SAFEGUARDING
This page sets out the policies in place within Higashi Karate Kai for safeguarding children and adults at risk.
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HKK's Safeguarding Officer is Meesh Dunn who can be contacted on the below:
Email: safeguarding@higashi.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)7814 003341
HKK Safeguarding Children Policy
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Higashi Karate Kai acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance such as Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and complies with best practice English Karate Federation requirements.
The policy 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:
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have a positive and enjoyable experience in a safe and child centered environment.
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are protected from abuse whilst participating in activity organised within Higashi Karate Kai premises or outside.
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Higashi Karate Kai acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people 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. As part of our safeguarding policy Higashi Karate Kai will:
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i) promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
ii) ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
iii) ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
iv) ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
v) ensure information is shared with relevant agencies when necessary for child protection purposes
vi) prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
vii) ensure our workforce is aware of all relevant legislation affecting those in Positions of Trust
viii) ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Higashi
Karate Kai Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may
ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
HKK Adults At Risk Policy
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Throughout this document Higashi Karate Kai is referred to as the HKK. The HKK has developed this policy for implementation throughout the HKK organisation and its member Associations within England. HKK fully recognises the need to make optimal provision for the safeguarding and wellbeing of adults at risk that participate in the sport
of karate, either as a self-defence art or sport environment, and acknowledges its moral and legal responsibility to ensure that:​
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The welfare of the adult at risk is paramount
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All adults at risk, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
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All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
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All staff (paid or unpaid) working within our organisation have a responsibility to report concerns to the appropriate protection officer
Within England and Wales, citizens are classed as adults when they reach their 18th birthday (in Scotland adults are 16 years and over). However, this also includes and applies to anybody over the age of 18 who may be deemed to be a child or young person due to the nature of their training e.g. under 21 squad training sessions. HKK is committed to working in partnership with all agencies to ensure best practice when working with adults at risk. Adopting best practice will help to safeguard those participants from potential abuse as well as protecting coaches and other adults in positions of responsibility from any potential allegation of abuse or poor practice.