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Hereford Pickleball Club Adult Safeguarding Statement

 

Date adopted: 26th April 2026

Date for review: 26th April 2027
Approved by: Committee: Russell Bridgewater, Alan Hart, Sharon Hart, Robert Bennett, Stephanie Bennett
Safeguarding Lead: Stephanie Bennett

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1. Our commitment

Hereford Pickleball Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all adults who take part in our club, including members, volunteers, coaches, officials, staff, and visitors.

We recognise that adults may be at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour in sporting environments. We believe everyone has the right to participate in sport safely and with dignity.

We are committed to taking reasonable steps to prevent harm, respond appropriately to concerns, and promote a culture of respect, welfare, and accountability throughout the club.

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2. Who this statement applies to

This statement applies to all adults involved in Hereford Pickleball Club, including:

  • adult members and participants

  • coaches, instructors, and trainers

  • volunteers and committee members

  • officials and team managers

  • employees and contractors

  • parents, carers, supporters, and spectators where relevant

  • visiting teams, clubs, and partner organisations when engaged in club activity

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3. What we mean by safeguarding adults

For the purposes of this statement, safeguarding adults means protecting adults' right to live free from abuse, harm, neglect, exploitation, coercion, harassment, and discrimination, and taking action where concerns arise.

This includes promoting wellbeing, listening to concerns, responding appropriately, and reducing avoidable risks within the club environment.

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4. Risks we recognise

We acknowledge that safeguarding risks in an adult sports club may include, but are not limited to:

  • bullying, intimidation, humiliation, or controlling behaviour

  • verbal abuse, harassment, or discriminatory conduct

  • sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or inappropriate relationships

  • physical abuse or unsafe coaching practices

  • neglect of welfare or medical needs during club activities

  • misuse of authority or position of trust

  • online abuse, cyberbullying, or inappropriate messaging/social media contact

  • poor complaint handling or failure to act on concerns

  • alcohol-related misconduct or substance-related risk at club events

  • exclusion of disabled adults or failure to make reasonable adjustments

  • exploitation of adults who may be in vulnerable circumstances

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5. Our safeguarding measures

To reduce these risks, Hereford Pickleball Club will:

  • adopt and maintain clear safeguarding, conduct, equality, and disciplinary policies

  • appoint a named Safeguarding Lead 

  • provide clear ways for members to raise concerns or complaints

  • respond promptly, fairly, and confidentially to safeguarding concerns

  • use codes of conduct for coaches, volunteers, members, and spectators

  • promote respectful behaviour and challenge poor practice

  • assess risks for activities, trips, events, and changing arrangements

  • keep appropriate records of concerns, actions, and decisions

  • work with statutory agencies or governing bodies where required

  • review safeguarding arrangements annually, or sooner if a need arises

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6. Reporting concerns

Any member, volunteer, coach, official, or visitor who has a safeguarding concern about an adult involved in Hereford Pickleball Club should report it as soon as possible to:

Safeguarding Lead
Name: Stephanie Bennett
Email: herefordpickleball@gmail.com

If the concern relates to the Safeguarding Lead, it should be reported to: Any Committee Member

If someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999 / 112.

Where appropriate, concerns may also be referred to the relevant national governing body, local authority safeguarding team, adult social care services, or police.

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7. Responding to concerns

When a concern is raised, Hereford Pickleball Club will aim to:

  • listen carefully and take the concern seriously

  • record the concern accurately and promptly

  • avoid promising absolute confidentiality

  • consider immediate safety and welfare needs

  • follow the club's safeguarding and reporting procedures

  • seek advice from the relevant governing body or statutory agency where needed

  • act proportionately and fairly

  • keep a clear record of actions taken

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8. Code of behaviour and expectations

All people involved in Hereford Pickleball Club are expected to:

  • treat others with dignity and respect

  • behave in a way that promotes safety and inclusion

  • avoid bullying, harassment, discrimination, or abusive conduct

  • maintain appropriate boundaries

  • follow club rules, policies, and reporting procedures

  • speak up about concerns or poor practice

  • cooperate with safeguarding processes when required

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9. Equality, inclusion, and accessibility

Hereford Pickleball Club is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We will not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership, or socio-economic background where relevant.

We will take reasonable steps to support accessibility and inclusion so that adults can participate safely and fully in club life.

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10. Review

This Adult Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed:

  • annually

  • after any serious incident or safeguarding concern

  • following significant changes in club activity, structure, or legal/guidance requirements

Signed: R Bridgewater
Name: Russell Bridgewater
Role: Chairperson
Date: 26th April 2026

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