Policies

Our Policies:  Please read them!




1.  City LTC Diversity & Inclusion Policy



    1 Policy Aim


    The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and ensure members, non-members, visiting teams and other visitors are not denied access to, or discouraged from using, our club facility because of a discriminatory reason. To that end, the following shall apply to all members and club activities:

    1.1 To uphold standards and values, tennis can be enjoyed by everyone who wants to participate.

    1.2 To demonstrate a commitment to eliminating discrimination by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability (the 9 protected characteristics) and to encourage equal opportunities and an inclusive welcoming environment.

    1.3 To ensure that employees, contractors, members, non-members, visiting teams and visitors are treated fairly and with respect. To ensure that all members of the community regardless of their ability have access to and opportunities to take part in, and enjoy club activities, competitions and events.

    1.4 To oppose all forms of harassment, bullying or abuse towards an individual or group whether it is physical, verbal or online that is based on any of the 9 characteristics listed above or for any other reason. Any incidents of this or a similar nature will be treated seriously and subjected to the appropriate disciplinary process.

    1.5 To ensure that there is an immediate investigation of any complaints of discrimination on the above grounds, once they are brought to the attention of a club officer. Complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the complaints procedure set out below. Where such a complaint is upheld, the club may impose such sanctions as it considers appropriate and proportionate to the discriminatory behaviour.

    1.6 To promote a culture that encourages the learning and development of coaches and volunteers in order to achieve greater diversity and inclusion within tennis. As a minimum two club members will undertake the LTA's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training.

    1.7 To support, promote and enforce the LTA/Tennis Foundation Fair Play values within all club activities and facilities.

    1.8 To be committed to and delivering a policy of fair and equitable treatment for all members and employees and to require all members, employees and volunteers to abide by and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 as well as any amendments to this Act or any new equalities legislation.

    1.9 To create an inclusive environment that is welcoming and seeks to improve representation across all groups and participation at all levels within the club's activities.


    2 Lodging a Complaint



    In the event that any employee, member, volunteer, visitor or visiting team feels that he, she or they have suffered discrimination or harassment in any way or that club policies, rules or codes of conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below:

    2.1 The complainant should report the matter in writing to the Welfare Officer or another officer of the club. The report should include:

    a) details of what occurred;

    b) details of when and where the occurrence took place;

    c) any witness details and copies of any witness statements;

    d) names of any others who have been treated in a similar way (provided that those people consent to their names being disclosed);

    e) details of any former complaints made about the incident, including the date and to whom such complaint was made; and f) an indication as to the desired outcome.

    2.2 If the person accused of discriminatory behaviour is an employee, the club will regard the incident as a disciplinary issue.

    2.3 If the person accused of discriminatory behaviour is a non-employee, the club will request that both parties to the complaint submit written evidence regarding the incident(s); the club may decide after reviewing the complaint and supporting evidence to uphold or dismiss the complaint without holding a hearing; the club may hold a hearing at which both parties will be entitled to attend and present their case.

    2.4 The club will have the power to impose any one or more of the following sanctions on any person found to be in breach of any policy, (including the Diversity & Inclusion Policy): a) warn as to future conduct; b) suspend from membership; c) remove from membership; d) exclude a non-member from the facility, either temporarily or permanently; and e) turn down a non-member current and/or future membership applications.

    2.5 The club will provide both parties with written reasons for its decision to uphold or dismiss the complaint within one (1) calendar month of such a decision being made. Either party may appeal a decision of the club to the County Association (including a decision not to hold a hearing) by writing to the [County Secretary] within 3 months of the club's decision being notified to that party. If the nature of the complaint is with regard to the club officers, the member/visitor has the right to report the discrimination or harassment directly to the relevant County Association.

    This Policy is based on the LTA guidelines. June 2021



2.  City LTC Whistleblowing Policy


Safeguarding children and adults at risk requires everyone to be committed to the highest possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability.
As a club, City LTC is committed to encouraging and maintaining a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously. What is whistle-blowing?


In the context of safeguarding, “whistleblowing” is when someone raises a concern about the well-being of a child or an adult at risk.


A whistle-blower may be:


  • a player;
  • a volunteer;
  • a coach;
  • other members of staff;
  • an official;
  • a parent;
  • a member of the public.


How to raise a concern about a child or an adult at risk at the club:

If a child or an adult at risk is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, the police should be contacted by calling 999.


Where a child or an adult at risk is not in immediate danger, any concerns about their well-being should be made without delay to the Club Welfare Officer. The Club Welfare Officer will pass the details of the concern on to the LTA Safeguarding Team at the earliest opportunity and the relevant local authority and the police will be contacted, where appropriate.


If, however, the whistle-blower does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer, the whistle-blower should contact the LTA Safeguarding Team directly at 020 8487 7000, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

Information to include when raising a concern:


The whistleblower should provide as much information as possible regarding the incident or circumstance which has given rise to the concern, including:


  • their name and contact details (unless they wish to remain anonymous);
  • names of individuals involved;
  • date, time and location of incident/circumstance; andwhether any witnesses were present.


  • What happens next?

    All concerns raised by a whistle-blower about the well-being of a child or an adult at risk will be taken seriously and every effort will be made to deal with each concern fairly, quickly and proportionately.

    If the whistle-blower does not believe that the concern has been dealt with appropriately and wishes to speak to someone outside the club or the LTA Safeguarding Team, the NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line should be contacted on 0800 028 0285 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk


    Support

    The club will not tolerate any harassment, victimisation or unfair treatment, and will take appropriate action to protect whistle-blowers when they raise a concern in good faith.


    Reviewed and Approved by the Committee, October 2021



3  City LTC Safeguarding Policy Statement


    It is a sad, indeed tragic feature of our modern world that a simple tennis Club can provide an opportunity for an unscrupulous individual or individuals to abuse, exploit and even injure vulnerable others for their own gratification.

    The City LTC explicitly upholds the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of all players, particularly children and adults at risk.

    The Club’s committee and members are committed to the highest standards of safeguarding, ensuring our practice reflects statutory responsibilities, and government guidance and complies with best practice and LTA requirements, as befitting its status as an LTA registered venue.

    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, or socio-economic background, all children:

    • have a positive and enjoyable experience of tennis at City LTC in a safe and inclusive environment;
    • are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis.

    City LTC acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

    As part of our safeguarding policy, City LTC will:

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

    • ensure everyone in the Club has access to safeguarding information, 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 relating to children and adults at risk


    • encourage and maintain a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it 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 to prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals

    • ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation

     

    The Club Welfare Officer, Ms Jill Zago, is a qualified social worker and can be contacted on 07885 848736.



    The Club’s policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in City LTC.
    Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed and may result in exclusion from the Club.

    Whistleblowing

    Anyone who does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer is free to contact the LTA Safeguarding Team directly on 020 8487 7000, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. Further details about whistleblowing can be found in the Club’s safeguarding policy.

    Monitoring
    The Club’s safeguarding policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner in the following circumstances: changes in legislation and/or government guidance as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board or LTA as a result of any other significant change or event.

    Reviewed and Approved by the Committee, October 2021

© 2021 City Lawn Tennis Club, by Ricco Raga