Purpose of This Policy

This policy exists to:

• Safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults participating in Gracie Barra CI – Jersey activities from harm and abuse
• Provide clear guidance for coaches, volunteers, members, and their families on our commitment to safeguarding and the principles that underpin it
• Ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive training environment for all participants, regardless of age or ability

This policy applies to all individuals involved with the club, including coaches, volunteers, parents/guardians, junior members, adult members, and spectators.

Safeguarding Principles

• Every child and adult has the right to train in an environment free from abuse, harm, and neglect
• The club has a duty of care to protect the welfare of all participants
• The welfare of children is paramount in every decision and action
• All members, regardless of age, ability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background, deserve equal protection
• Some individuals may be more vulnerable due to their age, disability, circumstances, or experiences and may require additional support
• Safeguarding is a shared responsibility — all coaches, volunteers, parents, and members play a role

Safeguarding Commitments and Actions

To uphold these principles, Gracie Barra CI - Jersey will:

• Follow the Club’s Code of Conduct and comply with all relevant safeguarding, health, and safety requirements
• Promote a culture of respect, active listening, and inclusion among all members
• Appoint a designated Welfare Officer / Safeguarding Lead responsible for safeguarding children and adults
• Implement clear behaviour expectations for coaches, volunteers, and members
• Ensure all coaches working with children or vulnerable adults have appropriate DBS checks, training, and support
• Handle all personal information securely in line with data protection legislation
• Use established safeguarding procedures to report concerns promptly to the appropriate agencies
• Address any allegations made against coaches, volunteers, or senior members following proper procedures
• Maintain an anti‑bullying environment with clear mechanisms for responding to incidents
• Provide a safe, age‑appropriate training space with equipment and supervision meeting recognised safety standards
• Foster a safeguarding culture in which all members — including children — feel respected, empowered, and confident to raise concerns

Additional Safeguarding Measures for Children and Young People

Appropriate Physical Contact - Jiu‑Jitsu is a contact martial art. The club ensures:

All physical contact is appropriate, necessary, and clearly explained
Children may decline physical adjustments, and this will be respected
No deliberate contact with chest, groin, or other sensitive areas
Coaches model safe behaviour and intervene immediately if contact becomes inappropriate or unsafe

Training Environment

Minimum of 2 coaches present and a ratio of 1 coach to 8 childred
Age‑appropriate classes, drills, and sparring
Clear rules around behaviour, safety, and respect
Immediate action taken against bullying, intimidation, or rough play

Changing Rooms and Bathrooms

Adults do not change with children
No coaches or volunteers should be alone with a child
Parents of younger children may assist them in designated areas
No photography or mobile phones permitted in changing areas

Attendance and Collection

Children must be dropped off and collected by an authorised adult
Parents must inform the club of any alternative collection arrangements
Children will not be released without confirmation

Communication and Social Media

Coaches do not communicate privately with children
All communication goes through parents/guardians

Transport

Coaches should not transport children alone unless unavoidable in an emergency
All travel arrangements follow club travel and supervision guidelines

Reporting Process for Safeguarding Concerns

Reporting Allegations or Concerns

All safeguarding concerns, allegations, or complaints must be reported immediately to the club’s Welfare Officer / Safeguarding Lead:

Name: Pam Pearce
Role: Welfare Officer
Email: admin@graciebarraci.com
Phone: 07797726698

Name: Rob Staples
Role: Safeguarding Officer
Email: info@graciebarraci.com
Phone: 07797733037

Escalation to Local Authorities

If a concern involves immediate risk, criminal behaviour, or if you are dissatisfied with the club’s response, escalate to:

Children’s Services (MASH): 01534 519000 / mash@gov.je

Adult Social Services (SPOR): 01534 444440 / spor@gov.je

Jersey Police Public Protection Unit: 01534 612612

Emergency: 999

Sharing Safeguarding Information

To ensure transparency and accessibility, we make safeguarding information available through:

The club website / member portal
Clear signage or posters at the dojo

Policy Review

We are committed to reviewing this policy and good practice annually or sooner if required by legislation or incident outcomes.