Safeguarding/Welfare

Safeguarding Policy Statement

Rogate Tennis Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk. The club is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and LTA requirements. The club’s full safeguarding policy is available from the Secretary and on the Club website: https://sites.google.com/site/rogatetennisclub.

The club’s safeguarding policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and adults at risk are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of tennis at Rogate Tennis Club in a safe and inclusive environment

• are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis.

Some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and the Club accepts the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy Rogate Tennis Club will:

• promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and adults at risk

• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns

• 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

• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

If a member has a safeguarding concern, they should normally inform the club Welfare Officer (currently Richard Hatfield), another Committee Member or, if necessary, the LTA Safeguarding Team.

This policy and its procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Rogate Tennis Club. Failure to comply with them will be addressed and may result in dismissal/exclusion from the club. Our safeguarding policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required by changes in legislation and/or government guidance or if required by the LTA.

September 2019