Safeguarding Policy

Version 1.0 · Approved by the Warrior Combat Gym CIC Directors, 1 February 2026 · Reviewed annually

1. Purpose

Warrior Combat Gym CIC is committed to providing a safe, positive and inclusive environment for everyone who uses our facilities.

The welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is our highest priority. Every person has the right to participate in martial arts and fitness activities free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, intimidation or exploitation.

This policy applies to:

  • Members
  • Parents and guardians
  • Coaches and instructors
  • Volunteers
  • Employees
  • Visitors
  • Contractors

2. Our commitment

Warrior Combat Gym CIC will:

  • Promote the safety and wellbeing of all members.
  • Put the welfare of children and vulnerable adults before all other considerations.
  • Treat all safeguarding concerns seriously.
  • Respond promptly to concerns or allegations.
  • Work with statutory agencies where appropriate.
  • Maintain confidentiality except where disclosure is necessary to protect someone from harm.
  • Ensure safeguarding decisions are fair, proportionate and properly recorded.

3. Principles

We believe:

  • Every child has the right to be protected.
  • Everyone has a responsibility for safeguarding.
  • Concerns should always be reported.
  • Early intervention helps prevent harm.
  • Safeguarding decisions should be evidence-based and proportionate.

4. Code of conduct

All members, coaches and volunteers are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
  • Behave professionally.
  • Use appropriate language.
  • Avoid bullying, harassment or discrimination.
  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
  • Follow gym rules and staff instructions.

5. Children and young people

Children attending Warrior Combat Gym CIC must:

  • Train in an environment that is safe.
  • Be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
  • Never be subjected to abuse, intimidation or inappropriate behaviour.

Parents remain responsible for their children unless the child is participating in a supervised class.

Collection of children: parents and guardians should collect children promptly at the end of class. If a child is not collected, staff will stay with them and contact the parents or the emergency contacts we hold. A child will never be sent home alone, or with another adult, without a parent or guardian's agreement.

6. Coaches and volunteers

Anyone coaching children or undertaking regulated activity must:

  • Hold an appropriate enhanced DBS check where required.
  • Follow safeguarding procedures.
  • Maintain professional boundaries.
  • Never engage in inappropriate physical or online contact.
  • Report concerns immediately.

7. Safeguarding concerns

Anyone may report concerns regarding:

  • Abuse
  • Neglect
  • Grooming
  • Bullying
  • Exploitation
  • Inappropriate behaviour
  • Behaviour presenting a safeguarding risk

Reports should be made to the Gym Directors as soon as possible.

If a child is believed to be in immediate danger, the Police or Emergency Services should be contacted immediately.

8. Membership and safeguarding

Warrior Combat Gym CIC reserves the right to refuse, suspend or terminate membership where, following a safeguarding assessment, it reasonably believes that an individual's continued membership presents an unacceptable safeguarding risk.

In reaching any decision, the Gym may consider:

  • The presence of children or vulnerable adults.
  • The individual's access to members.
  • Information provided by statutory agencies.
  • Court orders or legal restrictions where known.
  • The need to maintain a safe environment for all users.

Where appropriate, advice may be sought from Police, Children's Services or other safeguarding agencies.

Safeguarding decisions are protective measures and are not intended to punish or determine criminal responsibility.

9. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will only be shared:

  • Where necessary to protect someone from harm.
  • Where required by law.
  • With Police or safeguarding authorities.
  • On a need-to-know basis.

Warrior Combat Gym CIC will respect the privacy of individuals wherever possible.

10. Allegations against adults

Where concerns arise regarding the behaviour or suitability of an adult connected with the Gym, the Directors may:

  • Conduct a safeguarding risk assessment.
  • Temporarily suspend access while enquiries are made.
  • Seek advice from Police or safeguarding professionals.
  • Impose conditions on attendance.
  • Terminate membership where appropriate.

Each case will be considered individually.

11. Reporting a concern

Safeguarding concerns should be reported immediately to our Safeguarding Lead:

Karen O'Connor, Safeguarding Lead
In person at the gym, 51 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 5PE
Email: info@warriorcombatgym.co.uk (marked for Karen's attention)
Phone: 0151 476 0762

If the concern involves the Safeguarding Lead, it should be reported directly to a Director.

12. Emergency situations

If someone is in immediate danger:

  • Call 999.
  • Ensure the immediate safety of the child or vulnerable adult.
  • Preserve evidence where appropriate.
  • Record what has occurred.

13. Training

Warrior Combat Gym CIC is committed to ensuring that coaches, volunteers and staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and receive appropriate safeguarding awareness training.

14. Policy review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, safeguarding guidance or operational requirements change.