Our Safeguarding Policy.

Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

The Professional Unification of Martial Arts (P.U.M.A.) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students and adults especially those who are most vulnerable / impressionable (Children and Adults at Risk) and are fully committed to ensuring our safeguarding practice recognises and reflects our statutory responsibilities and government guidance and that it complies with best practice.

Our Safeguarding Code of Conduct recognises that the welfare and interests of Children and Adults at Risk are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or status, all students:

• Have a positive and enjoyable experience of Martial Arts with P.U.M.A. in a safe and person centred environment.
• Are suitably safeguarded whilst participating in Martial Arts or other activities/events provided by or through P.U.M.A.

P.U.M.A acknowledges that some students, including students with disabilities / illness (mental and physical), young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure we safeguard their welfare.

As part of our Safeguarding Code of Conduct P.U.M.A. will:

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of any vulnerable group
• communicate to everyone to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding. P.U.M.A. will also provide appropriate learning opportunities and will recognise, identify and appropriately respond to signs of inappropriate behaviour and other safeguarding concerns relating to any of our members.
• ensure as far as practicable, that appropriate action is taken in the event of any incident or where safeguarding concerns are identified and will support individuals provided concerns are raised or disclosed.
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
• embrace the ‘safer recruitment principles’ for those in positions of trust and influence within P.U.M.A.
• ensure as far as practicable, that robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

P.U.M.A’s Safeguarding Code of Conduct will be widely promoted and enforced for everyone involved within the organisation. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.