Purpose & scope

David Lloyd Leisure Ltd. recognises our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children (anyone under 18) and adults at risk. We are committed to ensuring our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and with LTA standards.

We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children and adults at risk receive effective support and protection.

The purpose of this policy statement is to:

• Protect children and adults at risk (including children of adults who use our services) from harm
• Provide the necessary information to enable people to meet their safeguarding responsibilities
• Deliver good practice and high safeguarding standards
• Outline our commitment to safeguarding children and adults at risk

This policy applies to any person who plays, coaches, officiates, works, volunteers, or otherwise participates (or visits) at our venue.

Raising a safeguarding concern

Concerns should be raised to the club Child Protection Officer/Welfare Officer. If they are unavailable or a safeguarding concern relates to them, you should contact the club General Manager.

We recognise that;

• the welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount
• working in partnership with children, their parents/carers and adults at risk is essential in promoting their welfare
• all children and adults have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

We will seek to keep children and adults at risk safe by;

• promoting and prioritising their safety and well-being
• appointing a Child Protection Officer/Welfare Officer with responsibility for safeguarding in our venue
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate induction and learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and adults at risk
• safely recruiting and selecting staff, coaches and volunteers
• promoting and maintaining a positive safeguarding culture where people feel able to raise a genuine concern and are confident they will be taken seriously
• ensuring 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
• ensuring that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
• ensuring that we have a process to deal with complaints and whistleblowing measures in place ensuring robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in place for other activities, including coaching, competitions, holiday camps, social activities, online activity and social media, transportation and supervision