All British Judo members must now be aware that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, in liaison with the Department for Education, have released new aspects of the “Working Together to Safeguard Children” policy which have implications for sports organisations.

The British Judo Association has been advised that under new local Safeguarding arrangements, local sports clubs may be consulted and may be asked to assist.

Sports organisations have been included in this guidance for the first time, to reflect the importance of these organisations in safeguarding children.

All sports organisations continue to have duties under Section 11 of the Children Act 2004, to ensure their functions, and any services that they contract out to others, are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

The attached guidance has been issued by the Child Protection in Sport Unit to assist and I am happy to discuss and assist if your club is approached by your local Safeguarding Board.

For a full review of the changes in place, please click here

Don’t forget that I can be contacted anytime, not just in office hours, either by email at keith.eldridge@britishjudo.org.uk or by phone on 07788 391 520.

Keith Eldridge,
BJA Safeguarding Manager