Safeguarding Policy

Stafford Shotokan Karate Child Protection Policy Statement

Stafford Shotokan Karate acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and the requirements of Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

  • Have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at SSK in a safe and child centred environment

  • Are protected from abuse whilst participating in training or competitions or any event held outside of the activity

Stafford Shotokan Karate acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people 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.

As part of our safeguarding commitment SSK will:

  • Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and place their welfare at the centre of everything we do.

  • Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people.

  • 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 procedures set out the pathway for referring any disclosures of abuse through the correct channels in order that a multi-agency approach between Staffordshire’s Children’s Advise and Support (SCAS) and MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (Police) and Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where appropriate.

  • Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.

  • Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals through DBS checks and certification.

  • Ensure that robust safeguarding arrangements are implemented at all times which are compliant with Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures and statutory national guidance set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.

  • Have designated Child Protection Leads within the club that are appropriately qualified to ensure our safeguarding responsibilities are rigorously maintained.

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

Safeguarding Officers

  • Karen Payne

  • Hayley Pritchard

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then 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 Home Country Sports Councils and South Staffordshire Children’s Board

  • As a result of any other significant change or event.

Terms of Reference

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (Copy on request)

Who to Contact

If anyone has concerns regarding a child or young person within the club they should contact either:

  • Staffordshire’s Children’s Advise and Support (SCAS) - 0300 111 8007

  • Designated Safeguarding Officers within SSK

    • Karen Payne (07977 619241)

    • Hayley Pritchard (07713 163734)

*updated - 20.07.2024