Anti-Bullying Policy

At Shred Academy, every rider deserves to feel safe, supported, and respected. We are committed to providing an environment where all participants, coaches, volunteers, and visitors are free from bullying, harassment, or discrimination - both on and off the ramps.

Purpose

This policy outlines how Shred Academy prevents, identifies, and responds to bullying behaviour. It applies to everyone involved in our sessions, clubs, events, and online spaces.

Our Commitment

  • We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying in any form.
  • We take all reports seriously and act promptly to resolve issues.
  • We encourage riders to look out for each other and speak up if they see or experience bullying.
  • We promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and positive communication.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is repeated behaviour by an individual or group that deliberately hurts another person, physically or emotionally. This includes:

  • Verbal - name calling, teasing, threats, or mean comments.
  • Physical - hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging someone’s property.
  • Social - excluding someone on purpose, spreading rumours, or encouraging others to isolate them.
  • Cyber - using phones or social media to post hurtful messages or images.

Bullying may be motivated by differences in race, gender, disability, appearance, ability, beliefs, or any other personal factor. All types of bullying are unacceptable at Shred Academy.

What to Do If You Experience or Witness Bullying

If you are being bullied, or you see someone else being treated badly:

  • Tell a coach or member of staff straight away.
  • If you don’t feel comfortable speaking face-to-face, email info@shredacademy.co.uk.
  • You can also ask your parent or carer to contact us for you.
  • We will listen carefully, take your report seriously, and act quickly to help.

How We Respond

  1. Listen and record: The coach or DSL will record what happened and offer immediate support.
  2. Review and act: The DSL will assess the situation, speak with those involved, and decide what action is needed.
  3. Inform parents/carers: Parents may be contacted if appropriate, and support will be offered to everyone involved.
  4. Follow-up: The situation will be monitored to make sure the behaviour stops and the rider feels safe.

Depending on the severity, actions may include a formal warning, temporary suspension, or removal from the programme. Repeated or severe bullying may be referred to safeguarding authorities.

Prevention and Education

  • All riders, parents, and coaches sign our Codes of Conduct.
  • Coaches promote respect, kindness, and inclusion at the start of every session.
  • We encourage older riders to act as positive role models for younger participants.
  • We monitor our social media and digital spaces to prevent online bullying or inappropriate posts.

Support and Contacts

If you need help or want to report a concern, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Bernard Harding - info@shredacademy.co.uk
Deputy DSL: Danny Clements - info@shredacademy.co.uk

You can also speak to any Shred Academy coach - they’ll help you reach the right person quickly and confidentially.

Review and Policy Ownership

This policy is reviewed annually by the Shred Academy Safeguarding Team, or sooner if new guidance is issued. Feedback is always welcome from riders, parents, and coaches to help us keep improving.

Last reviewed: October 2025