Wigmore Lawn Tennis Club Safeguarding Policy Statement
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Wigmore LTC recognises our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children (anyone under 18) and adults at risk. We are committed to ensuring our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and with LTA standards.
We are committed to prioritising the well-being of children and adults at risk and providing a safe and welcoming environment where they are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children and adults at risk receive effective support and protection.
A copy of our full safeguarding policy is available online here: safeguarding-policy-Wigmore LTC June 2023.docx and can also be located on the Members’ Area, Clubhouse noticeboard or requested from our Welfare Officer D.Mark Longden.
The purpose of this policy statement is to:
Protect children and adults at risk (including children of adults who use our services) from harm
Provide the necessary information to enable people to meet their safeguarding responsibilities
Deliver good practice and high safeguarding standards
Outline our commitment to safeguarding children and adults at risk
This policy applies to any person who plays, coaches, officiates, works, volunteers, or otherwise participates (or visits) at our venue.
RAISING A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN
Concerns should be raised to our Welfare Officers - see below for contact details . If they are unavailable or a safeguarding concern relates to them, the concerns should be referred directly to the LTA via https://safeguardingconcern.lta.org.uk/.
WE RECOGNISE THAT
the welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount
working in partnership with children, their parents/carers and adults at risk is essential in promoting their welfare
all children and adults at risk, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
some children and adults at risk, including LGBTQ+ people, disabled people or people from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and additional measures and safeguards may be needed to ensure their welfare.
WE WILL SEEK TO KEEP CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT RISK SAFE BY
promoting and prioritising their safety and well-being
appointing a Welfare Officer with responsibility for safeguarding in our venue
ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate induction and learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and adults at risk
safely recruiting and selecting staff, coaches and volunteers
promoting and maintaining a positive safeguarding culture where people feel able to raise a genuine concerns and are confident they 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
ensuring that we have a process to deal with complaints and whistleblowing measures in place
ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in place for other activities, including coaching, competitions, holiday camps, social activities, online activity and social media, transportation and supervision
This policy was last reviewed on June 2023 and will be reviewed every three years (or earlier if there is a change in national legislation).
Secretary: Annette Barrett Date: June 2023
Welfare Officer : D.Mark Longden Date: June 2023
The Club Welfare Officers can be contacted on: 07982557758 David MARK Longden /07946528114 Nicola Hickman or wigmoretennis@hotmail.co.uk.
HOW TO REPORT A CONCERN ? A useful flowchart on how to report a safeguarding concern is available in the safeguarding policy in our members’ area.
Regional Safeguarding Officer : Tim Sagar
Codes of Conduct
All members of staff, volunteers and members agree to:
· Prioritise the well-being 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 five)
· 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 or adults at risk, unless this is 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
· Be acutely aware of the power that coaches and coaching assistants develop over players in the coaching relationship and avoid any intimacy (sexual or otherwise) with players
All children agree to:
· Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
· Play fairly and honestly
· Respect club staff, volunteers and Officials and accept their decisions
· Behave, respect and listen to your coach
· Take care of your equipment and club property
· Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity
· Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
· Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
· Not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events
· Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others
All parents and carers agree to:
· Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis
· Use appropriate language at all times
· Be realistic and supportive
· Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match
· Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect
· Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
· Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches
· Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
· Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue
· Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
· Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct
· Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations
· Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history