Criccieth Tennis Club – Whistleblowing Policy

At Criccieth Tennis Club, we are fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. We expect everyone involved with the club to uphold the highest standards of openness, integrity and accountability. We actively encourage and support a culture where anyone feels able to raise genuine safeguarding concerns, confident that they will be listened to and taken seriously.

What is Whistleblowing?

In the context of safeguarding, whistleblowing is when someone raises a concern about the welfare or safety of a child or an adult at risk.

Anyone connected to Criccieth Tennis Club can be a whistleblower, including:

  • A player or member

  • A volunteer

  • A coach

  • Any other staff or official

  • A parent or carer

  • A member of the public

How to Raise a Safeguarding Concern

If a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger, call the police immediately by dialling 999.

If there is no immediate danger, concerns should be raised without delay to the Club Welfare Officer:

Club Welfare Officer: Mary Collard Criccieth Tennis Club (07955 889255): cttcsafeguarding@gmail.com

The Welfare Officer will record the details and pass the concern to the Tennis Wales Safeguarding Officer or the LTA Safeguarding Team at the earliest opportunity. If appropriate, they will also contact the local authority social services and/or the police.

If You Do Not Feel Comfortable Raising It Internally

If you do not feel able to speak to the Club Welfare Officer, you can contact:

  • Tennis Wales Safeguarding Lead: safeguarding@tenniswales.org.uk | 029 2046 3335

  • LTA Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@lta.org.uk | 020 8487 7000

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – your local council’s child protection team

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (for general safeguarding advice)

  • NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: 0800 028 0285 | help@nspcc.org.uk

If you are unsure who to contact, you can also get advice from Sport Wales or Children in Wales.

What Information Should You Provide?

When raising a concern, please include as much detail as possible:

  • Your name and contact details (unless you wish to remain anonymous)

  • Names of individuals involved

  • Date, time and location of the incident or concern

  • Whether there were any witnesses

What Happens Next?

All concerns will be treated seriously and handled fairly, promptly and proportionately. The Welfare Officer, in consultation with relevant bodies, will decide on appropriate action.

If you believe your concern has not been handled properly by the Club or by the LTA Safeguarding Team, you should contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line or Sport Wales for independent advice.

Support for Whistleblowers

Criccieth Tennis Club does not tolerate any harassment, victimisation or unfair treatment of anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Appropriate action will be taken to protect and support whistleblowers throughout the process.

 

This policy is reviewed every three years (or earlier if there is a change in national legislation).  


Chairperson
Mary Collard Criccieth Tennis Club (07955 889255): cttcsafeguarding@gmail.com
Date: 4/7/2025

Welfare Officer 
Mary Collard Criccieth Tennis Club (07955 889255): cttcsafeguarding@gmail.com
Date: 4/7/2025