McKinstry Family Karate - Safeguarding Statement of Intent

We firmly believe that martial arts training presents a positive opportunity for all to learn self defence, improve self-confidence and develop as an individual. Every participant is entitled to do so in a safe and properly regulated environment.

Accordingly, everyone involved in the delivery of martial arts has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that, when given responsibility for young persons or adults at risk, the highest standards of professionalism and care are always exercised. McKinstry Family Karate is committed to implementing policies so that everyone within the chain of command accept their responsibilities to safeguard children and / or vulnerable adults from harm and abuse.

This means following pre-decided procedures to vulnerable groups and reporting any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities without delay. The aim of this policy is to promote best practice providing vulnerable groups within any club registered under our Association the appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of an instructor. It is also to allow our members (instructors, coaches, sensei’s and associated supervising members) the opportunity to remain informed and confident on their obligations and requirements in relation to the safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults. Whilst McKinstry Family Karate takes all possible steps to safeguard and protect the welfare of vulnerable groups within our school.

Our coaching team and any staff members/volunteers/lead instructor are expected to comply with all our safeguarding policies that are designed to ensure they safeguard vulnerable groups effectively, including the completion of a safeguarding qualification and the implementation of a safeguarding policy specific. We have a safeguarding lead (also referred to as a welfare officer) who takes ultimate responsibility for policy and training within the school. Key Considerations

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

● Whilst the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding at club level must rest with McKinstry Family Karate’s lead instructor / safeguarding lead, safeguarding is not specific to just coaches. Volunteers, staff, and other adults within the school should be aware of their safeguarding obligations without question

● A Vulnerable adult is someone who (a)has a dependency upon others in the performance of, or a requirement for assistance in the performance of, basic physical functions; (b)severe impairment in the ability to communicate with others; or. (c)impairment in a person's ability to protect himself from assault, abuse, or neglect.

● Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s a matter that must be addressed with the gravity and seriousness it deserves

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