SAFEGUARDING POLICY.

Report a concern

You do not need proof to raise a safeguarding concern. This may involve abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, exploitation or inappropriate behaviour towards a child or adult at risk.

Use the LTA’s secure safeguarding reporting form. You can report anonymously if you wish. If your concern involves someone at the club, or you do not feel comfortable raising it locally, you can go directly to the LTA.

For advice about a child’s safety, call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. Children and young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

Club Welfare Officer: Jacqueline Day
Email: jacqui.day@btinternet.com
Telephone: 01949 715672

Contact the Welfare Officer about a concern at the club, or report directly to the LTA using the secure form above. Do not send confidential safeguarding reports to the club’s general enquiry mailbox or community group chats. In an emergency, call 999 rather than waiting for a reply.

Our commitment

Everyone should be able to enjoy padel safely, with dignity and respect. The welfare of children and adults at risk comes before sporting results or the interests of any individual.

This policy applies to club management, coaches, staff, volunteers, players, parents, carers and visitors. A child is anyone under 18. An adult at risk may need support to protect themselves from abuse or neglect because of care and support needs.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Concerns should be taken seriously and raised promptly, including concerns about someone’s behaviour online or away from the court.

Responding to a disclosure

1. Listen calmly. Let the person speak in their own words and reassure them that telling you was the right thing to do.
2. Do not promise secrecy. Explain that information may need to be shared with people who can help keep them safe.
3. Do not investigate, confront the person involved or ask leading questions.
4. Make a factual record as soon as possible: what was said, when and where it happened, who was involved and any action taken. Keep the person’s own words where possible.
5. Report promptly through the appropriate safeguarding route. If there is immediate danger, call 999 first.

Keep records secure and share them only with those who need the information to protect someone or manage the concern, such as the Welfare Officer, LTA safeguarding team, police or relevant statutory services. Do not discuss allegations in public or in community group chats.

Safer play

The following standards form part of this club policy:

• Treat players fairly and respectfully. Bullying, harassment, intimidation and discriminatory language are unacceptable.
• Coaches and volunteers should maintain appropriate boundaries. Avoid isolated situations with children and use agreed, transparent arrangements for supervision and collection.
• Parents and carers should confirm supervision, drop-off and collection arrangements with the organiser before a junior session.
• Use appropriate club communication channels. Communications with children should involve their parent or carer rather than private personal messaging.
• Seek appropriate permission before taking or publishing identifiable photographs of children, respect anyone who does not wish to be photographed, and never photograph in changing areas.
• Recruitment, training and criminal-record checks for eligible roles must follow the applicable LTA requirements. Club management is responsible for checking these arrangements.

Responsibilities & review

Club management is responsible for appointing a suitably trained Welfare Officer, implementing safeguarding procedures and making reporting information available. Staff, coaches and volunteers must know how to recognise and report concerns.

The named Welfare Officer is Jacqueline Day. If you cannot reach the Welfare Officer, or prefer not to raise a concern locally, report directly to the LTA using its secure safeguarding reporting form. In an emergency, call 999.

The club reviews this policy every year when it completes its annual LTA registration renewal, and whenever guidance, activities or safeguarding arrangements change. Reporting information must be kept current.

Read the LTA’s safeguarding guidance and venue safeguarding standards and policy resources.

Club documents

Read the original documents supplied by the club:

• Conditions of entry & terms of use (PDF)
• LTA Safe to Play registered venue certificate 2025/26 (PDF)
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion policy (PDF)

The conditions of entry are also displayed in the clubhouse and agreed to through a waiver on every booking.