Safeguarding at Burnley Tennis Club

Burnley Tennis Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, with the wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk always a priority.

Safeguarding applies across all areas of club life, including coaching, competitions, social tennis, events, outreach activity and wider community programmes. We aim to create a positive experience for all, minimise risk, and respond appropriately to any safeguarding concern or disclosure. The LTA requires registered venues to meet safeguarding standards and support clear reporting routes for concerns.

Our commitment

We are committed to

• putting the welfare of children and adults at risk first
• promoting a culture of safety, respect and inclusion
• responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns
• following current LTA safeguarding guidance and relevant local procedures
• making safeguarding everyone’s responsibility within the club

Reporting a concern

If a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.

If the concern is not an emergency, it should be reported as soon as possible to the club’s Welfare / Safeguarding Officer. Concerns may also be referred to the LTA Safeguarding Team, children’s services, adult services or the police where appropriate. The LTA advises that venue Welfare Officers are the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns within clubs and venues.

Useful contacts

Emergency
Police: 999

LTA Safeguarding
Please use the LTA safeguarding reporting and contact routes.

Lancashire Children’s Services
0300 123 6720
Out of hours: 0300 123 6722

Lancashire Adult Services
0300 123 6721

NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000

Junior travel

The club does not provide transport for junior players to away matches or events. Parents and carers are responsible for all travel arrangements, including any car-sharing arrangements.

Photography and video

Photography and video may be used at the club in a safe and appropriate way. For junior events and activities, consent should be obtained where needed, children should be appropriately dressed, and images should be respectful and suitable for their intended use. Group photos are preferred where possible.

Codes of conduct

Everyone involved in Burnley Tennis Club is expected to help create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.

This means:

• treating others with respect
• behaving appropriately on and off court
• reporting concerns or poor practice
• maintaining appropriate boundaries
• challenging bullying, discrimination or abusive behaviour
• supporting the welfare of all children and adults at risk

Whistleblowing

We are committed to a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine concern. Any safeguarding concern raised in good faith will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

If someone feels unable to raise a concern through the club, they can contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line on 0800 028 0285 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Further information

For details of the club’s Welfare / Safeguarding Officer, please see the Management section of the website or the club noticeboard.