KIN Jiu-Jitsu
Safeguarding Policy & Code of Conduct (UK)
Version: 1.3
Last Reviewed: 02/26
Next Review Due: 02/27
Approved by: Rory McDowell (Gym Owner / Head Coach)
1. Policy Statement
KIN Jiu-Jitsu is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive training
environment for all members. We recognise a particular duty of care to children, young people, and
vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone involved with KIN Jiu-Jitsu,
including owners, coaches, assistant instructors, volunteers, contractors, and members. We operate
a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct.
2. Legal & Regulatory Framework (UK)
This policy is informed by UK legislation and guidance, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004;
Working Together to Safeguard Children; the Care Act 2014; Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act
2006; Equality Act 2010; Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR; Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
1974; and guidance from Sport England, the NSPCC, and relevant martial arts governing bodies.
3. Definitions
Child / Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
Vulnerable Adult: An adult who may be at increased risk due to age, disability, illness, mental
health, or other circumstances.
Safeguarding: Protecting individuals’ health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live
free from harm, abuse, or neglect.
Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, or harassment.
4. Safeguarding Risks in Martial ArtsMartial arts training involves close physical contact, authority relationships, power imbalances, and
environments that require trust. These risks are managed through clear professional boundaries,
supervision, transparency, and accountability.
5. Roles & Responsibilities
Gym Owner / Head Coach: Holds overall responsibility for safeguarding, ensures this policy is
implemented, and that staff are appropriately trained.
Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Kelly McDowell
Email: info@kinjj.co.uk
The Safeguarding Lead receives and manages safeguarding concerns, maintains confidential
records, and ensures concerns are handled promptly, fairly, and using due process, including
referral to statutory agencies where required.
6. Code of Conduct – Staff, Coaches & Volunteers
All staff and volunteers must treat members with dignity and respect; maintain appropriate
professional boundaries; use physical contact only where necessary for coaching purposes; explain
techniques before contact; avoid favouritism; refrain from private communication with minors; avoid
one-to-one situations with minors where possible; and comply fully with safeguarding procedures.
7. Code of Conduct – Members
Members must treat others with respect, follow gym rules and safety instructions, maintain
appropriate hygiene and attire, refrain from bullying, harassment, or discrimination, and report
safeguarding concerns responsibly and in good faith.
8. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
KIN Jiu-Jitsu is committed to equality of opportunity and compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion on the basis of protected characteristics will not be
tolerated. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabilities where practicable.
9. Safeguarding Concerns & Reporting
Anyone with a safeguarding concern should take it seriously, respond calmly, not promise
confidentiality, record relevant facts accurately, and report the concern via info@kinjj.co.uk. All
concerns will be handled confidentially and using due process.
10. Malicious or False Allegations
KIN Jiu-Jitsu encourages safeguarding concerns to be raised honestly and in good faith. However,
malicious, deliberately false, or vexatious allegations—made with the intent to mislead, defame,
intimidate, retaliate, or otherwise cause harm—will not be tolerated. Where it is established through
appropriate assessment and due process that an allegation has been knowingly made falsely or
maliciously, disciplinary action may be taken. This provision does not apply to allegations raised
honestly and in good faith, even where they are not substantiated.
11. Handling Allegations – Fair Process and Due ProcessAll safeguarding allegations will be managed fairly, proportionately, and confidentially, in line with
guidance from the NSPCC, Sport England, and relevant statutory agencies. This includes initial risk
assessment, accurate factual recording, confidentiality on a need-to-know basis, consideration of
the welfare and rights of all parties, and referral to statutory bodies where required.
12. External Referrals
Where there is a risk of significant harm, KIN Jiu-Jitsu may refer concerns to Local Authority
Children’s or Adult Safeguarding Services, the Police, or emergency services in line with statutory
guidance.
13. Confidentiality & Data Protection
Safeguarding information is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis and stored securely. All
personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
14. Disciplinary Action
Failure to comply with this policy may result in warnings, suspension, termination of membership,
employment, or volunteer role, and referral to statutory authorities where appropriate. Serious
breaches may be treated as gross misconduct.
15. Training & Policy Review
Safeguarding training will be provided to staff and coaches appropriate to their role. This policy is
reviewed annually, following any safeguarding incident, or in response to changes in law or
guidance.
16. Right to Refuse, Cancel, or Terminate Membership
KIN Jiu-Jitsu reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse admission, decline, suspend, cancel,
or terminate the membership of any individual where it is reasonably deemed that gym rules,
safeguarding policies, codes of conduct, or operational protocols have not been followed, and/or
where the expectations of members, staff, or coaches have not been met.
Such decisions may be made in order to protect the safety, wellbeing, integrity, and reputation of the
gym, its members, staff, and wider community. Action may be taken with or without prior warning,
depending on the nature and seriousness of the circumstances, and may include temporary or
permanent exclusion from training or activities.
Where appropriate, decisions will be made fairly and proportionately, with due regard to
safeguarding obligations, equality considerations, and the welfare of all parties. Termination of
membership under this provision does not affect KIN Jiu-Jitsu’s right to take further action where
required, including referral to statutory authorities or governing bodies.