Old Wilsonians’ Squash Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk. The club is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and England Squash requirements. We are committed to prioritising the well-being of children and adults at risk and providing a safe environment where they are respected and values. 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.

A copy of the Club’s Safeguarding Policy is located e policies section on the website. The policy applies to any person who plays, coaches, officiates, works, volunteers, participates or visits our club.

The club’s safeguarding policy recognises that the welfare of children and adults at risk are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children and adults at risk:-

Have a positive and enjoyable experience of tennis at the club in a safe and inclusive environment;
Are protected from abuse whilst participating in Squash.
The Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed every three years or earlier if there is a change of national legislation or England Squash requirements.

In relation to Safeguarding, we use the following definitions:-

Child: a person under the age of eighteen years.

Adult at risk: a person aged 18 years and over who

• (a) has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and
• (b) is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect and
• (c) as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of or the experience of abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding: the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. This means protecting children from abuse and maltreatment, preventing harm to their health or development, ensuring they grow up with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.  Safeguarding adults means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

Child protection: the processes undertaken to protect children who have been identified as suffering, or being at risk of suffering, significant harm.

The Club’s Welfare Officer is Nick Thompson.  If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact Nick on n.j.thompson88@gmail.com or 07835 198698.   If they are not available & you have a safeguarding concern, you can reach the England Squash Safeguarding Team through the following channels

• Email: safesquash@englandsquash.com
• Phone: 0161 438 4302
• Online Reporting: You can use the England Squash Log of Concern Form for formal reports