Our approach is guided by the Care Act 2014 and the safeguarding principles of:

• Empowerment – supporting people to make informed decisions.
• Prevention – taking action before harm occurs.
• Proportionality – responding appropriately to the level of risk.
• Protection – supporting those experiencing or at risk of abuse.
• Partnership – working with others to safeguard individuals.
• Accountability – ensuring clear responsibilities and decision-making.

What is an Adult at Risk?

Under the Care Act 2014, safeguarding duties apply where an adult:

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not those needs are being met);
• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
• Is unable to protect themselves from that abuse or neglect because of those care and support needs.

Having a disability, illness, mental health condition, age-related need or temporary vulnerability does not automatically place someone at risk. Each situation should be assessed individually.

Types of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial or material abuse
• Neglect and acts of omission
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Modern slavery
• Self-neglect
• Online abuse and exploitation

Abuse may be a one-off incident or part of a pattern of behaviour.

If You Are Concerned About Someone

If you believe an adult is at immediate risk of harm, contact the Police on 999.

For non-emergency safeguarding concerns relating to British Taekwondo activities, contact British Taekwondo Safeguarding using the safeguarding reporting form or published safeguarding contact details.

When raising a concern:

• Record what you have seen, heard or been told.
• Use the person’s own words where possible.
• Separate facts from opinions.
• Do not promise confidentiality.
• Explain that you may need to share information to keep people safe.

British Taekwondo will assess concerns and work with statutory agencies where necessary.

Mental Capacity and Consent

Where possible, adults should be supported to make their own decisions about safeguarding concerns. However, there may be circumstances where information must be shared without consent, particularly where:

• There is a serious risk of harm.
• A crime may have been committed.
• Other individuals may be at risk.
• There is a legal or safeguarding obligation to act.

Getting Support

If you need support, you can contact:

• Your GP
• NHS 111
• Local Adult Social Care Services
• Samaritans (116 123)
• Mind
• Victim Support
• Domestic Abuse Services
• Emergency Services (999)

British Taekwondo’s Commitment

British Taekwondo is committed to:

• Promoting welfare and wellbeing.
• Listening to adults and respecting their views.
• Responding promptly to concerns.
• Acting in accordance with safeguarding legislation and best practice.
• Working in partnership with statutory agencies and safeguarding professionals.
• Providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

For more information, please refer to the British Taekwondo Safeguarding Adults Policy and associated safeguarding procedures