Tees Valley Tennis Foundation Safeguarding Policy
1. Purpose
The Tees Valley Tennis Foundation (TVTF) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people who benefit from its charitable activities. The Foundation supports players aged approximately 8–18 in amateur tennis and padel through bursaries, grants, and partnerships with local clubs and coaches.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all trustees, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of the Foundation. It also covers organisations and coaches funded or supported by the Foundation.
3. Principles
The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is the Foundation’s highest priority.
All children have the right to participate in sport in a safe and supportive environment, free from abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The Foundation will work only with clubs, coaches, and partners who have their own safeguarding procedures and appropriate DBS checks in place.
4. Responsibilities
Trustees: Responsible for ensuring that safeguarding arrangements are in place and reviewed annually.
Safeguarding Lead Trustee: Lisa Lowe will act as the Foundation’s safeguarding contact and coordinate any safeguarding matters.
Partners and Coaches: Must hold current DBS checks and follow the safeguarding standards of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) or equivalent recognised bodies.
5. Safe Practice
The Foundation will:
- Assess all partner clubs and coaches for adequate safeguarding and DBS compliance before approving funding.
- Require any safeguarding concerns or incidents relating to funded activity to be reported immediately to the relevant club or LTA Safeguarding Officer and to the Foundation’s Lead Trustee.
- Keep confidential records of any reported concerns and the actions taken.
- Review this policy annually.
6. Reporting Concerns
If a trustee, volunteer, or partner believes a child or young person may be at risk of harm:
Contact the partner club’s safeguarding lead or LTA Safeguarding Team immediately.
Inform the Foundation’s Lead Trustee as soon as possible.
If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police (999) or the local authority’s Children’s Services.
7. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or organisational changes require it.
Approved by: Tees Valley Tennis Foundation Board of Trustees
Date adopted: November 2025
Next review date: November 2026