Safeguarding Guidelines

The I.B.K.O. has a duty of care to assist Club Instructors and Club Coaches in safeguarding all their members. 

It is recommended that all clubs should have a Designated Safeguarding Officer, and this is usually the club's most Senior Instructor.  Everyone has a right to train in a safe environment, and all needs of members particularly the young and vulnerable must be taken into consideration.

All Instructors either newly qualifying or joining the I.B.K.O. will be required to:

1. Be 18 years of age (minimum)

2. No less than 1st Dan / Degree Black belt (where applicable).

3. Be subject to a D.B.S. / C.R.B. check every 2 years, to ensure they are of suitable to work with the young and vulnerable. Without a satisfactory background check, we will not approve Instructor status within the I.B.K.O.

4. Instructor or Coaching Training / Competency Test is mandatory to ensure that you have the necessary skills to teach. (A Black Belt is simply not enough)

5. Be fully insured against liability via the I.B.K.O. Group Policy or equivalent.

6. Continued Professional Development (C.P.D.) is highly recommended to keep up to date with current trends and new policies.

I.B.K.O. Instructors are advised to familiarise themselves with their own Local Authority Designated Officer, and report any concerns they may have.  The role of the L.A.D.O. is to coordinate all allegations and concerns made against a person who works with the young and vulnerable, they will then advise and decide what action should be taken.

Any further information on safeguarding, please visit your own local authority website.