Unity is the new thing to do in North Dorset. A combination of 3 kinds of TaeKwon-Do, coupled with elements of other martial arts to provide holistic training.
We take Safeguarding very seriously here at Unity Martial Arts. We’re in the process of being accredited by Sport England for our efforts. Our safeguarding is managed (DSL) by Chris Ryu who has a level 3 certification in Safeguarding in Sports and previously ran a STEM education centre. Our DDSL is The British Martial Arts & Boxing Association.
BMABA are our registered Safeguarding Governing Body and can be contacted at safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk or via 01798 306546 for independent professional safeguarding concerns.
Because our policies are so detailed, we have split them into individual pages:
Safeguarding Policy – Children
Trauma-Informed Coaching Policy
Note: The terms ‘child’, ‘children’ and ‘young person’ describe any person under the age of 18.
Our statement
Our organisation acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. It is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and International Tae Kwon-Do 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:
- have a positive and enjoyable experience at Unity in a safe and child-centred environment
- are protected from abuse whilst participating in Tae Kwon-Do or outside of the activity.
- We acknowledge that some children, including deaf and disabled children or those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
Our policy
What we’ll do
As part of our safeguarding policy we will:
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
- value, listen to and respect children
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
- adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers
- 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
- provide effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about our policies, procedures and behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of all incidents or concerns, from lower-level concerns and poor practice to more serious abuse,
- provide support to the individual(s) who raise or report the concern
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
- record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance [more information about this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office]
- prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
- appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people, a deputy and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding
- develop and implement an effective online safety policy and related procedures
- share information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their parents via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions
- make sure that children, young people and their parents know where to go for help if they have a concern
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Unity. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.
Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed every three years, or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by International Tae Kwon-Do Federation and/or home country sports councils
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
This policy was last reviewed on 27th August 2025
Contact details
Photo of Chris Ryu:
| Our Safeguarding Lead | Chris Ryu | 07740 281666 | chris@unityma.co.uk |
| Deputy Safeguarding Lead | British Martial Arts & Boxing Association | 01798 300599 | safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk |
In a safeguarding emergency,
where a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.