Safeguarding Policy

Basford Lawn Tennis Club prioritises the well-being of all children and adults at risk, promoting safeguarding in our club at all times. This Policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive tennis experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.

The full policy can be found under Publishing->Documents->Safeguarding.

Safe and Inclusive Code of Conduct

All employees, those under contractual arrangements, club officials, volunteers, members and others using the club facilities are required to abide by this Code of Conduct. This is required in order to support the club in providing a welcoming and safe environment for all and in the implementation of its child protection policy and procedures.

• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at all times.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of our sports.
• Display high standards of behaviour. Act with integrity.
• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court and promote the Fair Play values: enjoy; respect.
• Place well-being and safety above the development of performance.
• 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.
• Check you have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos.
• Ensure your own roles and responsibilities, and those of everyone you are responsible for, are clearly outlined and everyone has the information, training and support to carry them out.
• Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk. (LTA guidance does allow for public 1 to 1 coaching as defined within the good practice guidelines). Coaches and volunteers must take positive action to protect both themselves and raise concerns if they feel uncomfortably placed in a position of working alone and/or unsupervised.
• Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such.
• Report all concerns and disclosures as soon as possible, following the Concern Reporting Procedure. If someone is in immediate danger, call the emergency services (999).

The Code of Conduct should be interpreted in a spirit of integrity, transparency and common sense, with the best interests of children and adults at risk as the primary consideration.

Concern Reporting Procedure

If a disclosure from a child or adult at risk is made to you:

1. Listen carefully and calmly to the individual.
2. Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing and what they have told you is very important.
3. Avoid questioning where possible, and never ask leading questions.
4. Do not promise secrecy. Let the individual know that you will need to speak to the Welfare Officer/LTA Safeguarding Team because it is in their best interest. If you intend to speak to the police or social care, you should let them know this too.
5. Report the concern. In an emergency, call the police (999), otherwise talk to the Welfare Officer/LTA Safeguarding Team as soon as possible. Do not let doubt/personal bias prevent you from reporting the allegation. If you are unable to contact the Club Welfare Officer or the LTA Safeguarding Team, contact the NSPCC or Staffordshire County Council First Response Team.
6. Record details of the disclosure and allegation using the LTA’s online reporting a concern form within 24 hours. If you do not have access to the online form, write down the details using what you have available then sign and date it. Send this ASAP to the Welfare Officer or the LTA Safeguarding Team.

Safeguarding Contacts