SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Introduction

At All 4 Pickleball, the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable adults participating in our programmes are of paramount importance. We are committed to creating a safe and positive environment where children and adults can learn and enjoy the sport of pickleball. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and the procedures we have in place to protect them.

The safeguarding policy is designed to meet the expectations of all stakeholders — including local councils, governing bodies and the wider Thanet community — while fostering an inclusive, safe and supportive environment for all participants.

Policy Statement

All 4 Pickleball recognises its responsibility to:

• Safeguard children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.
• Ensure that all staff, volunteers and stakeholders are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
• Provide a safe and welcoming environment where every individual is treated with respect and dignity.

We comply with local council requirements (including supplying this policy on request) and with relevant national governing body standards for pickleball and racket sports.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, contractors and volunteers working at All 4 Pickleball.
• All programmes, services and events operated or facilitated by All 4 Pickleball.
• All children and vulnerable adults who engage with our facilities and services.

Safeguarding Principles

• Child-centred approach: children have a right to be protected, feel safe and have their welfare promoted.
• Empowerment of vulnerable adults: supported and encouraged to make decisions about their own lives.
• Inclusivity: all individuals — regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion — have equal rights to protection from harm.
• Accountability: staff and volunteers are accountable for their actions and must adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

Who we protect

• Children: anyone under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable adults: adults who are, or may be, in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disabilities, age or illness, and who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against harm or exploitation.

Staffing & Governance

• Sufficient staff: qualified, trained and experienced staff with smart appearance and exemplary conduct at all times.
• Staff training: all staff and volunteers are trained in safeguarding, health & safety and operational procedures — refreshed annually.
• DBS checks: every staff member and volunteer working with children or vulnerable adults holds an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service check.
• Qualified coaches: coaches meet recognised accreditation standards for pickleball / racket-sport coaching and carry valid insurance.
• Health & safety compliance across every session and venue.
• Volunteering opportunities for local residents, with proper support and integration into our programmes.
• Clear staffing structure with defined roles to support operational resilience.

Facility & Programme Standards

• Annual venue registration and compliance with required minimum standards.
• Clear operational procedures to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns.
• Regular risk assessments for all activities, programmes and facilities.

Objectives

• Promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults by embedding safeguarding in every aspect of our activities.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their roles and can recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect or other concerns.
• Take appropriate action in the event of incidents or concerns, and support those who raise them.
• Maintain confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns.
• Prevent the engagement of unsuitable individuals through rigorous recruitment including DBS checks.
• Regularly review safeguarding arrangements to maintain their effectiveness.

Reporting a Concern

Out of hours & escalation

• Out of Hours Service: 03000 41 91 91
• NSPCC (concern about a child): 0808 800 5000
• Hate crime can also be reported via True Vision.

Record

Write an objective account of your concerns immediately and pass to the All 4 Pickleball Safeguarding Officer within 48 hours. Handling a disclosure can be emotionally difficult — speak to the Welfare Officer or contact the NSPCC if you need support.

Recruitment & Training

• Recruitment: background checks, interviews, two professional references and a DBS check for every staff member and volunteer.
• Training: comprehensive safeguarding training, refreshed annually, with induction covering child-protection policies for every new joiner.

Code of Conduct

• Behaviour: exemplary conduct in the presence of children — respectful, dignified and safe at all times. Any abusive behaviour (verbal, physical or emotional) is strictly prohibited.
• Interaction: staff avoid being alone with a child where they cannot be observed. One-to-one sessions take place in open, visible environments.
• Boundaries: appropriate professional boundaries are maintained at all times; personal relationships with children outside the professional context are discouraged and must be disclosed.

Reporting & Responding

• All staff and volunteers have a duty to report concerns. It is not their job to decide whether abuse has occurred — only to report it.
• Concerns are reported immediately to the All 4 Pickleball Welfare Officer (or, in their absence, a senior staff member) and recorded in writing as soon as possible.
• Reports are treated with the utmost confidentiality and only shared with those who need to know to protect the child.
• If a child is in immediate danger, the police are contacted at once. The Welfare Officer leads the investigation, liaising with external agencies as required.
• Appropriate support is provided to all parties involved, including counselling referrals where needed.

Record Keeping

• Detailed records of all concerns, investigations and outcomes are stored securely and accessible only to authorised personnel.
• Records are retained in line with legal requirements and best-practice guidance, typically for a minimum of seven years after the child leaves the programme.

Communication

• Clear channels for sharing information internally and with external agencies, on a need-to-know basis.
• We work in partnership with parents and carers, sharing this policy openly and welcoming any concerns they raise.

Monitoring & Review

• Ongoing monitoring of safeguarding practices, regular risk assessments and feedback from children, parents and staff.
• This policy is reviewed annually or following any significant incident or change in legislation or best practice.

Safeguarding Officer