Bedfield and Monk Soham Tennis Club

Bedfield and Monk Soham Tennis Club

Whistleblowing Policy

Whistleblowing is when someone raises a concern about a dangerous or illegal activity or

any wrongdoing within the club.

How to Raise a Concern.

Any concerns about a child or allegations about an adult who works with children should

be raised with the club Welfare Officer. If the allegation is about the club Welfare Officer,

the Chairman or senior member of the committee should be informed.

How the club will respond.

If the concern is that a member of staff or volunteer has or may have;

• Behaved in a way that has harmed a child or may have harmed a child.

• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child.

• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates that he / she would pose a

risk of harm to children

The Welfare Officer will contact the LTA and Local Authority Designated Officer to

discuss how the allegation should be investigated.

1. If the concern does not match any of these criteria or, after consideration with the

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) or other appropriate agencies, it is agreed

that the matter should be dealt with by internal processes the club will consult the LTA to

determine the most appropriate action.

2. If the concern is that the club has not followed appropriate safeguarding procedures or

has not pressed other agencies where concerns about a child persists, the Welfare

Officer should be approached to seek assurances that appropriate action will be taken.

If in either case the member still has concerns that a child or children are at risk or that

appropriate procedures have not been followed the member should contact the LTA and

LADO or, in situations where children are thought to be in immediate danger or risk of

harm, the police by contacting 999.

Confidentiality & Support

All concerns will be treated in strictest confidence by all concerned. The club will protect

the identity of whistle blowers as much as possible. However particularly in the context of

safeguarding concerns it may be that an investigation process may reveal the source of

the information, even if the identity of the whistleblower is kept anonymous.

All staff/volunteers involved in any related investigations must maintain confidentiality

during and after the conclusion. The club will take steps to minimise any difficulties and

provide appropriate support and advice to staff/volunteers passing on concerns.Depending on the nature of the concerns and the subsequent type of investigation the

whistleblower will be updated appropriately. All involved will attempt to ensure that any

allegation is dealt with fairly, quickly, proportionately and consistently in a way that

provides effective protection for the child and at the same time supports the person who

is subject to the allegation and the person bringing the concern to the attention of the

club.

This policy will be reviewed every three years or amended sooner if LTA advice changes.

Chair person: Date: August 2025

Welfare Officer: Debra Pritchard Date: August 2025