1. Safeguarding Statement

At KBF Martial Arts Academy, the safety and wellbeing of all our members is our highest priority.

We are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where children, young people and vulnerable adults can train, develop confidence and enjoy martial arts free from harm.

All instructors, assistants and volunteers share responsibility for safeguarding and are expected to uphold the highest standards at all times.

2. Key Safeguarding Contact

Club Welfare Officer (CWO):

Sabrina Murphy

📧 Sabrina.Murphy@kickboxfit.co.uk

If a concern cannot be raised internally, you can contact:

    • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
    • Local Authority Safeguarding Team (Brighton & Hove)
    • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

3. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

    • All instructors and coaches
    • Assistant instructors and trainee leaders
    • Volunteers
    • Students
    • Parents/guardians

4. Our Safeguarding Commitment

KBF will:

    • Provide a safe and positive environment for all members
    • Treat all children and adults with respect and dignity
    • Ensure all instructors are appropriately qualified and DBS checked
    • Act quickly and appropriately on any safeguarding concern
    • Work in line with UK safeguarding laws and best practice

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Club Welfare Officer

    • First point of contact for safeguarding concerns
    • Manages and records incidents
    • Escalates concerns where necessary

Instructors & Coaches

    • Deliver safe, structured sessions
    • Maintain appropriate boundaries
    • Report any concerns immediately

Assistant Instructors / Trainees

    • Work under supervision
    • Support safe delivery of sessions
    • Raise concerns to senior staff

6. Code of Conduct

For Coaches & Staff

    • Treat all members with respect
    • Never engage in inappropriate physical or verbal behaviour
    • Avoid being alone with a child where possible
    • Maintain professional boundaries at all times
    • Do not engage in private communication with under 18s outside official channels

For Students

    • Show respect to instructors and other members
    • No bullying, intimidation or unsafe behaviour
    • Follow all safety instructions

For Parents

    • Support a positive and respectful environment
    • Raise concerns through the correct channels
    • Ensure children arrive and are collected safely

7. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you have a concern:

    1. Report it immediately to the Club Welfare Officer
    2. If urgent, contact emergency services (999)
    3. Do not investigate yourself
    4. Record what you have seen or been told as accurately as possible

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.

If required, concerns will be escalated to:

    • Local safeguarding authorities
    • Police
    • NSPCC

8. DBS & Safer Recruitment

    • All instructors working with children hold an enhanced DBS check
    • DBS checks are regularly updated
    • Assistant instructors are supervised at all times
    • No individual is allowed to coach unsupervised without appropriate clearance

9. Photography & Social Media

KBF will:

    • Obtain consent for photography and video use
    • Use images appropriately and respectfully
    • Never share personal information alongside images
    • Monitor social media use linked to the club

10. Anti-Bullying Policy

KBF has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.

This includes:

    • Verbal abuse
    • Physical intimidation
    • Online bullying

Any incidents will be:

    • Addressed immediately
    • Investigated
    • Acted upon appropriately

11. Health & Safety

    • All sessions are risk assessed
    • Equipment is checked regularly
    • Appropriate protective equipment is used where required
    • Injuries are recorded and managed appropriately

12. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually.