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Statement on Safeguarding Children
The Aikido Alliance (AA) acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practices reflect statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice requirements.
The Aikido Alliance 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 aikido at any AA affililated club, in a safe and child-centred environment
- are protected from abuse whilst participating in aikido and, as far as is possible, outside of the aikido environment.
We acknowledge that some children, including disabled children and/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.
The Aikido Alliance recognises that by implementing effective safeguarding measures it can support the child protection system.
Statement on Safeguarding Adults
The Alliance believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.
The Alliance is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.
The Alliance acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to prevent abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved.
The Alliance recognises that health, well-being, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience. We recognise that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help. We recognise that these factors can vary at different points in people’s lives.
The Alliance recognises that there is a legal framework within which sports need to work to safeguard adults who have needs for care and support and for protecting those who are unable to take action to protect themselves and will act in accordance with the relevant safeguarding adult legislation and with local statutory safeguarding procedures.
Actions taken by the Alliance will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.
Case Management
It is best practice across sport that all governing organisations should have a Case Managment Group (CMG). This group should comprise appropriately skilled people who can (collectively) advise and make decisions on the recruitment of those working with children. The group will also deal with matters relating to suspected abuse (inside or outside of an aikido setting) as well as incidents of poor practice within clubs.
The Aikido Alliance’s CMG includes:
Vincent Sumpter and Sue Ward who are trained in case management by the Child Protection in Sport Unit
Anita Griggs: who is a founder Director of Vista Wellbeing CIC. Anita is a former NHS clinical practitioner in the field of activity and health. She is trained in risk assessment and the management of risk. Anita now works full time as the clinical exercise Lead within Vista Wellbeing. Anita brings an appropriate skillset to the Alliance’s CMG and offers an independent view from outside the sport. She is also experienced in working with adults at risk.
We follow guidance provided by the Child Protection in Sport Unit and the Ann Craft Trust
Audit and Quality Assurance
The Aikido Alliance strongly recommends that clubs offering sessions to under 18s apply for the Safeguarding Code. This annual quality assurance process checks that all basic safeguarding requirements are in place. An example of an Aikido Alliance club which has the Safeguarding Code can be found here: https://www.bradford-aikido.co.uk/our-club/safeguarding
In June of each year, the Alliance’s Lead Safeguarding Officer will, through the respective Association Safeguarding Officers, undertake a compliance audit of all member clubs offering sessions for under 18s.