Introduction

Wandsworth grappling is committed to providing a safe environment where all participants, especially children and vulnerable adults, can train in a safe, friendly, and positive environment. This policy outlines the responsibilities of our coaches, staff, volunteers, and members in safeguarding matters of all individuals associated with the club and with the inclusion of anti-bullying policy.

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1. Purpose

This policy sets out our goals and approach to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. It applies to all aspects of our work and to everyone working / volunteering for us at  Wandsworth Grappling.

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2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all members, staff, volunteers, coaches, visitors, and anyone involved in activities at  our club, whether on or off the club premises.

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3. Definitions

• Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

• Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who is unable to care for themselves or protect themselves from harm due to age, illness, or disability.

• Abuse: A violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons.

• protecting children from maltreatment

 

4.Key Principles

• The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount.

• All individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial or ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to enjoy Jiu-Jitsu in a safe environment.

• All allegations or suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, appropriately, and effectively.

• This means that everything we do will be in the interests of children , young people and vulnerable adults.

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5. Roles and Responsibilities 

• Safeguarding Officer: The designated person responsible for safeguarding within the club. This individual will act as the main point of contact for any safeguarding concerns.

• Coaches and Staff: Must adhere to this policy, promote best practices, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.

• Members and Parents: Should respect the safeguarding policy and report any concerns about the safety or welfare of others.

• Wandsworth grappling is committed to ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and coaches undergo proper vetting procedures, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks where required.

 

6. Code of Conduct

 All staff, coaches, volunteers, and members are expected to:

• Treat everyone with respect and dignity.

• Always prioritise the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

• Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult unless necessary and always in an open, observable environment.

• Refrain from engaging in physical contact unless it is necessary for instruction and always seek verbal consent where possible.

• Report any inappropriate behaviour or suspected abuse immediately. 

• Recognising Signs of Abuse

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7. Expectations of Instructors and Assistants

Everyone working for us has a responsibility to familiarise themselves with this safeguarding policy and the procedures that go with it. They must maintain a proper focus on the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults in all aspects of their work.

Anyone who works for us must inform the person in charge if they or any adult living in their household become(s) the subject of an allegation of abuse against a child or vulnerable adult or a police enquiry, irrespective of the nature of that enquiry.

Any allegations of misconduct towards children and/or vulnerable adults by those working for us will be managed by the appointed welfare.

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8. Guidelines for use of social media

When using Wandsworth grappling social media related sites, participants of all age groups, parents , volunteers and coaches must adhere to the following general rules:

1. Do not upload, post, forward or link to any abusive, obscene, discriminatory, harassing, derogatory or defamatory content.

2. Any member, Volunteer, Coach, Parent and children who feels that they have been harassed, bullied; or are offended by material posted or uploaded by a Member, Volunteer, Coach, parent and children onto a social media site or  Website should inform a Head Coach.

c .Do not be drawn to escalate heated discussion or comments.

1. Consider others privacy and feelings, and avoid sensitive discussion topics.

2. Monitoring and review of this policy.

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Volunteers, Coaches, parents and children that are part and or represent Wandsworth  Grappling  at all times when online and the topic of discussion is Wandsworth Grappling and any comments that are reported will be investigated; based on findings, it might lead to  termination of association / membership with Wandsworth Grappling of the perpetrator/s reported to the relevant authorities on the matter.

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9. Photography and filming of children

In line with NSPCC guidelines ( https://www.nspcc.org.uk/), we do not permit photographs, media clips or other images of children to be taken without the consent of the parents (or carers) and the child and this includes any coach, volunteer or member that needs/wants to undertake photography or filming of children who are not the parents (or carers)  of the children.

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10. Acting on safeguarding concerns

All safeguarding concerns will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.

No one working for us should investigate concerns about individual children or vulnerable adults who are or may be being abused or who are at risk. However, this does not mean that we should do nothing when we learn of a concern. We all have a responsibility to make sure that concerns about children and vulnerable adults are passed to the agency that can help them without delay.

If we are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of being abused or neglected, we will not ignore the suspicions and will not assume that someone else will take action to protect that person.

Concerns about children will be referred to the relevant children’s social care department of the local authority where the child lives.

Anyone working for us who has concerns about the behaviour of a colleague will raise this with the appointed officer or to the proper authorities and  based on findings, it might lead to  termination of association / membership with Wandsworth Grappling of the perpetrator/s reported to the relevant authorities on the matter.

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​11. Anti-Bullying Policy

 At Wandsworth grappling , we are committed to maintaining a training environment free from bullying, harassment, abuse  or intimidation. Bullying  or abuse of any kind, whether verbal, physical, or emotional, will not be tolerated. This includes:

• Name-calling, teasing, or making offensive remarks

• Deliberately excluding or isolating individuals

• Physical intimidation or aggression

• Cyberbullying through social media or messaging platforms

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, or causing physical harm.

• Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment or verbal abuse.

• Sexual Abuse: Forcing or enticing someone to participate in sexual activities.

• Neglect: Persistent failure to meet basic needs.

 

Any reports of bullying or abuse will be treated seriously and addressed promptly. Those found to be engaging in bullying behavior may face disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the club. We encourage members to report any concerns to a coach or the Safeguarding Officer to help foster a respectful and supportive environment.

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12. Reporting Procedures

If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, contact emergency services immediately by dialing 999.

• Report all safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.

• Concerns can be reported verbally or in writing. Written reports should include the date, time, persons involved, and the nature of the concern.

• The Safeguarding Officer will assess the information and, if necessary, refer the case to appropriate authorities (e.g., local child protection services, police).

 

Resources and support

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000

A free 24-hour service which provides counselling, information and advice to anyone concerned about a child at risk of abuse.

 

NSPCC Textphone (for people who are deaf or hard of hearing): 0800 056 0566 

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

 

Anti-Bullying Alliance:  www.antibullyingalliance.org

 

13. Learning, training and improving

We are determined to keep improving our knowledge and understanding of how best to protect the children in our care. We will review our own practice regularly to check that we are placing the right emphasis on safeguarding in our work.

We will carry out in-depth reviews of our actions in cases where children are found to require our safeguarding actions. The main purpose of the reviews is to learn lessons about when our systems need to improve to protect children better in future. We will also promote a culture in which we are able to highlight and review near misses to learn and improve our practice.

All staff, coaches, and volunteers will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role. Regular updates and refresher training will be provided to ensure the safeguarding policy remains current and effective.

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14. Policy review and approval

This policy has been approved by the management committee and  will be reviewed annually to ensure that it reflects best practice or when there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or circumstances within the club and these will be communicated to all members, staff, and volunteers accordingly.