Photography & Media Policy

Purpose: To celebrate rider progression while protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of children and young people. This policy applies to all coaches, staff, volunteers, riders, parents/carers, visitors, and third-party photographers at Shred Academy sessions, events, and online spaces.

Our Principles

  • Children’s safety and welfare come first at all times.
  • We use images and video to educate, celebrate, and inform - never to exploit or identify children unnecessarily.
  • We follow a consent-first approach, with easy ways to opt out or withdraw consent at any time.
  • All content is handled in line with GDPR and safeguarding best practice.

Consent

  • Written parental/carer consent is required before capturing or publishing identifiable images of anyone under 18.
  • Consent covers: what (photo/video), where (website, social media, print), and how long we may use it.
  • Consent is voluntary, can be limited (e.g., “website only”) and can be withdrawn at any time by emailing info@shredacademy.co.uk.
  • We keep a secure record of consent preferences and respect “no photography” flags at sessions/events.

Note: Where a young person is 16-17, we will also seek their own informed consent alongside the parent/carer.

When We Capture Media

  • Only authorised coaches/staff or contracted photographers approved by Shred Academy may capture images at sessions.
  • Coaches will brief participants at the start if filming/photography is planned; riders with no-consent are accommodated respectfully.
  • We avoid images that show children in distress, in unsafe scenarios, or in a way that could be misconstrued.
  • We do not capture or share images in changing areas, bathrooms, medical rooms, or any private spaces.

How We Publish & Share

  • We prefer first names only (or rider number/initials) and avoid pairing full names with images of minors.
  • We avoid sharing identifying details such as school, home address, routine locations, or schedules.
  • We post only images that show appropriate clothing/equipment and safe practice.
  • We may crop or blur background riders where consent is unclear.
  • If an image is reported or a concern is raised, we will review and remove it promptly.

Social Media & Tagging

  • We do not tag minors by personal accounts. Parents/carers may choose to tag themselves.
  • Comments are moderated; bullying or inappropriate remarks lead to removal and follow-up per our Anti-Bullying Policy.
  • Direct messaging between coaches and under-18s on personal accounts is not permitted (see Online Safety Guidance).

Third-Party Photographers, Press & Visitors

  • All third parties must be pre-approved by Shred Academy and sign in at the venue.
  • They must follow this policy and use consent lists provided by the session lead.
  • They must wear visible accreditation while shooting and follow coach/DSL instructions at all times.
  • Images captured for news/editorial use should follow industry codes and never identify a child without consent.

Live Streaming

  • Live streaming of sessions is not permitted unless explicitly authorised in advance by Shred Academy.
  • Where authorised, we use controlled angles, avoid identifying details, and observe consent lists strictly.

Storage, Access & Retention

  • All media is stored securely with restricted access and basic metadata (date, purpose, consent status).
  • We retain media only as long as necessary for the original stated purpose (typically up to 3 years unless otherwise agreed).
  • On withdrawal of consent, we will remove content from our channels and stop further use (some third-party resharing may be outside our control, but we will act reasonably to request removal).

Rider & Parent/Carer Guidelines

  • Please respect other families’ privacy-do not post images of other riders without their permission.
  • Ask a coach if you are unsure whether filming is allowed at a specific moment or area.
  • Report any inappropriate filming or unwanted photography to a coach or the DSL immediately.

Reporting Concerns

If you are worried about how an image/video was captured or used, tell a coach or contact:

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

You can also use our Report a Concern page. If someone is at immediate risk, call 999.

Enforcement

Breaches of this policy may result in removal from sessions/events, withdrawal of filming permissions, and, where appropriate, referral to safeguarding authorities.

Review & Ownership

This policy is reviewed annually (or sooner if guidance changes) by the Shred Academy Safeguarding Team. Feedback is welcome at info@shredacademy.co.uk.

Last reviewed: October 2025