Taijutsu Kai acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice as promoted by the Child Protection in Sport Unit. NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit | CPSU (thecpsu.org.uk)

Taijutsu Kai is committed to the welfare and protection of children and young people so that they can enjoy practicing jujutsu in safety to the best of their ability without fear, threat or abuse. Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding and protecting children from abuse and we believe that it is the responsibility of everyone connected with Taijutsu Kai, to ensure that all children and young people within our clubs have a fun and positive experience of jujutsu.

Some roles such as Welfare Officers and coaches, have explicit duties and require appropriate training, but everyone in Taijutsu Kai has a role to play as the eyes and ears of the organisation and any concerns can be discussed with the Welfare Officer, the Designated lead for Safeguarding or a club coach. Child abuse and particularly child sex abuse can arouse strong emotions in those facing such a situation and it is important to understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take.

This policy applies to all coaches registered with Taijutsu Kai, assistant coaches, volunteers, anyone carrying out duties on behalf of Taijutsu Kai, parents and carers.

 A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children’s Act 1989)

This policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances.  It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children and vulnerable adults: 

• Have a positive and enjoyable experience of jujutsu at Taijutsu Kai in a safe and child centred environment
• Are protected from any form of abuse whilst participating in jujutsu or any associated event regardless of the venue

All children and young people have the right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief or sexual identity.

As part of our safeguarding policy Taijutsu Kai will:

• Promote and prioritise safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Value, listen to and respect children and young people
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation and embedded in day to day routine
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
• Adopt safeguarding best practise through our policies procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers
• Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with the opportunities to access appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people and provide effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision support training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about our policies procedures and behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently
• Take seriously all suspicions and allegations of abuse and respond swiftly and appropriately
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with data protection legislation UK GDPR guidance and resources | ICO
• Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
• Appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people and a deputy
• Share information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their parents and make sure that they know where to go for help if they have a concern
• Develop and implement an effective online safety policy and related procedures using a variety of media including online, face to face, group and one to one discussion

We recognise that working in partnership with children and young people and their parents or carers is essential for the protection of children and young people and ensure opportunities exist to make this happen.

We acknowledge that some children, including disabled children or those from ethnic minority communities can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Taijutsu Kai.  Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from Taijutsu Kai.

Monitoring and Review

The policy will be reviewed every three years or in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• As required by the local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Child Protection in Sport Unit
• As a result of any other significant change or event.

Last review date: November 2024

Last reviewed by: Amanda Wright, Designated Safeguarding and Child Protection Officer

Next review due: November 2027