SAFEGUARDING POLICY & PROCEDURES                                                                                                            (APPENDIX 1)

 1.              INTRODUCTION

 We understand that we have a duty of care as well as a legal and moral responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child who has been entrusted to our care. We are committed to working to provide a safe environment and an enjoyable experience for all our members. We acknowledge that all children have a right to protection and we must take into account the needs of those who may be particularly vulnerable. A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children’s Act 1989).

 2.              KEY PRINCIPLES

 • A child’s welfare is, and must always be the paramount consideration

• It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure children’s welfare is paramount at all times

• All children (regardless of their age, ethnic origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability) have a right to be protected from abuse

• Table Tennis should be fun, safe and a positive experience for all children

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse or poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and aptly

• It is the responsibility of safeguarding experts to determine whether or not abuse has taken place, but is everyone's responsibility to report any concerns.

 These principles apply to everybody involved in junior table tennis in Wales, and whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, league/club official, umpire, coach, league/club helper or member.

 3.              ROLE OF LEAGUE & CLUBS

 We understand we have an important role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children by protecting them from all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual or emotional harm, and neglect or bullying. In this role we will provide children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in our care and follow the necessary policies, procedures and practices as instructed by Table Tennis Wales (TTW).

 4.              POLICY, PROCEDURES & PRACTICES

 We will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved through the implementation and endorsement of the TTW Child Protection Policy and the Child Welfare Complaints Procedure (see TTW website at www.ttaw.co.uk) ensuring all those who work or play in table tennis are aware of these and understand their obligations

 5.              RECRUITMENT

 We will ensure that any individuals who are appointed by the League and whose role is working with children are recruited and appointed according to TTW best practice guidelines.

For this purpose the League has appointed a Safeguarding Officer (SO) whose details are given below.

 We will also;

 ·         Encourage Clubs to follow these procedures if they appoint such persons

·         To Request identification documents

·         To Meet and chat with applicant(s). Where possible, conduct interviews before appointing

·         To Request and follow up two references (one from previous employer) before appointing

·         To Apply for a DBS check in line with TTW guidelines if one is not supplied by the individual

 If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is currently involved or seeking to become involved with the league/club, we will obtain guidance from the TTW Lead Safeguarding Officer.

 6.              EDUCATION & TRAINING

 We will ensure that all people working with children in our league/clubs are encouraged to seek support from TTAW, through education and training which shall allow staff/volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues as well as be aware of, and adhere to good practice guidelines from the TTW.

7.              POSITION OF TRUST

We shall make all coaches, officials and volunteers aware of the potential for the development of a relationship of trust between themselves and young and vulnerable people, and the consequences inherent in the accidental or intentional abuse of that relationship.

8.               WHISTLE-BLOWING

We support and promote the TTW Whistle-Blowing Policy, where any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can report these concerns to the TTW Lead Safeguarding Officer (contact details on TTW website at www.ttaw.co.uk)

9.               ANTI-BULLYING

The league & its Clubs acknowledge and actively endorse the TTW policies and procedures in regard to anti-bullying. Bullying of any kind is not accepted at our league/ club and we will work together to ensure all forms of bullying is addressed. If bullying does occur, players and/or parents/guardians should be able to share their concerns and be assured that bullying will be dealt with seriously and swiftly. See also LTTL Ethics Policy.

10.          CODES OF CONDUCT

We have adopted an “Ethics Policy” (Appendix 2) as part of our commitment to promote good practice and behaviour in the League. Breaches will be dealt with under our complaints and disciplinary procedures and may be subject to sanctions from TTW in more serious circumstances. We advise that all members make themselves aware of these Codes of Conduct.

11.          REPORTING YOUR CONCERNS

Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. If you are worried about a child, you must report your concerns; this should be either to the League Safeguarding Officer or to the Safeguarding Officer of the TTAW. If the concern is of a more serious nature, such as possible abuse, where possible, inform the SO, and proceed to contact Social Services or the Police immediately. The child’s welfare is paramount,

You should ensure they are safe and if medical treatment is required, take them to hospital or call an ambulance and advise the doctor this is a child protection concern. If you are unable to contact our SO or in a situation where the matter is clearly serious, contact either the TTW Lead Child Protection Officer, Police or Social Services, or NSPCC

12.          FURTHER INFORMATION

A copy of the Child Protection Policy can be found on this Website (www.llandudnoleague.co.uk)  & also on TTW website (www.ttaw.co.uk)

13.          FURTHER ADVICE & CONTACTS

For further advice regarding the TTW Safeguarding Policy or any potential safeguarding matters, please contact the League Safeguarding Officer:

Mr David Jones, 56 Ffordd Nant, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, LL18 2SW

Tel: 07502 544688 or 01745 592555

Email; dave.trinitytt@gmail.com

the TTW Lead Safeguarding Officer

Email: safeguarding@tabletennis.wales

and/or : The NSPCC 24-Hour Helpline: 0808 800 5000.