SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE'S BUSINESS
Protecting children (everyone under 18 years) and adults at risk of abuse is as important in sport as in every other aspect of society.
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If a child or adult at risk of abuse is in immediate danger call 999 and ask for the police
If you are worried about the safety of a child or adult at risk of abuse (and even if it is nothing to do with tennis) contact:
Suffolk County Council’s Customer First: 0808 800 4005
The organisation with the statutory duty to safeguard children/adults at risk of abuse
Children
In addition, if you have concerns about an adult working on a paid or voluntary basis with a child, please follow this link for the Arrangements for Managing Allegations of Abuse Against People Who Work With Children. or email the Local Authority Designated Officer: LADO@suffolk.gov.uk or phone 0300 123 2044
Adults at risk of abuse
The NSPCC: 0808 805 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
The leading children’s safeguarding charity in the UK
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How safeguarding works in Somersham Tennis Club
Safeguarding is a very high priority for the Lawn Tennis Association: LTA Strategy to 2023 and this is one of the reasons the Club is LTA registered. It has to meet stringent standards in relation to safeguarding to stay registered. The Club is required to have a designated Welfare Officer, trained to fulfil their role. Usually volunteers, and never a coach, the Welfare Officer’s principal responsibility is Safeguarding. Somersham's Welfare Officer is John Hutchinson, who can be contacted at welfaresomershamtennis@gmail.com or on 07876 224171.
The name and contact details of the Welfare Officer are also displayed at the club/venue . If you have any difficulty in contacting John, speak to Penny Pearson. In addition:
- Suffolk LTA has a County Safeguarding Officer, whose role is to help promote and embed a safeguarding culture in tennis; and to provide advice and support to Welfare Officers at Suffolk LTA registered venues. In addition, they have specific responsibilities for safeguarding in respect of staff employed/contracted by Suffolk LTA and the services delivered directly by Suffolk LTA. The County Safeguarding Officer is Sally Gooch at safeguardingslta@gmail.co.uk or 07717 582150.
- The LTA has a national Safeguarding Team supported by a team of regional safeguarding officers that supports all individuals and organisations involved in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in tennis, including Suffolk LTA and its affiliated clubs/venues. This team undertakes safeguarding audits of registered venues/clubs, and will follow up safeguarding concerns reported directly to it. It also provides information; set standards; and provides training: https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/safeguarding/ Our Regional Safeguarding Officer is Melissa Miller.
Policies
All LTA registered clubs/venues are required to have a suite of safeguarding policies. At least their main Safeguarding Policy should be on display at the venue, and all the Club's policies are here:
Safeguarding Policy - updated Jan 2024 to be approved 18 March 2024
Anti-Bullying Policy - updated Jan 2024 to be approved 18 March 2024
Safe Recruitment Policy - updated Jan 2024 to be approved 18 March 2024
Online Safety & Communication Policy - updated Jan 2024 to be approved 18 March 2024
Photography & Filming Policy - updated Jan 2024 to be approved 18 March 2024
Diversity & Inclusion Policy - updated Jan 2024 to be approved 18 March 2024