Safeguarding Policy

Gracie Barra’s mission is ‘Jiu Jitsu for Everyone’. At Gracie Barra Roundhay Leeds (GBRL) we believe wholeheartedly in providing the very best environment for anyone to thrive through Jiu Jitsu. In order for us to achieve that aim everyone must be safe.  Safety is the starting point for everything we do both on and off the mats.

The purpose of this policy is:

  • To protect children and young and vulnerable.

  • To provide staff and members clarity with the overarching principles that guide our approach to protecting those who trust us.

This policy applies to anyone working, volunteering, visiting or training on Gracie Barra Roundhay Leeds premises.

We Believe That:

  • No one should experience harm or abuse of any kind

  • We have a responsibility to promote and maintain the welfare of all children and young and vulnerable people and to keep everyone safe.

We Recognise That:

  • The welfare and safety of children and young and vulnerable people is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take as a business. That all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.

  • Working in partnership with families, our community and other agencies is essential in promoting the welfare of everyone.

We will seek to keep children and young and vulnerable people safe by:

  • Valuing, listening to and respecting everyone

  • Appointing a nominated Safeguarding lead for children and young and vulnerable people

  • Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for all staff, volunteers and members.

  • Providing effective management of staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers are aware of and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently

  • Recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made (enhanced DBS for all staff and coaches) and safeguarding training for all full-time staff and/or instructors/coaches

  • Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance.

  • Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice through our policies and GB Ethics.

  • Making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern.

  • Using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately.

  • Using our procedures to quickly investigate and manage any allegations made against staff, volunteers and members.

  • Ensuring that we promote a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by upholding a positive culture, continuous team training (IPC) and the use of CCTV (see separate policy).

  • Building a ‘Safety First’ culture where staff and volunteers, children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns

Contact details

GBRL Safeguarding Officer

Name: Sarah Turner-Thompson

Role: Academy Manager

Phone: 07877581230

Email: Sopes@graciebarraroundhay.co.uk

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Updated June 2026