Registration

MASSUK 2026

Safeguarding Policy

Policy Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 28 July 2026

Review Date: 27 July 2027

1. Policy Statement

MASSUK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all participants, including children, young people and adults at risk.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where everyone can participate in any MASSUK event, activity or programme free from abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, harassment and exploitation.

The welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is paramount.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All MASSUK employees, faculty, athletes, coaches, instructors, volunteers, officials and support staff share responsibility for protecting the welfare of those who participate in MASSUK activities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all MASSUK organised and sanctioned activities, including:

  • Training Camps
  • The Annual MASSUK Symposium
  • Competitions
  • Courses
  • Seminars
  • Coaching Sessions
  • Any other event, meeting or activity organised or sanctioned by MASSUK


3. Our Commitment

MASSUK will:

  • Promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
  • Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
  • Operate safer recruitment practices.
  • Require Enhanced DBS checks where legally required.
  • Provide safeguarding training appropriate to each role.
  • Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with overall responsibility for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk across all MASSUK activities. The DSL will act as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns during training camps, the Annual MASSUK Symposium and other MASSUK events. Where the DSL is unavailable, the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead will assume these responsibilities.
  • Respond promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
  • Work with statutory agencies where required.
  • Review this policy annually.

 

4. Safer Recruitment

MASSUK is committed to safer recruitment practices. Where required by law, employees, coaches, instructors, volunteers and support staff undertaking regulated activity will hold a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before working unsupervised with children or adults at risk.

MASSUK will also:

  • Verify relevant qualifications where appropriate.
  • Obtain references where applicable.
  • Provide safeguarding induction and training.
  • Ensure safeguarding knowledge is regularly updated.


5. Code of Conduct

All MASSUK representatives must:

  • Act professionally and as positive role models.
  • Treat everyone fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
  • Never engage in abusive, intimidating or inappropriate conduct.
  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
  • Follow MASSUK safeguarding procedures.

Participants, parents and guardians are expected to behave respectfully and support a safe environment for everyone attending MASSUK events.

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern involving a child, young person or adult at risk must be reported immediately to the MASSUK Designated Safeguarding Lead.

If an individual is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, Emergency Services (999) must be contacted before following MASSUK reporting procedures.

MASSUK will:

  • Listen carefully to concerns.
  • Keep accurate and confidential records.
  • Treat all allegations fairly.
  • Refer concerns to the appropriate safeguarding authorities where necessary.
  • Seek advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Children’s Social Care or Adult Safeguarding Team where appropriate.


7. Managing Allegations

All allegations concerning MASSUK employees, coaches, instructors, volunteers or officials will be managed fairly, confidentially and in accordance with current UK safeguarding guidance.

The welfare of the child, young person or adult at risk will always be the primary consideration.

Where appropriate, referrals will be made to:

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
  • Children’s Social Care
  • Adult Safeguarding Team
  • Police


8. Online Safety

MASSUK recognises that safeguarding extends to online communication.

To help protect participants:

  • Coaches should communicate through approved MASSUK communication channels wherever possible.
  • Private communication between coaches and junior participants should be avoided unless a parent or guardian is included.
  • Parents will be informed where group communication platforms are used.
  • Photographs, videos and other media captured during MASSUK activities will be used and managed in accordance with the MASSUK Terms and Conditions and any consent provided by participants or parents/guardians during registration.
  • Any online behaviour that places a participant at risk will be treated as a safeguarding concern.


9. Health, Safety and Welfare

MASSUK is committed to providing a safe environment at all organised events.

Every MASSUK training camp, symposium and organised event will have, where appropriate:

  • A suitable risk assessment.
  • Appropriate First Aid provision.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Suitable supervision arrangements.
  • Incident reporting procedures.
  • For larger events, including the Annual MASSUK Symposium, an event-specific safeguarding and welfare plan will be prepared where appropriate. This will identify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy DSL) for the event, reporting procedures, emergency contacts and any venue-specific safeguarding arrangements.


10. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

MASSUK welcomes participants from all backgrounds and is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Everyone will be treated with dignity, fairness and respect regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, or pregnancy and maternity.


11. Safeguarding Adults

MASSUK recognises its responsibilities under the Care Act 2014 to safeguard adults at risk.

Safeguarding concerns relating to adults at risk will be managed in accordance with relevant legislation and local safeguarding procedures.


12. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Jessica Roach

Email: contact@massuk.co.uk

Telephone: 07886 218708

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Name: Ernest Toquie

Email: ernest@ettsportsltd.com

Telephone: 07507 499002


13. Key Contacts

  • Emergency Services: 999
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): Relevant local authority where the MASSUK event is taking place.
  • Children’s Social Care / MASH: Relevant local authority where the MASSUK event is taking place.
  • Adult Safeguarding Team: Relevant local authority where the MASSUK event is taking place.


14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

  • Annually.
  • Following any safeguarding incident.
  • Following changes to legislation or national safeguarding guidance.
  • Following any significant changes to MASSUK activities.