Safeguarding policy
As an affiliate of British Martial Arts and Boxing Association we take Safeguarding very seriously.
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to set out how Taekwondo Academy Stockport protects [children and young persons
/and or/ adults at risk] from harm during their training within the club. This includes harm arising
from abuse of all kinds, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, bullying and any
other forms of violence or exploitation.
This policy lays out Taekwondo Academy Stockport responsibilities and the reporting mechanisms, to ensure that
[instructors], parents, students and members of the public are confident reporting a concern and, for
staff, to take appropriate action.
To be clear, Safeguarding is defined as “protecting a persons’ health, wellbeing and human rights,
and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect”. In martial arts, this will typically apply
to children and young persons, and adults at risk.
Scope Of This Policy
This policy shall be effective and mandatory for all [staff, instructors, volunteers, visiting instructors]. This policy shall also be effective for all visitors and parents of Taekwondo Academy Stockport.
Policy Statement
Taekwondo Academy Stockport believes that everyone we come into contact with, regardless of age, gender identity,
disability, sexual orientation or ethnic origin has the right to be protected from all forms of harm,
abuse, neglect and exploitation. Taekwondo Academy Stockport will not tolerate abuse and exploitation by staff or
associated personnel. Taekwondo Academy Stockport remains committed to ensuring the effective prevention,
reporting and response to any safeguarding concerns raised or detected.
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Prevention
In order to provide vulnerable groups with the best possible experience and opportunities within the
styles practiced, Taekwondo Academy Stockport operates in line with the BMABA national safeguarding policy. This
includes ensuring best practice is met at all times in relation to safeguarding and risk management. A
core part of Taekwondo Academy Stockport prevention strategy is to ensure that the following is met in terms of
minimum best practice guidance at all times;
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∙Instructors are expected to comply with BMABA association national frameworks and
regulatory guidelines in respect of minimum standards, best practice and compulsory
safeguarding obligations.
∙Instructors must always hold the minimum grade required to competently and technically
deliver the class in question, with additional qualifications as necessary for specialist styles or
roles.
∙Instructors must all hold the necessary Public Liability insurance, a valid first aid qualification
and both an enhanced DBS check within 3 years from date of issue, and an in-date
safeguarding qualification relevant to the group(s) being taught.
∙Treat all young persons aged under 18 years of age, and all vulnerable adults, with respect,
dignity and courtesy.
∙Treat all children and / or vulnerable adults equally.
∙Always put the welfare of children and / or vulnerable adults first.
∙Always work in an open environment avoiding any isolation, unobserved situation,
encouraging an open and transparent club community.
∙Keep physical contact to an absolute minimum.
∙Never be alone with a child and / or vulnerable adult.
∙Where physical contact is essential as part of the safe and structured learning process of the
art, discipline or sport being practiced, the instructor and/or teaching person must only do so
with the consent of the child and/or vulnerable adult, remaining appropriate, non intrusive
and ensuring that where physical contact is essential (for example, when assisting in an
essential physical process for the purposes of safety, such as breakfalls) ensuring there is
always two fully vetted and suitable adults present at all times.
∙The involvement of parents / guardians is encouraged wherever possible, provided
safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults remains the top priority and that any
adult may not be given the opportunity to cause harm, distress or abuse to any children and
/ or vulnerable adults present.
∙Not take photographs, videos or create any other forms of media featuring any children and
/ or vulnerable adults without written consent from the carer, guardian or parents in
advance.
∙Ensure that if the club embarks on any extra-curricular activities, safeguarding of children
and / or vulnerable adults shall remain a top priority and furthermore, if classes are mixed in
gender, both a vetted male and female member of the club must be present when out of the
dojang.
∙Remain an excellent role model both in and out of the dojang. This includes not smoking,
drinking alcohol or using any foul language in front of any children and / or vulnerable adults.
∙Ensure that any contact via social media or other digital formats are recorded and minimised.
No instructor and/or club official should have any communication with children and / or
vulnerable adults via any forms of social media.
∙Recognise the development needs and capacity of the children and / or vulnerable adults in
the class and not risk sacrificing welfare or safety for the club or instructor’s personal gain.
∙In relation to the above this also means avoiding excessive training and / or competitions and
not pushing the student if they are not fully confident.
∙Secure written parental consent for the club to act in loco parentis, to give permission for the
administration of emergency first aid or other medical treatment if the need arises, ensuring
medical conditions and pre-existing injuries and allergies are recorded.
∙Keep thorough records of any injuries or near misses that have occurred, along with details
of any treatment given and further communication had with parents / guardians and/or
children and / or vulnerable adults.
∙Follow association guidelines and other association policy relating to good practice or best
practice.
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Taekwondo Academy Stockport
remains committed to ensuring prevention via professional, competent club governance at all times.
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Raising Concerns Or Making A Disclosure
Taekwondo Academy Stockport will always ensure that in any case where a child or vulnerable adult might directly
confide to any form of abuse, that the club must take immediate steps to safeguard that person
effectively. Where concerns are raised by a third party, or by suspicions held by the instructor or
club, the below checklist shall be maintained wherever possible but in all instances, the club will
escalate and report in full on all occasions.
If a child or vulnerable adults indicates that they are being abused, the instructor to whom the
disclosure is made will;
•Stay calm so as not to frighten the child or vulnerable adult.
•Reassure the child or vulnerable adult that they are not to blame and that it was right to
inform.
•Listen to the child or vulnerable adult, showing that they are being taken seriously.
•Keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has
been said. The law is very strict and child / vulnerable adult abuse cases have been dismissed
where it is felt that the child or vulnerable adult has been led or words and ideas have been
suggested during questioning. Accordingly, the instructor must only ask questions to clarify
details – not to question further.
•Inform the child or vulnerable adult that the instructor will have to inform other people about
what they have disclosed. The instructor must ensure the child or vulnerable adult
understands this is in confidence, on a needs-must basis and is to help stop the abuse
continuing.
•Safety of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount. If the child or vulnerable adult needs
urgent medical attention, the instructor will call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the
concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection / safeguarding issue.
•Record all information.
•Report the incident to the club/welfare officer and, where appropriate to the association
without delay.
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If the instructor / club is not clear on what action is required and there is a real or immediate
threat to the child or vulnerable adult, they should contact the Police on 999. Where there is
confusion on what should happen next, the instructor should not delay by contacting the
association and should instead contact a relevant statutory authority, such as the local authority
designated officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on their 24 hour help line, the number of which will be
publicly available.
Key Contacts
Key contacts for Taekowndo Academy Stockport are as follows;
Lead Instructor
Liam Foran - 07544861415
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Wellfare Officer
Dan McGrogan -
In the event that you are not confident raising your concerns with us, you can also raise immediate
safeguarding concerns or complaints to our association, the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association
(BMABA) for a confidential and professional response. The BMABA’s lead safeguarding details are
available below;
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BMABA National Designated Safeguarding Lead: Kirsty Hawkins​
Telephone Number: 01798 306546 (ext. 201)​
E-Mail: safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk