Safeguarding Policy

Kington Langley Tennis Club Safeguarding Policy Statement

Kington Langley 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.  A copy of the club’s full safeguarding policy is available from Ann Armor or our website.

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

Kington Langley 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 Kington Langley 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
  • 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 in Kington Langley Tennis Club. 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

The full safeguarding policy document is available upon request.

Kington Langley Tennis Club Whistleblowing Policy

1. Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is when someone raises a concern about a dangerous or illegal activity or any wrongdoing within the club.

1.1 How to Raise a Concern.

Any concerns about a child or allegations about an adult who works with children should be raised with the club Welfare Officer. If the allegation is about the club Welfare Officer, the Chairman or senior member of the committee should be informed.

1.2 How the club will respond.

a) If the concern is that a member of staff or volunteer has or may have;

  • Behaved in a way that has harmed a child or may have harmed a child.
  • Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child.
  • Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates that he / she would pose a risk of harm to children

The Welfare Officer (or other as above) will contact the LTA and Local Authority Designated Officer to discuss how the allegation should be investigated.

b) If the concern does not match any of these criteria or, after consideration with the LADO or other appropriate agencies, it is agreed that the matter should be dealt with by internal processes the club will consult the LTA to determine the most appropriate action.

c) If the concern is that the club has not followed appropriate safeguarding procedures or has not pressed other agencies where concerns about a child persists, the Welfare Officer should be approached to seek assurances that appropriate action will be taken.

If in either case the member still has concerns that a child or children are at risk or that appropriate procedures have not been followed the member should contact the LTA and LADO or, in situations where children are thought to be in immediate danger or risk of harm, the police by contacting 999.

1.3 Confidentiality & Support

a) All concerns will be treated in strictest confidence by all concerned. The club will protect the identity of whistle blowers as much as possible.

b) However particularly in the context of safeguarding concerns it may be that an investigation process may reveal the source of the information, even if the identity of the whistleblower is kept anonymous.

c) All staff/volunteers involved in any related investigations must maintain confidentiality during and after the conclusion.

d) The club will take steps to minimise any difficulties and provide appropriate support and advice to staff/volunteers passing on concerns.

e) Depending on the nature of the concerns and the subsequent type of investigation the whistleblower will be updated appropriately.

f) All involved will attempt to ensure that any allegation is dealt with fairly, quickly, proportionately and consistently in a way that provides effective protection for the child and at the same time supports the person who is subject to the allegation and the person bringing the concern to the attention of the club

g) Organisations who can provide support include:

  1. Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/
  2. Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk
  3. Sporting Chance - https://www.sportingchanceclinic.com/
  4. Club Welfare Officer Ann Armor
  5. Local Authority
  6. General Practitioner (GP)