SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Safeguarding Policy Statement

 

Heaton Tennis and Squash 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 on the club’s noticeboard and if you do have a concern and want to report something. Concern reporting forms are available from the Welfare officer at the club.

 

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 Heaton Tennis and Squash Club in a safe and inclusive environment
  • are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis.

 

Heaton Tennis and Squash 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 Heaton Tennis and Squash 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
  • 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’s policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed and may result in dismissal/exclusion from the club.

 

Monitoring

The club’s safeguarding policy will be reviewed every three 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.

 

Welfare Policy

 Safe and Inclusive Code of Conduct

All employees, those under contractual arrangements, club officials, volunteers, members and others using the club facilities are required to abide by this Code of Conduct. This is required in order to support the club in providing a welcoming and safe environment for all children and young people and in the implementation of its child protection policy and procedures.

Those working in the club should at all times:

  • Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at all times
  • Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking
  • Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court and promote the Fair Play values: enjoy; respect
  • Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
  • Keep clear boundaries between your professional and personal life, including on social media
  • Check you have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
  • Ensure your own roles and responsibilities, and those of everyone you are responsible for, are clearly outlined and everyone has the information, training and support to carry them out
  • Where possible, do not be alone with a child or adult at risk
  • Do not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
  • Doing nothing is NOT an option: report all concerns and disclosures as soon as possible, following the Concern Reporting Procedure. If someone is in immediate danger, call the police (999)

The Code of Conduct should be interpreted in a spirit of integrity, transparency and common sense, with the best interests of children and adults at risk as the primary consideration.

Concern Reporting Procedure

Anyone who is concerned about the well-being of a child/ adult at risk, or has a disclosure of abuse or neglect made to them must report it to the Clubs Welfare/Safeguarding officer. Details can be found on the clubs noticeboard.