D and I Policy

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

British Tennis Diversity and Inclusion Policy as adopted by Liversedge Tennis Club

Concern Reporting Procedure

Anyone who has concerns that they or someone else is being discriminated against or has been a victim of discriminatory language or behaviour should follow the steps outlined in the Three R's Tab (Respnd, Refer and Record).

* In Wales? You can also contact the Wales Safe and Inclusive Tennis Lead (029 2046 3335). In Scotland?  You can also contact the Tennis Scotland Safe and Inclusive Tennis Lead (0131 444 4154).

Diversity and Inclusion at Liversedge Tennis Club

This Policy sets out our commitment and includes our Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure (both of which can be found within the ‘safeguarding’ tab) and it supports our overall aims for diversity and inclusion that are to ensure that:

  • Tennis is diverse and inclusive;
  • Diversity and inclusion are embedded in our club’s culture and our behaviours;
  • We create a culture where inclusive leadership thrives; and
  • We take a proactive approach using positive action to ensure that communities and individuals are valued and able to achieve their full potential.

To achieve these aims we believe that everyone involved in Tennis has a vital role to play in promoting diversity and inclusion and we ask everyone to become Safe and Inclusive Tennis Champions – proactively promoting Safe and Inclusive tennis and taking action against all forms of discrimination.

We are proud to have a Diversity and Inclusion Policy that demonstrates our commitment to making tennis diverse and inclusive. The commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is upheld by all - Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and the Tennis Foundation.

These commitments are fully supported by the committee of Liversedge Tennis Club.

Together we can make a positive difference to people from different backgrounds to participate in Tennis at our club.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Policy Statement

This Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure are applicable to Liversedge Tennis Club and is based on similar policies of:

  • The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA);
  • Tennis Scotland;
  • Tennis Wales; and
  • The Tennis Foundation.

As a club we contribute actively to enable more people to play tennis more often, in a manner that it is safe, inclusive, and fair. This applies regardless of a person’s age, disability, gender reassignment status, sex, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, race or sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other background.

We recognise that many concerns and/or disclosures may have both safeguarding and diversity and inclusion elements to them. This policy reflects this through its reporting procedures, which replicate the safeguarding concern reporting procedures. 

This Policy strives to minimise risk and support our venue, programmes, events and individuals to deliver and experience a positive tennis experience for everyone. The Reporting Procedures in page 2 outlines how to respond to safeguarding or discrimination concerns/disclosures.

Use of Terminology

Please see the glossary of terms tab.

Scope

Liversedge Tennis Club has direct safe and inclusive responsibility for:

  • Staff, consultants, coaches and officials they employ;
  • Volunteers, including board members and councillors they recruit;
  • Venues they own;
  • Events and programmes they run; and
  • Ensuring all accreditation requirements are met by accredited coaches, officials and venues.

We recommend and support the development of good diversity and inclusion practice to:

  • Accredited coaches, officials and venues;
  • Players, parents and carers;
  • Volunteers recruited by other organisations;
  • Venues hired by or on our behalf; and
  • Club Events

This Policy is in line with national legislation and applicable to our club, specifically to every person and place that we have direct safe and inclusive responsibility for.

Responsibility for implementation of the Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility: not responding to discriminatory or unacceptable language and behaviour is not an option.

  • The Club’s Committee and Chair have overall accountability for this Policy and Reporting Procedure, for being the strategic lead on diversity and inclusion and for ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation;
  • The club’s Chair and Welfare Officer, Andy Lucas, has overall responsibility for implementation of the policy.
  • The Chair and Welfare Officer of the club are responsible for updating this Policy and Reporting Procedure in line with legislative and organisational developments; and develop a strategic and proactive approach to diversity and inclusion and respond to discrimination concerns.
  • The Club’s Welfare Officer is responsible for supporting  the club to identify where diversity and inclusion support is required; to implement safe and inclusive procedures; promote diversity and inclusion principles, including the Safeguarding and Reporting Procedure, to all the venues they manage, programmes, events and individuals including players, parents and carers.
  • All staff, consultants, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in tennis are responsible for raising diversity and inclusion concerns with the club’s Welfare Officer to start with; then the Safe and Inclusive Tennis team if applicable, as outlined in the Reporting Procedure.
  • Players, parents and guardians are responsible for upholding the Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure.

Liversedge Tennis Club committed to:

  • formally adopt this policy,
  • take steps to ensure that our committee, members, participants and volunteers behave in accordance with the policy, including where appropriate taking disciplinary action under our constitution;
  • ensure that access to membership as well as access to participation is open and inclusive;
  • publish accurate information about the location and accessibility of our facilities; and
  • support measures and initiatives that British Tennis may institute or take part in to advance the aims of this policy as part of our commitment to our LTA membership. 

Where there is a diversity and inclusion concern/disclosure:

  • The individual who is told about, hears, or is made aware of the concern/disclosure is responsible for following the Concen Reporting Procedure

Breaches of the Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure

Where there are concerns that diversity and inclusion good practice has not been followed, all staff are encouraged to follow your club’s whistleblowing policy; consultants, coaches, officials, volunteers and players are encouraged to: 

  1. Complain directly to the person or organisation and seek resolution. In the first instance, this can often resolve many disputes or concerns.
  2.  If required, you can contact the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team: safeandinclusive@lta.org.uk - they can assist in liaising with the club and investigating the matter. Alternatively, the NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line: 0800 028 0285; help@nspcc.org.uk  can be contacted.
  3.  Seek further advice from the Equality Advisory Support Service a call on 0808 800 0082. For further information their website is: http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/app/ask

If someone comes to you with a concern around discrimination, listen to their complaint, reassure them and advise them of the routes listed above (1-3).

Breaches of this Policy and/or failure to comply with the outlined responsibilities may result in the following by the LTA, Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and/or the Tennis Foundation:

  • Venues – Potential removal of LTA accreditation;
  • Staff – disciplinary action leading to possible dismissal and legal action;
  • Contracted consultants, officials and coaches – termination of current and future roles within all four organisations and possible legal action; and
  • Recruited volunteers, including councillors and board members – termination of current and future roles within all four organisations and possible legal action.

Actions taken by staff, consultants, volunteers, officials, coaches, venues, clubs and/or events outside of the LTA, Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and/or the Tennis Foundation that are seen to contradict this Policy may be considered a violation of this Policy.

Where an appeal is lodged in response to a safeguarding decision made by the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team and Safeguarding and Protection Committee and/or Licensing and Registration Committee, an independent appeal body such as Sport Resolutions may be used. Their decision is final.