1. Purpose and Scope
The Judo Life CIO is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This policy applies to all trustees, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of the organisation.

The organisation does not work directly with children. However, children may attend certain public fundraising events organised by the charity. In such cases, a bespoke safeguarding risk assessment will be carried out and appropriate event-specific safeguarding measures and policies will be put in place.

2. Legal Framework
This policy is based on the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and relevant guidance from the Charity Commission.

3. Principles

  • The welfare of children is paramount.
  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection.
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Trustees are responsible for ensuring safeguarding is embedded in the organisation.
  • A designated Safeguarding Lead will be appointed.
  • All trustees and volunteers must undergo safeguarding awareness training relevant to their role.

5. Safe Practices

  • Where events may involve children, adequate adult supervision will be arranged, and safeguarding procedures tailored to the event will be developed in advance.
  • Consent will be obtained from parents/carers for participation and media use at any such events.
  • DBS checks will be required for any individual acting in a supervisory capacity with children.

6. Oversight of Martial Arts Clubs

  • The Judo Life CIO does not deliver martial arts sessions or training directly. Its primary safeguarding concern is ensuring that the clubs and gyms which grant recipients attend are compliant with appropriate safeguarding standards.
  • The charity will check that all clubs funded through grants are compliant with the safeguarding guidance of their National Governing Body (NGB).
  • Where no NGB exists for the discipline, equivalent safeguarding standards must be demonstrated.

7. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

  • Any concerns about a child’s welfare in relation to an event or a funded club must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
  • The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for contacting local safeguarding services or the police where necessary.
  • Records of concerns and actions taken will be maintained securely and confidentially.

8. Preventing Abuse

  • Codes of conduct will be established for trustees, volunteers, and partner clubs.
  • All event environments will be risk assessed for safety and safeguarding.
  • Communication with children will always be appropriate and transparent.

9. Review and Compliance

  • This policy will be reviewed annually by the board of trustees.
  • Non-compliance with the safeguarding policy may lead to exclusion from events or partnerships, and in serious cases, legal action.