Your Welfare Officer

Lara Thompson-Bell
Email: [email protected]

Lara has been a member at Gardens since 2022 . Her day role is as a Social Worker making her keen to ensure safeguarding is a priority at the club.

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You can also report concerns directly to the local authority

Contact: Local Authority child services:    Wandsworth Children's Services
Tel:   020 8871 7707 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), 020 8871 8999 (Out of hours)

Local authority designated  officer: Anita Gibbons, [email protected] Tel: 007974 586461

NSPCC 

You can also contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 for advice about safeguarding concerns.

In an emergency call     999

LTA 

 You can also let the LTA know of any concers by using their secure online form which can be found  at the link below or by scanning the QR code below.

LTA Safeguarding

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Safeguarding Policy  Statement

The Gardens Lawn Tennis Club (GLTC) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and adults.  The club is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and LTA requirements.  A copy of the club’s safeguarding policy is included in the club’s policy document and is available   here. A copy of the club’s Inclusion and Diversity Policy is available   here.
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 identity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of tennis at The Gardens Lawn Tennis Club in a safe and inclusive environment;
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis.​​

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GLTC 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, GLTC 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 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;
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals;
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The Club Welfare Officer can be contacted via: [email protected]. The Committee can be contacted via [email protected].
The club’s policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved GLTC. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed and may result in dismissal/exclusion from the club.

Whistleblowing
Anyone who does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer or the Club Chair should contact the LTA Safeguarding Team directly on 020 8487 7000, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) [email protected] 020 8871 7440 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.​

GLTC General Policies Document

GLTC Inclusion and Diversity Policy