The Padel Loft is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all participants – especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise our duty of care and the responsibility to protect everyone involved from harm, abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or exploitation. All staff, coaches, volunteers, and contractors must prioritise the welfare of participants and follow this Safeguarding Policy.
We believe that sport should be accessible, inclusive, and safe. Our safeguarding practices are aligned with statutory guidance, best practice in sport, and relevant legislation in England and Wales. All concerns raised will be taken seriously, responded to promptly, and dealt with in confidence and with respect for all parties.
The LTA Safeguarding Team has strategic and operational responsibility for safeguarding in padel and tennis in Britain, including the monitoring and evaluation of safeguarding standards and investigating safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding concerns can be raised directly to the LTA Safeguarding Team via https://safeguardingconcern.lta.org.uk/
The Padel Loft Safeguarding Policy Overview
The Padel Loft is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All individuals have the right to enjoy sport in a safe and supportive environment.
Our policy covers:
Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Regular safeguarding training for staff
Clear reporting procedures for concerns
Codes of conduct for all club participants
Collaboration with external safeguarding bodies when needed
We promote a culture of listening, accountability, and proactive safeguarding throughout all of our activities.
The Padel Loft Anti-Bullying Policy
The Padel Loft is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. This includes physical, verbal, emotional, or cyberbullying directed at players, coaches, staff, volunteers, or spectators. We have a zero-tolerance approach.
All incidents of bullying reported to staff will be investigated and addressed promptly and confidentially. Support will be offered to those affected, and appropriate action will be taken to address the behaviour. Anyone found to be engaging in bullying may be removed from the facility or face further disciplinary action.
Our goal is to promote respect, kindness, and inclusivity through padel, and to foster a welcoming space where everyone feels safe to participate and express themselves.
The Padel Loft Diversity and Inclusion Policy
The Padel Loft celebrates diversity and is committed to ensuring our club is inclusive and representative of all communities. We welcome participation from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, and oppose all forms of discrimination, harassment, and exclusion.
We aim to ensure that:
Our staff and coaches reflect diverse identities and experiences.
All players are treated fairly regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, age, disability, or socio-economic background.
Activities are accessible and adapted as needed to remove participation barriers.
We will provide staff with training, review our practices regularly, and work with partners and players to build a more equitable padel community.
The Padel Loft Online Safety and Communication Policy
The Padel Loft recognises the importance of safeguarding in digital communication. We expect staff, coaches, volunteers, and participants to behave respectfully and professionally online.
Key principles:
Coaches and staff should not communicate with under-18s via personal accounts or direct messaging. All communication should go through approved club channels (e.g. group messages, monitored platforms).
No inappropriate images, language, or content may be shared by or with club participants.
Participants must not use social media to bully, harass, or target others.
Any concerns about digital safety or online conduct must be reported to the Club’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The Padel Loft Photography and Filming Policy
Photography and video recording may be used at The Padel Loft for marketing, training, and event coverage. We take participant privacy and consent seriously.
Guidelines:
No photography or filming is allowed in changing rooms or other private areas.
Consent will be sought where possible before using images of individuals, especially minors.
Parents or guardians may opt out of media usage for minors by notifying the club in writing.
Unauthorised filming or persistent photography will be challenged by staff.
The Padel Loft Safe Recruitment Policy
To protect participants and uphold safeguarding standards, The Padel Loft follows safe recruitment procedures for all staff, coaches, and volunteers.
Our recruitment process includes:
Role descriptions and person specifications
Written applications and interviews
Identity verification and reference checks
Enhanced DBS checks for roles involving contact with under-18s or vulnerable adults
Induction training, including safeguarding responsibilities
All staff must agree to our code of conduct and safeguarding policy before starting any role.
If you have any safeguarding questions or need to report a safeguarding issue, please email info@thepadelloft.com. Please include which club your enquiry refers to so we can direct your message to the appropriate person or Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).