Safeguarding Policy

The Shred Academy (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all children, young people, and vulnerable individuals involved in our programmes.

We believe every rider has the right to learn, progress, and participate in a fun, inclusive, and safe environment - free from abuse, bullying, discrimination, or neglect.

Key Principles

  • The welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable persons is our top priority.
  • All participants have the right to protection from abuse, harm, and neglect, irrespective of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or identity.
  • All staff and volunteers must act to promote welfare and minimise risk.
  • We actively promote positive mental health, inclusion, and respect across all our activities.

Core Commitments

1. Safe Recruitment

  • All coaches, trainers, and volunteers undergo DBS checks (or relevant criminal record checks) prior to working with minors.
  • References are obtained and verified.
  • Anyone barred from working with children or with relevant safeguarding offences will not be engaged.

2. Training, Induction & Policy Compliance

  • All coaches have read, understood, and agreed to follow this Safeguarding Policy, the Code of Conduct, and all reporting procedures in full.
  • Coaches are kept up to date with any policy updates and must confirm understanding before delivering sessions.
  • Accredited safeguarding training is scheduled as the next step to further strengthen our practice.

Our Codes of Conduct can be found here.

3. Roles & Responsibilities

  • We appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a Deputy DSL responsible for responding to concerns and liaising with statutory services.
  • All staff and volunteers must report any safeguarding concern or disclosure without delay using the stated reporting pathway.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Bernard Harding
  • Deputy DSL: Danny Clements
  • Review Cycle: Annual (or sooner if needed)

4. Code of Conduct

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
  • Follow rules for appropriate touch, communication, use of phones/social media, and photo/video capture.
  • Model respectful, inclusive behaviour; challenge and report bullying, discrimination, or unsafe conduct.

Our full, detailed version can be found here.

5. Safe Environment & Activities

  • Complete risk assessments for venues, sessions, and equipment; implement control measures.
  • Ensure first aid provision and clear emergency procedures are in place and briefed.
  • Maintain supervision ratios appropriate to age, ability, and activity.
  • Ensure participants wear helmets and protective gear suitable to the discipline (scooter, BMX, MTB, skate).
  • Encourage rest, nutrition, and recovery - no “no pain, no gain” culture is tolerated.

6. Reporting & Responding to Concerns

  • Provide a clear pathway for raising concerns (to DSL or Deputy DSL).
  • Take all concerns seriously; act promptly; record accurately; keep information confidential within legal/ethical limits.
  • In an immediate risk situation, contact emergency services first, then inform the DSL.
  • If the DSL is unavailable and there is immediate risk, report directly to Children’s Social Care or the Police, then notify the DSL as soon as possible.
  • Reports must include:
    • Date, time, and description of concern
    • Names of individuals involved
    • Witnesses (if any)
    • Actions taken or support provided

For more information on how to report a concern please head here.

7. Procedures for Children & Young People

  • Children and young people are encouraged to speak up if something feels wrong or unsafe.
  • They can:
    • Tell any coach or staff member they trust
    • Ask to speak to the Welfare Officer or DSL directly
    • Email or message through official Shred Academy contact channels
    • Ask a parent or carer to contact the DSL on their behalf
  • All concerns will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.

For more information on how to report a concern please head here.

8. Anti-Bullying Commitment

  • Bullying, harassment, and discrimination are not tolerated in any form (physical, verbal, emotional, online).
  • All reports of bullying will be recorded, investigated, and resolved promptly.
  • Riders, parents, and coaches are encouraged to report bullying early.

Our detailed “Anti-Bullying Policy” can be found here.

9. Online Safety & Media

  • Coaches and staff must communicate with young people only via approved Shred Academy channels.
  • No private messaging with under-18s on personal social media accounts.
  • When sharing content online:
    • Use first names only (or initials/rider numbers).
    • Do not share identifiable details (school, address, etc.).
    • Only post images/videos where children are appropriately dressed and safe.
  • Encourage children and parents to maintain privacy settings and report any online concerns immediately.

Find our full “Online Safety Guidance” for parents and young riders here.

10. Photography & Filming

  • Obtain written parental/carer consent before taking or sharing images of under-18s.
  • Only authorised coaches or media staff may take photos/videos during sessions.
  • Always ensure participants are aware before being filmed.
  • If anyone declines consent, this must be respected at all times.
  • Coaches should be alert to anyone taking photos without good reason and report suspicious behaviour immediately.

Our full “Photography & Media Policy” can be found here.

11. Confidentiality & Data Protection

  • Store safeguarding and welfare information securely, following GDPR and data protection law.
  • Share information only on a strict need-to-know basis.
  • Maintain confidentiality while ensuring safety remains the overriding priority.

12. Monitoring, Review & Improvement

  • This policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner if laws or guidance change.
  • We invite feedback from coaches, parents, and riders to improve safeguarding practice.
  • All incidents are reviewed for learning and prevention.

Legal & Guidance Framework

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (UK Statutory Guidance)
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Requirements
  • Data Protection and GDPR Legislation
  • NSPCC and Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) Guidance

Statement of Assurance

All coaches, staff, and volunteers at The Shred Academy have read, understood, and agreed to uphold this Safeguarding Policy and all associated procedures.
Each coach has confirmed their understanding through signed agreements.
Accredited safeguarding training is ongoing to reinforce our standards.
We are committed to continuous improvement and maintaining the highest level of safety for every participant.

Designated Safeguarding Leads

DSL: Bernard Harding
Deputy DSL: Danny Clements