Safeguarding Policy

Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is committed to prioritising the well-being of all children and adults at risk. We prioritise safeguarding in our club, at all times and in all programmes and events that we run. This Policy strives to minimise risk; deliver a positive tennis, squash or other sporting experience at the Club; and ensures there is an appropriate response to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.

The full policy can be found here Child Protection Policy

Concern Reporting Form here:  LTA concern form

All members and others using the club’s facilities; club officials and volunteers; employees; and all those who are under contractual arrangements with the club are required to abide by this Code of Conduct. This is to provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all children, young people and adults at risk and ensure the implementation of club child protection policy and procedures.

CODES OF CONDUCT

Those working in the club, whether volunteers, employees or under contract, should always:

• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults
• .Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person participating in sport.
• Display high standards of personal behaviour
• Always work in an open environment (i.e. avoid private, or unobserved, situations).
• Where possible, do not be alone with a child or adult at risk (NB 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 themselves and to raise concerns if they feel uncomfortably placed in a position of working alone and/or unsupervised.

• Act with integrity at all times
• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court and promote the Fair Play values
• Place the well-being and safety of children and adults at risk above the development of performance
• Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
• Keep clear boundaries between your 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.

Do not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such.

Doing nothing is NOT an option: report all concerns and disclosures as soon as possible, following the Concern Reporting Procedure. If someone is in immediate danger, call the police (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.

Showers and Changing Room Policy

No children under 18 will use the Club showers or changing rooms.
When it is unavoidable for a child to use the changing rooms a parent or guardian will supervise the child.
Adults and children will not use the changing rooms at the same time.

Mobile phones and other electronic devices are not permitted to be used in the changing rooms at any time.
Signs on the changing room doors will be clear about these rules.

Supervision of Younger Children

Children under the age of 13 are required to have parental supervision whilst at our club and not participating in any venue sessions such as coaching or tennis camps.
This follows LTA recommendations for all tennis venues

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

Welfare Officers

The club has two adult members who are specifically responsible for children, young people, child protection, and adults at risk.
They are both trained in Safeguarding by the LTA and hold a valid DBS;

If you would like to speak to one of our Welfare Officers please email your name and telephone number to safeguarding@sheenltsc.co.uk and they will respond promptly.

If you consider there is immediate danger to a child or vulnerable adult call 999 or the NSPCC Action Line 0808 800 5000

LTA Lead Safeguarding Officer
David Humphrey (contactable via online concern form)
LTA online concern form: safeguardingconcern.lta.org.uk

Club Administrators

Sophie Harrington is also trained in Safeguarding by the LTA and holds a valid DBS

Coaches

The Club requires that all coaches who work at the club are LTA or England Squash Affiliated to ensure that they are trained in safeguarding.
All must hold a valid DBS to be allowed to coach at SLTSC