Almscliffe Tennis & Bowling Club Safeguarding Statement
Almscliffe Tennis & Bowling Club was founded as a village club, a friendly hub for community leisure pursuits. As the club has evolved and participation has widened, we are committed to delivering the same welcoming, enjoyable and safe experience of sport to all regardless of age, gender, ability, disability, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.
Whilst recognising that our friendly, small community atmosphere is one of our biggest assets, it is sometimes in these relaxed environments that the biggest risks lie, and we are determined to avoid becoming complacent and failing to protect the vulnerable. We have fully embraced LTA Safeguarding advice and processes to help ensure that everyone can play tennis in a safe and inclusive environment at Almscliffe.
Almscliffe Tennis and Bowling Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk. The club is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and LTA requirements. A copy of the club’s full safeguarding policy is available from the welfare officer, here on the club’s website and is located on the club noticeboard in the entrance lobby and club room.
The club’s safeguarding policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and adults at risk are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:
- have a positive and enjoyable experience of tennis at Almscliffe Tennis and Bowling club in a safe and inclusive environment
- are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis.
Almscliffe Tennis and Bowling Club acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy Almscliffe Tennis and Bowling Club will:
- promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and adults at risk
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and adults at risk
- encourage and maintain a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
The Club Welfare Officer, Karen Patel, can be contacted on 07485 216129 or emailed at atbcwelfare@gmail.com Karen's profile and photograph are displayed in the clubhouse foyer and main room noticeboard, if by any chance you do not know her. In an emergency and/or if you are concerned that someone is at immediate risk of harm, please call the police without delay on 999.
The club’s policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Almscliffe Tennis and Bowling Club. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed and may result in dismissal/exclusion from the club.
Whistleblowing
Anyone who does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer should contact the LTA Safeguarding Team by completing an online concern form, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. Further details about whistleblowing can be found in the club’s safeguarding policy.
Monitoring
The club’s safeguarding policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board or LTA
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
Policy reviewed January 2024. Next review date January 2026 or earlier if there is a change in legislation
Follow the links below to check how to report a concern and for more information on our policies and standards: