Creating a Safe and Inclusive Taekwondo Community

British Taekwondo is proud to be an NGB with Level 1 status in NSPCC Sport Safeguarding Standards.

This reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, positive and inclusive environment for everyone involved in Taekwondo, particularly children and young people. The NSPCC Sport Standards are recognised as the national benchmark for safeguarding in sport, providing a framework to help sports organisations protect participants from harm and promote good practice.

Achieving this standard demonstrates that British Taekwondo has the appropriate safeguarding policies, procedures, training, reporting mechanisms and governance arrangements in place to support the welfare of our members. It also recognises the work we have undertaken to embed safeguarding throughout the organisation and across our affiliated clubs, events, programmes and partnerships.

What does this mean for our members?

For members, parents, coaches, volunteers and clubs, it means confidence that safeguarding remains at the heart of everything we do.

The assessment considers a wide range of safeguarding measures, including:

• Clear safeguarding policies and reporting procedures.
• Safe recruitment and vetting processes.
• Education and training for staff and volunteers.
• Effective systems for managing concerns.
• The promotion of safe, positive environments for children and young people.
• Ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

While we are proud to have achieved this recognition, safeguarding is not a destination, it is an ongoing commitment.

We will continue to review and strengthen our safeguarding arrangements, listen to the voices of children and young people, support our clubs and volunteers, and work closely with the NSPCC Sport and other partners to ensure that British Taekwondo remains a safe and welcoming sport for all.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our Club Welfare Officers, coaches, volunteers, staff, Board members and wider Taekwondo community. Thank you for the part you play in helping us create a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Together, we can ensure that every participant can enjoy Taekwondo in a safe, supportive and positive environment.

How We Support Safeguarding

We believe that effective safeguarding is built on:

• Respect and inclusion
• Listening to and valuing people’s experiences
• Creating safe environments
• Taking concerns seriously
• Working together to protect and support those at risk
• Responding fairly, sensitively, and without judgement

We recognise that it can be difficult to speak up about safeguarding concerns. We are committed to responding in a way that is compassionate, trauma-informed, and focused on the wellbeing of those involved.

If You Have a Concern

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

You do not need proof that someone is being harmed to raise a concern. If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person, or adult at risk, please share your concerns.

Our safeguarding team will listen, take your concerns seriously, and work with appropriate partners where necessary to help keep people safe.

In an Emergency

If a child, young person, or adult is in immediate danger, or requires urgent medical assistance, call 999 immediately.

Safeguarding Resources

Whether you are a club official, coach, volunteer, parent, athlete, or welfare officer, we provide guidance and resources to help you understand your safeguarding responsibilities and promote safe practice across our sport.

You can access:

• Safeguarding policies and procedures
• Codes of conduct
• Reporting guidance
• Welfare Officer resources
• Training and education materials
• Information for parents and carers
• Support for children, young people, and adults at risk

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Promoting the welfare and wellbeing of all participants.
• Listening to the voices and experiences of children, young people, and adults at risk.
• Taking concerns seriously and acting appropriately.
• Working in partnership with clubs, families, statutory agencies, and safeguarding professionals.
• Continually improving our safeguarding culture, practice, and learning.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in Taekwondo. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, please reach out. We are here to listen and help.