Policies

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 16 May 2026
Review Date: 16 May 2027
Responsible Person: Cathy Brown – Director, Boxology Academy

1. Purpose

Boxology Academy is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all learners, coaches, tutors, volunteers and participants.

Safeguarding is central to our ethos. We recognise that physical activity, boxing-based training and education can have a powerful impact on emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience and identity. We also recognise that some individuals accessing our training may have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination or mental health challenges.

This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in any Boxology Academy activity, programme, course or event.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All Boxology Academy staff

  • Tutors and coaches

  • Freelancers and contractors

  • Volunteers

  • Learners and participants

  • Partner organisations

  • Online and in-person delivery

This policy applies during:

  • Training courses

  • Workshops

  • Events

  • Online learning

  • Mentoring

  • Community programmes

  • Social media interaction connected to Boxology Academy

3. Safeguarding Principles

Boxology Academy believes:

  • Everyone has the right to feel safe

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

  • All concerns should be taken seriously

  • Trauma-informed approaches matter

  • Respect, dignity and inclusion are essential

  • Physical and emotional wellbeing are equally important

We are committed to:

  • Preventing harm

  • Protecting vulnerable individuals

  • Promoting wellbeing

  • Creating psychologically safe learning environments

  • Responding appropriately to concerns or disclosures

4. Definitions of Abuse

Abuse may include, but is not limited to:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Domestic abuse

  • Bullying or cyberbullying

  • Grooming or exploitation

  • Radicalisation

  • Discrimination or hate-based abuse

  • Financial abuse

  • Coercive or controlling behaviour

Boxology Academy recognises that trauma can present differently in different individuals and that safeguarding concerns are not always visible.

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Boxology Academy is:

Cathy Brown
Director – Boxology Academy
Email: boxologyacademy@gmail.com

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns

  • Recording incidents

  • Making referrals where appropriate

  • Ensuring safeguarding policies are reviewed

  • Promoting safeguarding awareness

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern, disclosure or allegation must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Concerns may include:

  • Injuries

  • Distressing behaviour

  • Signs of abuse or neglect

  • Sudden behavioural changes

  • Disclosures from learners

  • Concerns raised by staff or participants

Where a person is in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

All safeguarding concerns will:

  • Be taken seriously

  • Be recorded confidentially

  • Be handled sensitively

  • Follow appropriate referral procedures

7. Responding to Disclosures

If somebody discloses abuse or harm:

  • Remain calm

  • Listen carefully

  • Do not promise confidentiality

  • Do not investigate yourself

  • Reassure the individual they have done the right thing

  • Record the disclosure accurately

  • Report immediately to the DSL

8. Safer Recruitment

Boxology Academy is committed to safer recruitment practices.

Where appropriate, this may include:

  • DBS checks

  • Identity verification

  • Reference checks

  • Safeguarding awareness discussions

  • Suitability assessments

All staff, tutors and volunteers are expected to uphold professional and ethical conduct.

9. Professional Boundaries

All staff and tutors must:

  • Maintain professional boundaries

  • Use appropriate language and behaviour

  • Avoid inappropriate relationships

  • Never use intimidation, humiliation or discrimination

  • Respect participant confidentiality

  • Avoid one-to-one situations where safeguarding risk may arise

10. Online Safety

Safeguarding also applies online.

Boxology Academy expects:

  • Respectful online communication

  • Appropriate use of social media

  • No abusive, threatening or discriminatory behaviour

  • Safe handling of learner data and images

Online sessions should be conducted professionally and safely.

11. Photography & Media

Photographs or videos will only be used appropriately and with consent where required.

Images will never knowingly be used in a way that:

  • Exploits individuals

  • Causes harm

  • Compromises dignity or safety

12. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Boxology Academy is committed to creating an inclusive environment free from:

  • Bullying

  • Harassment

  • Racism

  • Sexism

  • Homophobia

  • Transphobia

  • Discrimination of any kind

All individuals will be treated with dignity and respect.

13. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will only be shared where necessary:

  • To protect an individual

  • To comply with legal responsibilities

  • To make appropriate safeguarding referrals

Records will be stored securely.

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • Legislation changes

  • Safeguarding incidents occur

  • Operational changes require updates

 
 

Boxology® Company number 10523458