How do I know which Criminal Record Check (CRC) I need?
If you work in England or Wales, you will need a DBS check.
If you work in Scotland, you will need a PVG scheme.
If you have been living in the UK for less than two years, or are planning on coming to the UK to work, you will need to obtain an international criminal record/background check.
What are the CRC requirements for Coach Accreditation?
To make your first application for accreditation, you must have a CRC through the LTA that is less than one year old. Once you are accredited, your CRC will last for three years providing you renew your accreditation on time every year.
For more information or to apply, please refer to our DBS pages.
Can I use my volunteer DBS check for Coach Accreditation?
No, it is not possible to use a volunteer check for Coach Accreditation. The Home Office states that an applicant must not benefit from a Volunteers DBS Check. This means that the applicant must not receive any payment for their role (except for travel and other approved out of pocket expenses), be on a work placement, be on a course that requires them to do the job role (includes students), or be in a trainee position that will lead to a full time role/qualification.
I already have a DBS from a role where I worked with children, why do I need another one with the LTA?
If you have a DBS issued via a different organisation, the LTA may be able to accept the check providing it is subscribed to the Update Service and the level of check is correct for your role in tennis. If your DBS is subscribed to the Update Service, please request a Status check.
How long does a DBS application take to complete?
Once your DBS has been countersigned, it can take just a few days to process however it could take up to 8 weeks. Please allow sufficient time if you need to renew your accreditation or are looking to book on a coaching course.
What is a “self-declaration” and how often do I need to complete it?
In line with the LTA's Code of Conduct for Accredited Coaches, you will be invited to complete an annual self-declaration on the first and second anniversary of your CRC. You have a duty to notify the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team if you have:
- been involved in any social care investigation or police investigation; or
- received any new charges, cautions or convictions.
I completed a First Aid course – how do I get this to appear on my profile?
If you have completed a First Aid course through an external provider and it is not showing in your Coach Secure Area, we will need to see evidence of the certificate. You can scan a copy of the certificate or take a clear photograph and send this to your regional team or the British Tennis Services Team at info@lta.org.uk.
I completed an LTA Safeguarding and Protection in Tennis course, but it is not showing in my Coach Secure Area?
If you completed an SPT course but it is not appearing, you will need to contact your regional team as they administer these courses. You can find out how to contact your regional team.
What is the online Safeguarding in Tennis Together course?
In September 2016, we introduced ‘Safeguarding in Tennis Together’, an online safeguarding course. This means that you can now renew your safeguarding training for free online to make it easier to keep your safeguarding training (a pre-requisite for Accreditation) up-to-date.
Please note, you are only allowed to take the online course if the last safeguarding course you completed was face-to-face training i.e. you must alternate between face-to-face and online training and cannot use the online course to satisfy your pre-requisites twice in succession. You can access the online course once your face-to-face training is more than 12 months old, but less than 3 years old.
I have completed the Level 4/5 Senior/Master Club Coach as well as the Level 4/5 Senior/Master Performance Coach Qualification. Why am I only able to download one certificate?
The certificate of the most recent qualification will appear on the right-hand side of the ‘Manage Your Accreditation’ page. Coaches can request a copy of the certificate that’s not showing by emailing the British Tennis Services Team at info@lta.org.uk.
I have purchased my year’s accreditation, however no longer require this – am I able to cancel and get a refund?
Accreditation is refundable at any time within 14 days of purchase. You will need to contact the British Tennis Services Team in writing at info@lta.org.uk who will confirm if you are eligible for a refund and proceed accordingly.
For further information, please refer to the terms and conditions of LTA Coach Accreditation.
How can I find coaching jobs?
A number of vacancies are posted on our Coaching Jobs page and also on OrangeCoach.com – the recruitment service affiliated with LTA Coach Accreditation.
How can I post a job advert?
If you are an LTA Accredited Coach, you can post a job for free on our website.
You will need to download and complete the Coaching Job Template and send it through to your regional team.