Information

1. Our aim

1.1 In carrying out its functions as a community interest company (Activeace) is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, and to ensuring that no individual is discriminated against in the planning and delivery of any of our activities.

1.2 We therefore aim to ensure that the values of equality, diversity, and respect for all are embedded into everything that we do.

2. About our policy

2.1 This policy is intended to demonstrate Activece's commitment to eliminating discrimination and encouraging and valuing diversity among staff, volunteers, partners, suppliers, users of our services and committee members.

2.2 We recognise our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and are committed to meeting them in full. We believe that a culture that embraces equality and values diversity will help us to ensure that everyone feels involved and included in our plans, programmes and activities.

2.3 We aim to create an environment which respects and welcomes everyone, and in which no form of bullying, harassment, disrespectful or discriminatory behaviour is tolerated by anyone towards anyone. This particularly applies in relation to the 'protected characteristics' named in the Equality Act 2010: Age, disability, gender reassignment, income, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, (see below for explanations)

3. Our responsibilities

3.1 Activeace understands that for equality to be achieved this policy needs to be understandable and be embraced by staff, volunteers, suppliers, partners, residents and committee members.

3.2 The policy is fully supported and welcomed by all employees and has been agreed by our Management committee.

3.3 All staff, volunteers, suppliers, partners and committee members have a responsibility to ensure that their own language and actions are consistent with the spirit as well as the contents of this policy.

3.4 Overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy lies with Activeace's 's Directors and its Management Committee.

4. Our commitments

4.1 Activeace recognises that an Equality and Diversity Policy alone is not enough to ensure that equality and diversity are central to everything that we do.

4.2 We will seek to create an environment in which diversity and the contributions of all staff, volunteers, suppliers, partners, residents and committee members in all that we do are recognised and valued. In this way we hope to provide an example of good equality practice and to promote community cohesion within our organisation and the community in which we work.

4.3 In introducing this policy we recognise that many people are unfamiliar with the way in which discrimination and disadvantage affect people's health, well-being and quality of life. We will therefore enable people to develop equalities awareness and understanding.

4.4 To ensure that we are meeting the aims and the spirit of this policy we will:

1. Discuss and review how well we are implementing this policy, and adjust our practices and action plans where necessary.
2. Review any significant new or revised policies and procedures to asses their impact on equality.
3. Embed equality and diversity in our development plans.
4. Ensure our employment practices and procedures are consistent with the aims of this policy.

5. Other Staff / contractors representing Activeace.

It is important to us that suppliers, contractors and any other individual or organisation working with or on behalf of Activeace are aware of and agree to comply with our equality and diversity policy while that work is underway.

In addition, we are committed to:

• using accessible venues for events and meetings,
• using plain English, and offering accessible communications, for example, emails, letters, reports and publicity materials as far as it is within our means so to do.

6. Review and Action.

6.1 We recognise that it is important for us to regularly review this policy to ensure that it reflects up to date equality legislation and best practice.

6.2 A review of our Equality and Diversity Policy will be carried out annually as a minimum and any necessary actions will be taken.

Equality Act 2010 - Explanation of the Protected Characteristics.

Age:

An age group includes people of the same age and people of a particular range of ages. Where people fall in the same age group they share the protected characteristic of age. An age group would include "over fifties" or twenty-one year olds. A person aged twenty one does not share the same characteristic of age with "people in their forties". However, a person aged twenty-one and people in their forties can share the characteristic of being in the "under fifty" age range.

Disability:

A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment, and the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This section replaces similar provisions in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and provisions in secondary legislation made under that Act.

Gender reassignment:

A person has the protected characteristic of gender reassignment if the person is proposing to undergo, is undergoing or has undergone a process (or part of a process) for the purpose of reassigning the person's sex by changing physiological or other attributes of sex.

Marriage and civil partnership:

A person has the protected characteristic of marriage and civil partnership if the person is married or is a civil partner.

• A person who is engaged to be married is not married and therefore does not have this protected characteristic.
• A divorcee or a person whose civil partnership has been dissolved is not married or in a civil partnership and therefore does not have this protected characteristic.

Race:

Race is defined as

Colour:

includes being black or white.

Nationality:

includes being a British, Australian or Swiss citizen.

Ethnic or national origins:

includes being from a Roma background or of Chinese heritage.

A racial group could be "black Britons" which would encompass those people who are both black and who are British citizens. This section replaces similar provisions in the Racer Relations Act 1976. However, the power to add caste to the definition of race is a new provision.

Religion or belief:

Religion means any religion and a reference to religion includes a reference to a lack of religion.

• A religion must have a clear structure and belief system. Denominations or sects within a religion can be considered to be a religion or belief, such as Protestants and Catholics within Christianity.
• A belief means any religious or philosophical belief and a reference to belief includes a reference to a lack of belief.
  A "philosophical belief" must be;
  • genuinely held,
  • a belief and not an opinion or viewpoint based on the present state of information available,
  • a weighty and substantial aspect of human life and behaviour,
  • attain a certain level of cogency, seriousness, cohesion and importance,
  • be worthy of respect in a democratic society, compatible with human dignity and not conflict with the fundamental rights of others. Any cult involved in illegal activities is not covered. Beliefs such as humanism and atheism would be covered.
  This section replaces similar provisions in the employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 and the Equality Act 2006.

Sex:

1. A reference to a person who has a particular protected characteristic is a reference to a man or to a woman;
2. A reference to persons who share a protected characteristic is a reference to persons of the same sex.

Sexual orientation:

is a person's sexual orientation towards:

• people of the same sex as him or her (in other words the person is a gay man or a lesbian)
• people of the opposite sex from him or her (the person is heterosexual)
• people of both sexes (the person is bisexual).

The definition is designed to replicate the effect of similar provisions in the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the Equality Act 2006.

Source: Equality Act 2010 and Explanatory Notes to the Equality Act 2010

Alex has been playing tennis since he was 8 years old and is eager to share his experience and passion for tennis.

Alex has just finished his Tennis Activator Apprenticeship which included working at the schools festivals at the Nottingham Open and British Open. He has completed his level 2 tennis coaching qualification.

Tennis has always been his first choice but he is able to hold is own at a variety of sports. He believes that if people are having fun, they are more likely to improve and want to keep playing regularly.

Tennis Court Hire

Activeace took over the lease to the former bowling club site on Tattershall Drive. Nottingham in 2014 and has refurbished many of the facilities and installed 3 hard tennis courts which are open to members of the public when they are not in use for coaching.

Activeace also manages the hire of tennis courts in West Park and Bridgford Park, West Bridgford.

Policy statement

Activeace All Stars CIC is committed to prioritising the well-being of all children and adults at risk and the promotion of safeguarding with the organisation at all times, including but not limited to all sports and tennis coaching programmes. The Policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive activity experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns and disclosures.

Use of terminology.

Child:

a person under the age of eighteen years.
Note that some legislation in Scotland defines a child as a person under sixteen years old. However, where there is any safeguarding concern, anyone under the age of 18 is regarded as a child unless advised otherwise by the LTA Safeguarding Team.

Adult at risk of abuse or neglect:

a person aged eighteen years or over who is, or may be, in need of community care services by reason of disability, age or illness; and is, or may be, unable to take care of, or unable to protect him or herself against abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding children:

protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing the impairment of children's health or development, ensuring that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances.

Safeguarding adults at risk:

protecting adults from abuse and or neglect. Enabling adults to maintain control over their lives and make informed choices without coercion. Empowering adults at risk, consulting them before taking action, unless someone lacks the capacity to make a decision, or their mental health poses a risk to their own or someone else's safety, in which case, always acting in his or her best interests.

Scope

This Policy is applicable to all staff, volunteers, committee members and coaches. It is in line with national legislation and applicable across the UK.

Responsibility for the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure.

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY: NOT RESPONDING TO A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN IS NOT AN OPTION.

• Our organisation's management team has overall accountability for this Policy and its implementation.
• Our management team is responsible for updating this Policy in line with legislative and organisational developments.
• All individuals involved in or present at the organisation are required to adhere to the Policy and Code of Conduct.

(See appendix A for full glossary of terms).

Where there is a safeguarding concern/disclosure:

• The individual who is told about, hears, or is made aware of the concern or disclosure is responsible for following the Safeguarding Reporting Procedure. Unless someone is in immediate danger, they should inform the appointed designated safeguarding lead. (see page 2)
• The organisation's designated safeguarding lead and management team are responsible for reporting safeguarding concerns to the appropriate body.
• The management team are responsible for assessing all safeguarding concerns and disclosures that are reported to them and working with the organisation's designated safeguarding lead to follow up as appropriate on a case by-case basis, prioritising the well-being of the child or adult at risk at all times. Dependent on the concern or disclosure, a referral may be made to:
1. The police in an emergency (999);
2. Local Authority Children¿s Services - The Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
   • Telephone: 0300 500 80 90
   • Fax: 01623 483295
   • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
   • Online form:
     (HARD COPY OF THIS FORM CAN BE FOUND IN ACTIVEACE SAFEGUARDING FOLDER)
   • Post: MASH, Piazza, Little Oak Drive, Sherwood Business Park, Annesley, Nottinghamshire, NG15 0DR.
3. Local Authority Adult Services - MASH - Contact details can be found above
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (England only) for concerns/ disclosures about a member of staff, consultant, coach, official or volunteer - Martyn Jones, Activeace All Stars CIC - 07514 669499
5. Disclosure and Barring Service (or Disclosure Scotland; Adult Social Work Team or Health and Social Service Department (Channel Islands) for concerns or disclosures about a member of staff, consultant, coach, official or volunteer - Martyn Jones, Activeace All Stars CIC - 07514 669499.
6. The Activeace management team for advice and guidance.

Breaches of the Safeguarding Policy, Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure.

Breaches of this Policy and/or failure to comply with the outlined responsibilities may result in the following:

• Disciplinary action leading to possible dismissal and legal action;
• Termination of current and future roles within the organisation.

Actions taken by staff, consultants, volunteers, officials, coaches inside or outside of the organisation that are seen to contradict this Policy may be considered a violation of this Policy.

Where an appeal is lodged in response to a safeguarding decision made by the organisation, the individual should adhere to the organisation's appeal procedure

Safe and Inclusive Code of Conduct

• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at all times
• Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking
• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court/office/premises, promoting the Fair Play values: enjoy; respect, responsibility
• Keep clear boundaries between your professional and personal life, including on social media
• Check you have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
• Ensure your own roles and responsibilities, and those of everyone you are responsible for, are clearly outlined and everyone has the information, training and support to carry them out
• Where possible, do not be alone with a child or adult at risk
• Do not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such*
• Doing nothing is NOT an option: report all concerns and disclosures as soon as possible, following the Concern Reporting Procedure. If someone is in immediate danger, call the police (999)

*It is illegal to have a relationship with someone who is under 18 years old if you are in a position of trust; it is illegal to have a sexual relationship with anyone under the age of 16 whether they give consent or not.

The Code of Conduct should be interpreted in a spirit of integrity, transparency and common sense, with the best interests of children and adults at risk as the primary consideration.

Safe and Inclusive Standards

The Standards aim to set a minimum level of practice to promote and support safeguarding and equality in our organisation. Implementing the Safe and Inclusive Standards is intended to be used alongside this Policy and Code of Conduct; and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy

Prevent

Another aspect of safeguarding is the Prevent Duty, which requires the further education sector and other organisations to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism", supporting terrorism or being drawn into non-violent extremism. There is duty to ensure that those identified with vulnerabilities are given appropriate advice and support. The Government has defined extremism as "vocal or active opposition to fundamental ` British Values", which include:

• Individual liberty
• Rule of law
• Democracy
• Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

This includes not discriminating against those with protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010), namely:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion and belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

This Policy is reviewed every 12months [or earlier if there is a change in national legislation].

This Policy is recommended for approval by:

Activeace All Stars CIC Director: Martyn Jones Date: 01/06/18
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Martyn Jones Date: 01/06/18

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

Safeguarding:

protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing the impairment of children¿s health or development, ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances. Enabling adults at risk to achieve the outcomes that matter to them in their life; protecting their right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Empowering and supporting them to make choices, stay safe and raise any concerns. Beginning with the assumption that an individual is best-placed to make decisions about their own wellbeing, taking proportional action on their behalf only if someone lacks the capacity to make a decision, they are exposed to a life-threatening risk, someone else may be at risk of harm, or a criminal offence has been committed or is likely to be committed.

Physical abuse:

A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child or adult at risk. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness

Sexual abuse:

Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in abuse sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Emotional abuse:

The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child or adult at risk such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on their emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child/ adult at risk that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person; not giving them opportunities to express their views; deliberately silencing them or ¿making fun¿ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed, including interactions that are beyond a child or adult at risk¿s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing them participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing a child or adult at risk to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Neglect:

The persistent failure to meet a child or adult at risk of basic physical and or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of their health or development. This may involve a parent or carer failing to:

• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment),
• protect a child/ adult at risk from physical and emotional harm or danger,
• ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers), or
• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

Additional examples of abuse and neglect of adults at risk

Financial abuse:

having money or property stolen; being defrauded; being put under pressure in relation to money or other property; and having money or other property misused.

Discriminatory abuse:

treating someone in a less favourable way and causing them harm, because of their age, gender, sexuality, gender identity, disability, socio-economic status, ethnic origin, religion and any other visible or non-visible difference.

Domestic abuse:

includes physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse by someone who is, or has been a partner or family member. Includes forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence (an act of violence based on the belief that the person has brought shame on their family or culture). Domestic abuse does not necessarily involve physical contact or violence.

Psychological abuse:

including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.

Self-neglect:

behaviour which threatens an adult¿s personal health or safety (but not that of others). Includes an adult¿s decision to not provide themselves with adequate food, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, or medication (when indicated), or take appropriate safety precautions.

Modern slavery:

encompasses slavery, human trafficking, criminal and sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

It should be noted that:

• A person who is being abused may experience more than one type of abuse
• Harassment, and bullying are also abusive and can be harmful.
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is now recognised as a form of physical, sexual and emotional abuse that is practised across the UK.
• Child Sexual Exploitation is recognised as a form of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status.
• Child trafficking is recognised as child abuse where children are often subject to multiple forms of exploitation. Children are recruited, moved or transported to, or within the UK, then exploited, forced to work or sold.
• People from all cultures are subject to abuse. It cannot be condoned for religious or cultural reasons
• Abuse can have immediate and long-term impacts on someone's well-being, including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, eating disorders and self-destructive Conducts, offending and anti-social Conduct

Those committing abuse are most often adults, both male and female. However, child-to-child abuse also takes place.

Appendix B: What to do if a disclosure from a child or adult at risk is made to you:

1. Reassure the child/adult that s/he is right to report the behavious
2. Listen carefully and calmly to him/her
3. Listen carefully and calmly to him/her
4. Keep questions to a minimum ¿ and never ask leading questions
5. Do not promise secrecy. Inform him/her that you must report your conversation to the DSL (and the police in an emergency) because it is in his/her best interest.
6. REPORT IT! If someone is in immediate danger call the police (999), DSL as soon as possible. Once reported, the Safeguarding Team will work with you to ensure the safety and well-being of the child/ adult at risk.
7. Do not permit personal doubt to prevent you from reporting the concern/disclosure
8. Make an immediate objective written record of the conversation using the Reporting a Concern Form. Make certain you distinguish between what the person has actually said and the inferences you may have made. Your report should be sent to Martyn Jones (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) within 48 hours of the incident, who will store it safely.