Ilminster Tennis 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.

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 and adults

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of tennis at Ilminster Tennis Club in a safe and inclusive environment
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis

Ilminster Tennis 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 Ilminster Tennis 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
• encourage and maintain a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously
• 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 Ilminster Tennis Club Safeguarding Policy, Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting a Safeguarding Concern Procedure are applicable to:

• All Committee members
• All Coaching Staff
• All Members of the club and visitors

This Policy, Standards and Code of Conduct strive to minimise risk and support our club, programmes, events and individuals to deliver a positive tennis experience for everyone. The Reporting a Safeguarding Concern Procedure outlines how to respond to safeguarding concerns/disclosures. The LTA and club recognise that it has a responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk, including due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into extremism and terrorism (the Prevent Duty).

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