Change in Law – Position of Trust
What is a position of trust?
'Position of trust' is a legal term that refers to certain roles and settings where an adult has regular and direct contact with children. This is usually a person in a position of authority or responsibility. Those in positions of trust have a considerable amount of power and influence on a young person’s life. For example, a young person may be dependent on their coach for their polo participation, development or progression.
The changes
The changes to Sections 16 to 19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (the Act) include an extension of the positions of trust offences to include where an adult is coaching, teaching, training, supervising or instructing a 16 or 17-year-old in a sport on a regular basis, and where the adult knows that they are coaching, teaching, training, supervising or instructing this individual.
Within the Act, ‘sport’ is defined as any game in which physical skill is the predominant factor, and any form of physical recreation which is also engaged in for the purpose of competition or display.
The purpose of the new legislation is to protect 16 and 17-year-olds from potential abuse by those who have power and influence over them.
The following occupational roles will be classified as a position of trust when they are working with young people aged 16 to 17 years old:
- Coach
- Assistant Coach
The following occupational roles may also be classified as a position of trust depending upon their workplace related roles and responsibilities:
- Manager
- Tutor
- Assessor
- Coach Developer
Further information can be found via the CPSU website: Preventing Abuse of Positions of Trust.