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SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION

DATE

Effective Date: 15th August 2025

 

Applies to every PTI Retreat, regardless of location or venue.

1. RESIDENTIAL CAMP PROGRAMS - Policy Statement

Peak Tennis International is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people participating in its camp programmes. The organisation recognises its duty of care to protect minors from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and any form of inappropriate conduct.

 

This Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy applies to all staff members, coaches, contractors, volunteers, visiting professionals, and partner organisations involved in PEAK Camps in Switzerland, Austria, and the United Kingdom.

 

The welfare of the child is paramount in all decisions and actions.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

 

  • Ensure a safe and supportive environment for all minors

  • Prevent abuse, misconduct, and inappropriate behaviour

  • Establish clear reporting and response procedures

  • Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and responsibility

  • Ensure compliance with applicable safeguarding legislation in host countries

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

 

  • All minors under the age of 18 attending PEAK Camps

  • All adults engaged by or representing Peak Tennis International

  • All activities conducted within residential, sporting, recreational, and excursion settings

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

Peak Tennis International operates in accordance with applicable safeguarding legislation and guidance in each host country, including but not limited to:

 

  • United Kingdom child protection guidance and DBS vetting requirements

  • Swiss youth protection and welfare regulations

  • Austrian youth welfare and child protection legislation

 

Where programmes are hosted at third-party institutions, roles and responsibilities regarding safeguarding are clearly defined in contractual agreements.

5. Definitions

Child / Minor: Any person under the age of 18 participating in PEAK Camps.

 

Safeguarding: Proactive measures taken to protect children from harm and promote their welfare.

 

Abuse: Includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, harassment, and any conduct that causes harm.

 

Safeguarding Lead: The designated individual responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures during the camp.

6. Core Principles

Peak Tennis International is guided by the following principles:

 

  • Zero tolerance for abuse or misconduct

  • The best interests of the child take precedence

  • Early identification and reporting of concerns

  • Respect for dignity, privacy, and cultural diversity

  • Clear accountability at all operational levels

7. Recruitment and Vetting

All staff and coaches undergo appropriate recruitment procedures prior to engagement, including:

 

  • Verification of identity and qualifications

  • Reference checks

  • Criminal background screening appropriate to the host country

  • Review of previous employment history

  • Safeguarding awareness training prior to programme delivery

 

No individual may work directly with minors without appropriate vetting and clearance.

8. Staff Training

All staff members receive safeguarding training covering:

 

  • Recognising signs of abuse and neglect

  • Professional boundaries and appropriate conduct

  • Reporting procedures and documentation requirements

  • Emergency response protocols

 

Refresher training is conducted periodically to maintain awareness and compliance.

9. Code of Conduct

All adults working within PEAK Camps must adhere to the following standards:

 

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times

  • Avoid one-to-one situations in closed or isolated spaces

  • Refrain from inappropriate physical contact

  • Use respectful and age-appropriate communication

  • Avoid discriminatory, humiliating, or abusive language

  • Do not engage in private digital communication with minors outside approved channels

  • Act as positive role models at all times

 

Breaches of this Code may result in disciplinary action, suspension, or termination.

10. Supervision and Welfare

PEAK Camps maintains structured supervision throughout the programme:

 

  • Continuous residential supervision

  • Appropriate adult-to-minor ratios

  • Clear daily schedules and movement monitoring

  • Supervision during training, meals, recreational activities, and excursions

  • Designated staff responsible for pastoral care

 

Medical information and emergency contacts are collected prior to participation. Qualified personnel oversee medical and well-being matters during the camp.

11. Reporting Procedures

All staff members have a duty to report safeguarding concerns immediately.

 

The reporting process is as follows:

  1. Ensure the immediate safety of the child

  2. Inform the designated Safeguarding Lead without delay

  3. Document factual observations in writing

  4. Escalate to appropriate external authorities where required

  5. Provide appropriate support to the child

 

Staff must not conduct their own investigations. Concerns must be handled confidentially and professionally.

12. Parental Communication

Parents and guardians are provided with:

 

  • • Clear safeguarding information prior to arrival

  • • Emergency contact procedures

  • • Behavioural expectations for participants

  • • Information on how to raise concerns

 

Informed consent is obtained prior to participation, including medical disclosures and media permissions.

13. Digital and Media Protection

  • Images and videos of minors are captured only with parental consent

  • Media content is used responsibly and respectfully

  • Personal data is handled in accordance with applicable data protection regulations

  • Staff communications with minors are restricted to official camp channels

14. Partnership and Facility Safeguarding

Where camps operate within third-party facilities:

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  • Responsibilities are clearly defined contractually

  • Joint safeguarding standards are reviewed

  • Emergency procedures are aligned

  • Supervision accountability remains clearly allocated

15. Policy Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or when required due to:

 

  • Changes in legislation

  • Operational developments

  • Incident analysis or risk assessments

 

Continuous improvement is central to Peak Tennis International’s commitment to safeguarding.

16. Commitment Statement

Peak Tennis International is committed to creating environments in which children feel safe, respected, supported, and empowered. Safeguarding is not a procedural obligation but a fundamental responsibility embedded in the culture and operation of every programme delivered.

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