Dear UKBJJA Members,

In light of recent disclosures of sexual abuse at academies outside the UK, we want to take this opportunity to review UKBJJA safeguarding standards to ensure all member academies are meeting requirements to protect both athletes and coaches.

If you are an academy owner, please ensure your academy has the following:

1. • Registered coaches: all coaches must be registered with the UKBJJA and required documentation must be uploaded to Sport80. Note that instructors coaching at your academy who are not registered or are missing documentation may not be covered by insurance.
     You should log onto Sport80 to verify all of your instructors have evidence of the following:
     • Enhanced DBS / PVG / Access NI check (as appropriate).
     • Accredited safeguarding training (free training available here)
     • Emergency First Aid at Work or Sports First Aid certification (Note: the UKBJJA does not accept online qualifications)

     The UKBJJA offers a DBS service and discounted First Aid Training across multiple regions through partner suppliers. For enquiries or any issues with Sport80, please contact info@ukbjja.org and Laura will be happy to assist you.

1. • A Safeguarding Policy that is readily available to staff and members. UKBJJA provides a safeguarding policy template (download here) that academies may adapt to suit their needs.
   • A named Club Safeguarding Officer whose contact details are known to all members (many academies display this information prominently within the facility). The Club Safeguarding Officer should have completed safeguarding training and understand how to respond appropriately to concerns.

UKBJJA Safeguarding Framework

As the governing body for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the UK, UKBJJA maintains safeguarding policies that set expectations for behaviour and outline the processes followed when concerns are raised. These policies include guidance on best practice, such as ensuring another adult is present when working with children. These policies are available on our website.

We will be reviewing our safeguarding policies in the coming weeks to ensure they remain clear, up to date, and practical. Members will be notified if revised policies are released.

UKBJJA also appoints a National Safeguarding Officer to oversee safeguarding concerns and the effectiveness of our processes. We thank James McIntyre for his previous service in this role and welcome Greg Creel as his successor. Our Safeguarding Officer has a dedicated inbox safeguarding@ukbjja.org.

Reporting Concerns

UKBJJA provides a route for reporting safeguarding concerns. Reports involving member academies are taken seriously and will be investigated within the scope of our authority. Where misconduct is found, coaches and/or academies may be barred from the Association.

Anyone practising Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, whether a UKBJJA member or not, may report concerns by emailing safeguarding@ukbjja.org or by using the reporting form on our website. It is important to note that UKBJJA is not a law-enforcement body, and serious offences should always be reported to the police as well as to us.

We recognise that reporting can be extremely difficult. While investigations are most effective when reports come directly from those affected and include evidence, we understand the barriers to doing so and will work sensitively with individuals, including where anonymous reports are made.

We are also aware that some historical reports were sent to old email addresses that are no longer monitored. We apologise for this lapse and any confusion it caused. Please do not reply to old safeguarding emails.

What we need from you:

All new safeguarding concerns should be reported to safeguarding@ukbjja.org. If you have previously submitted a report and did not receive a response, please resubmit it to this address. Serious concerns should also be reported to the police.

Looking Ahead

Safeguarding will be a key focus for UKBJJA this year. We have seen the harm that can be caused when individuals in positions of trust abuse their power, and we are committed to working with academies and members to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Thank you for being part of a community that takes safeguarding seriously.

Kind regards,

Lauren Brown

Chair, UKBJJA