should not be allowed to be taken outside the activity being covered.
• We determine who will hold the images recorded and what is to be done with them after they have served their purpose. 

Guidance on filming children during sessions

Filming during training sessions is not recommended unless there is a legitimate need or purpose for the filming.
For example wishing to film children to assist in their stroke technique.
If there is a legitimate need or purpose parents/guardians must be provided with full information such as when the filming is proposed, its purpose, who is filming, how the film will be used or published and an agreement on what will happen once the film has served its purpose.
This allows parents/ guardians to provide informed consent or otherwise.
Written consent to the filming should be requested from the parents/ guardians. 
Invite parents/guardians to be present at the filming; if this is impractical allow them to view the film before publication.

Mobile/smart phones
Members must be made aware that while Faversham Pools & Swim England does not support the banning of phones, as children may need them to keep in touch with parents/guardians, particularly in emergencies, we do support the requirement that phones should emit a “noticeable sound” if the camera facility is used.

Clubs should also remind members that any photos taken should fall within our guidelines and that devices should NOT be taken into the changing rooms or the indoor pools.
It is vital that any suspected misuse of mobile/smart phone devices is reported in accordance with Swim England and police guidance.

Should photographs or footage of children be posted on an organisation’s website or social media platform?
Photographs or footage of individual children will not be kept on our website or social media platform (unless the parent/guardian has consented), particularly images of a child with their name displayed, that could lead to that child being identified, approached and placed in a vulnerable position. 
The same could apply to printed materials such as an annual report or flyer.

It is recommended that children are not fully identified on such sites.
Many organisations use just a first name, a surname or a nickname or simply just refer to the squad name.
If an organisation wishes to publish a child’s name this should only be done with the consent of the parent/guardian.

Parental consent may be withdrawn at any time and the organisation should take all reasonable steps to respect the wishes of the parent/guardian.

If you wish to withdraw consent or request any photography to be removed, please contact administrator@favershampools.com