Safeguarding

Kent Grapple recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all members and will take all reasonable steps to protect them from harm, discrimination, and abuse.

• The welfare of children and adults at risk is the club's primary concern.
• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial origin, religious belief, or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse.
• The club is committed to working in partnership with statutory agencies, parents, carers, and other organisations to promote welfare.
• Any concerns regarding safeguarding will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• The Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) will be responsible for implementing and monitoring this policy.
• All coaches, volunteers, and staff must complete safeguarding training and undergo appropriate background checks (DBS or equivalent).
• Club members, parents, and guardians must be made aware of this policy and how to report concerns.

The club acknowledges that abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and bullying. Signs of abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Unexplained injuries
• Changes in behaviour or confidence
• Reluctance to train or interact with others
• Excessive fear of certain individuals
• Sudden withdrawal or loss of enthusiasm for the sport

Reporting Concerns: Any concerns about a child or adult at risk must be reported immediately to the CSO. If the CSO is unavailable, concerns should be escalated to the UKBJJA Safeguarding Lead Officer.

Responding to Disclosures:

• Stay calm and listen carefully
• Reassure the individual that they were right to speak up
• Do not promise confidentiality
• Record details accurately and pass them to the CSO
• Do not investigate the matter yourself

Escalation: The CSO will decide the next steps, which may include notifying statutory authorities (Children's Social Care, Police, or UKBJJA Safeguarding Lead Officer).

All club members, coaches, volunteers, and staff must adhere to the UKBJJA Code of Conduct:

• Treat all individuals with respect and dignity
• Avoid situations where abuse or allegations could occur
• Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary for coaching purposes only
• Never engage in behaviour that could be considered inappropriate, including favouritism, harassment, or bullying

In line with UKBJJA's strict membership criteria, all coaches at the club hold an Enhanced DBS check, as well as first aid and safeguarding in sport training with a validity period of three years. These checks are renewed as required to ensure ongoing compliance.

Any individual who suspects abuse or malpractice within the club should report it without fear of reprisal. Our whistleblowing policy ensures full protection for those raising concerns in good faith. You will never be penalised for raising a genuine concern.

• No images or videos of young people should be taken without written parental consent
• All images must be appropriate and used for coaching or club promotional purposes only
• Social media interactions must be professional and respectful, with no private messaging between adults and young people

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in UKBJJA safeguarding guidance.