Safeguarding

The Club Safegurading Policy is available on the Clubhouse Notice Board for members to see. If members have concerns of a safeguarding nature they should report these to the Welfare Officer in person, by phone or email.

Contact:

Brian Gray, Club Welfare Officer: Tel 07790 490035 or email BRIAN.L.GRAY@outlook.com

Jo Short, Club Welfare Officer: Tel: 07734 487601 or email, ojbor@yahoo.com

Policy statement

Dalston Lawn TC is committed to prioritising the wellbeing of all children and adults at risk, promoting safeguarding in our club at all times, including all programmes and events we run. This Policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive tennis experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.

This Policy is applicable to all staff, volunteers, committee members, coaches and club members. It is in line with national legislation and applicable across the UK.

Advice, guidance and support is available via the Club Welfare Officers and the LTA at county or national level.

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY: NOT RESPONDING TO A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN IS NOT AN OPTION.

  • Our club’s committee has overall accountability for this Policy and its implementation
  • Our club Welfare Officers Brian Gray and Jo Short are responsible for updating this Policy in line with legislative and club developments 
  • All individuals involved in/present at the club are required to adhere to the Policy and Code of Conduct
  • The LTA Safeguarding Team and Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and Tennis Foundation Safeguarding Leads can offer support to help clubs proactively safeguard
  • More details and practical guidance, as well as the club Diversity & Inclusion Policy, are available on the club notice board

Codes of Conduct

All members of staff and volunteers agree to:

  • Prioritise the wellbeing of all children and adults at risk at all times
  • Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect
  • 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
  • Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language
  • Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer
  • Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk
  • Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
  • Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media
  • Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
  • Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (e.g. handshake/high 5)
  • Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions
  • Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training
  • Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances
  • Refrain from transporting children/adults at risk, unless required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle
  • Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
  • Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for
  • Not to have a relationship with anyone over 18 whilst continuing to coach or be responsible for them