OUR SAFEGUARDING POLICY

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Commitment to Safeguarding

Dragon Spirit Martial Arts is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all members, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. As a new martial arts school, we recognise our duty of care and take safeguarding very seriously.


Our safeguarding practices are guided by:

  • UK legislation, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).

  • Best practice from the NSPCC and the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU).

  • The BMABA National Safeguarding Policy, which provides independent safeguarding oversight for our club.

Dragon Spirit Martial Arts is registered and licensed with BMABA – the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association. BMABA provides independent safeguarding oversight, which means that any parent, student, or stakeholder can raise concerns directly with BMABA’s safeguarding team at safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk or via bmaba.org.uk/safeguarding.


1. Safeguarding Principles

1.1 The Welfare of the Child or Vulnerable Adult is Paramount

  • Every child and vulnerable adult has the right to feel safe and protected.

  • Their welfare comes before the interests of any instructor, club, or organisation.


1.2 Equal Right to Protection

  • No one will experience abuse or discrimination because of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

  • Reasonable adjustments will be made to include individuals with disabilities or additional needs.


1.3 Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility

  • Students, parents, and instructors all share responsibility for creating a safe training environment.

  • Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately.


1.4 Best Practice to Protect Members

  • I hold an enhanced PVG check (required for working with children and vulnerable groups in Scotland).

  • No child will ever be left alone one-to-one with me without another responsible adult present.

  • Physical contact is limited to what is necessary for teaching martial arts techniques, explained clearly, and done respectfully.

  • A strict no private messaging rule applies — all communication with under-18s goes through parents/guardians.


1.5 Reporting Concerns

  • Any concerns should be reported to me, the Club Safeguarding Officer.

  • If the concern involves me directly, parents/guardians should report it straight to BMABA’s safeguarding unit at safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk.

  • In emergencies, always call 999.


2. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

As Dragon Spirit Martial Arts currently has one instructor, I, Daniel Menzies, am the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Responsibilities:

  • First point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • Keep accurate and confidential records of concerns.

  • Follow BMABA safeguarding policies and escalate when necessary.

  • Report serious concerns to BMABA or statutory services (police/social care).

Contact: dragonspirit.dundee@gmail.com


Independent Oversight: Concerns can also be raised directly with BMABA.

Email: safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk

Website: bmaba.org.uk/safeguarding


3. Safer Recruitment & Training

Since I am currently the only instructor:

  • I hold an enhanced PVG check.

  • I complete regular safeguarding training through BMABA/NSPCC.

  • Any future assistant instructors or volunteers will be fully vetted before joining (PVG checked, safeguarding trained, and supervised at all times).


4. Recognising Abuse & Poor Practice

I remain vigilant to the signs of:

  • Physical abuse (unexplained injuries, repeated accidents).

  • Emotional abuse (excessive criticism, intimidation, isolation).

  • Sexual abuse (inappropriate behaviour, grooming).

  • Neglect (hygiene issues, lack of supervision).

Poor practice (not always abuse but still concerning) includes:

  • Excessive physical contact.

  • Being alone with a student.

  • Favouritism or exclusion.

  • Ignoring safety procedures.


5. Responding to Concerns

  • Concerns are taken seriously, recorded factually, and reported promptly.

  • If immediate risk is identified → contact emergency services (999).

  • For all other cases, report to me (Daniel Menzies) or BMABA safeguarding unit.


6. Codes of Conduct

For Instructors (me)

  • Always prioritise safety and wellbeing.

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

  • No private one-on-one training with children.

  • Report any concerns immediately.


For Parents/Guardians

  • Support children positively (focus on effort, not just results).

  • Never use aggression or abusive behaviour.

  • Raise concerns respectfully with the safeguarding officer.


For Students

  • Show respect to instructors, peers, and parents.

  • Train safely, responsibly, and follow instructions.

  • Report any behaviour that makes them feel unsafe.


7. Social Media & Online Safety

  • No private messaging between instructor and under-18s.

  • All communication goes through parents/guardians.

  • Photos/videos only taken with prior written consent from parents.

  • Club social media is moderated — no inappropriate comments allowed.


8. Inclusion & Anti-Bullying

  • Dragon Spirit Martial Arts is inclusive of all backgrounds and abilities.

  • Zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination, or harassment.

  • Reasonable adjustments made for students with disabilities or additional needs.


9. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation or best practice changes.


Signed:

Daniel Menzies

Head Instructor & Club Safeguarding Officer

Dragon Spirit Martial Arts

Contact: dragonspirit.dundee@gmail.com

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