Forge Grappling Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Forge Grappling is committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all members, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise our duty of care and responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of every participant. This policy outlines our approach to preventing harm, responding to concerns, and ensuring that safeguarding is embedded in everything we do.

Forge Grappling adheres to UK legislation and guidance, including:

The Children Act 1989 & 2004

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) standards

UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All coaches, instructors, volunteers, and staff

All members and participants

Parents, carers, and visitors

Any contractors or external providers working with Forge Grappling

It covers all activities organised by Forge Grappling, both on‑site and off‑site.

3. Safeguarding Principles

We commit to:

Prioritising the welfare of children and vulnerable adults

Creating a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

Ensuring safe recruitment and vetting of staff

Providing clear reporting procedures

Responding to concerns promptly and appropriately

Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion

Maintaining confidentiality in line with legal requirements

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Forge Grappling will appoint a DSL responsible for:

Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns

Liaising with local safeguarding partners and authorities

Maintaining safeguarding records

Ensuring staff training and policy compliance

Name: Marita Monaghan Contact: [email protected], 07702808185

Coaches and Staff

All staff must:

Complete safeguarding training

Maintain professional boundaries

Report concerns immediately

Follow club procedures and codes of conduct

Parents and Carers

Parents are expected to:

Support the club’s safeguarding approach

Communicate relevant medical or welfare information

Raise concerns appropriately

5. Code of Conduct

For Coaches and Staff

Treat all participants with respect and fairness

Avoid one‑to‑one situations where possible

Never engage in inappropriate physical contact

Use physical contact only when necessary for coaching, and explain it first

Never use abusive, humiliating, or discriminatory language

Maintain appropriate online and social media boundaries

For Participants

Show respect to coaches and peers

Follow academy rules and safety instructions

Report anything that makes them uncomfortable

6. Safe Recruitment

Forge Grappling will:

Conduct enhanced DBS checks for all staff working with children

Verify identity, qualifications, and references

Provide induction and safeguarding training

Maintain up‑to‑date records

7. Responding to Concerns

All concerns must be taken seriously.

If a child or vulnerable adult discloses harm:

Listen calmly and without judgement

Do not promise confidentiality

Reassure them they’ve done the right thing

Record the information accurately

Report immediately to the DSL

Reporting Procedure

Report concern to the DSL

DSL assesses and records the concern

DSL contacts local safeguarding partners or police if necessary

Follow-up actions are documented

If the DSL is unavailable, concerns should be reported to the deputy DSL or directly to local authorities.

8. Photography, Video, and Social Media

Forge Grappling will:

Obtain parental consent for photos or videos of children

Never publish identifying information without consent

Monitor social media interactions involving staff and participants

Prohibit staff from private messaging children

9. Physical Contact and Martial Arts Training

Given the nature of grappling and martial arts, physical contact is often required. Forge Grappling ensures:

Contact is always purposeful, explained, and appropriate

Participants can opt out of any drill or technique

Coaches remain aware of personal boundaries

No contact is ever sexualised or aggressive outside training context

10. Anti‑Bullying and Behaviour Management

Forge Grappling has zero tolerance for:

Bullying, harassment, or discrimination

Physical intimidation outside of controlled training

Verbal abuse or humiliation

Concerns will be addressed promptly, with parents informed where appropriate.

11. Health, Safety, and Risk Management

We commit to:

Maintaining safe training environments

Conducting regular risk assessments

Ensuring first aid provision

Recording accidents and incidents

12. Data Protection and Record Keeping

Safeguarding records are stored securely and confidentially

Only authorised individuals may access them

Information is shared only when necessary for safeguarding purposes

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

Legislation changes

There is a safeguarding incident

Best‑practice guidance is updated

Last reviewed:16th February 2026 Next review due: 15th February 2027