Berkshire Tennis Safeguarding
The County Safeguarding Officer is responsible for assisting the LTA Safeguarding Team in promoting and embedding a culture of safeguarding and diversity and inclusion in Berkshire. The team will assist in supporting registered venues to put in place procedures to safeguard children (U18) and adults, and will engage with venue Welfare Officers.
Berkshire Tennis Safeguarding Officer
Patricia Poyton M: 07708 411763 E: safeguarding@berkshiretennis.org.uk
If you have a general safeguarding query, or would like advice about safeguarding, please contact our Safeguarding officer. Alternatively, click HERE to register your safeguarding concern to the LTA or by email at safeguarding@lta.org.uk 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 LTA Complaints Policy & Process - Guidelines
The LTA Safe to Play Annual Safeguarding Conference 2024
Digital ID Verification for DBS checks (2024)
A new verification service for DBS checks called Digital ID is now available to use.
Digital ID will allow applicants to verify their ID documents using their smartphone, tablet, or PC and avoid having to travel to the Post Office or an ID Checker in their tennis venue/county. At £4.80 it is also more cost effective than post office verification (£8.22).
To use Digital ID, applicants need to either have a chip-enabled Passport or a Biometric Resident Permit (BRP), and either a Driving License or National ID card.
Applicants will be asked a series of questions to determine if they are eligible to use Digital ID and if they wish to proceed with that service or use one of the alternatives (Post Office or LTA ID Checker).
Your essential guide to criminal record checks for a variety of different roles in tennis and padel can be found on the LTA website. Criminal Record Checks | Tennis Safeguarding | LTA
Positions in Tennis Requiring a DBS Check
The list of roles in tennis for which a DBS can be undertaken can be found on the LTA website. These roles have been assessed by the LTA as all being in regulated activity, with the exception of the Supervisor role which can also be not in regulated activity. When applying for a DBS check you will be asked a series of questions to determine what DBS you need.
If you are unsure, or none of the roles shown describes the activity being undertaken, or the level of check for a position is believed to be incorrect, please contact the LTA Customer Support Team.
ID Checker
Clubs can identify at least one individual within their venue who can act as an ID checker. This person will be responsible for anyone who needs a DBS check to work or volunteer at their venue (e.g. coach, Welfare Officer, etc). To find out more and to apply click here.
The LTA published new Safeguarding Policy and Procedure documents (February 2023) .
Children Policy and Procedure👉 https://www.lta.org.uk/498128/siteassets/about-lta/file/lta-safeguarding-children-policy.pdf
Adults at Risk Policy and Procedure👉 https://www.lta.org.uk/498128/siteassets/about-lta/file/lta-safeguarding-adults-policy.pdf
Discover more about the LTA safeguarding policies and procedures to support and promote the welfare all children, young people and adults at risk HERE
For more information about safeguarding, please visit the following links:
- Safeguarding information for parents
- Safeguarding information for venues
- Safeguarding information for coaches
Safeguarding standards - welfare office support (November 2021)
Working with the Customer Support Team and Regional Safeguarding Team we have created a dedicated Welfare Officer page on the LTA website which will hopefully steer new and existing Welfare Officers to all the information they need.
We hope this will improve the Welfare Officer customer journey breaking down a lot of information into easier bit-size chunks depending on whether they are considering the role, new in post or already an existing welfare officer.
You will find the new dedicated page here - https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/safeguarding- protection/welfare-officer/
Safe To Play
Nothing is more important to the LTA than the safety and wellbeing of those involved in our sport. This campaign is aimed at ensuring everyone in tennis is able to keep children and themselves safe from harm. We want to encourage people not to be a bystander – if you have a concern about a child - SAY SOMETHING IF YOU SEE SOMETHING.
Fair Play
Fair Play is an essential value in our sport – whether you’re a player, coach or parent.
We want to make sure that tennis is played in a fair, open and inclusive nature at all levels, so everyone feels welcome on court.
Fair Play involves:
- Good sportsmanship, honesty and respect whether you win or lose
- Learning to challenge yourself and improve social skills
- Taking responsibility for your actions, calling scores and lines clearly and fairly even if it costs you the point
- Learning and following the rules and being a role model to younger people
- Enjoyment of the sport
Find out more HERE
BERKSHIRE TENNIS POLICIES & GUIDANCE
Berkshire Tennis Safeguarding Policy
Berkshire Tennis Anti-Bullying Policy (October 2023)
Berkshire Tennis Equity Diversity and Inclusion Policy (January 2024)
Berkshire Tennis Information Sharing Protocol
LTA Photography and Filming Policy (October 2023)
LTA SAFEGUARDING GUIDELINES FOR LEAGUE MATCHES
Online Safety and Communication Policy (October 2023)
Safeguarding at Events, Activities and Competitions (January 2023)
Acceptable Use Statement for Internet and Social Media
LTA’s privacy policy has been updated, with effect from 1 January 2021
SAFEGUARDING GUIDANCE FOR LIVESTREAMING ACTIVITIES (COACHES)