BISMA Safeguarding Policy
Introduction
This safeguarding policy outlines British International Sports Medicine Academy’s (BISMA) commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all learners, staff, and visitors.
BISMA delivers education and training primarily to learners aged 16 and over, including practical and gym-based activity. This policy therefore focuses on adult safeguarding, while recognising that safeguarding responsibilities apply regardless of age.
This policy is in compliance with UK safeguarding expectations and is aimed at protecting individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
This policy forms part of the terms under which learners enrol with BISMA.
Scope
This policy applies to all BISMA staff, learners, contractors, volunteers, and visitors.
It applies to all activities and services provided by BISMA, including educational courses, gym use, assessments, and any other activities carried out on BISMA premises or under BISMA’s delivery arrangements.
Objectives
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To create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all learners, staff, and visitors
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To prevent abuse and neglect through awareness, training, and effective safeguarding procedures
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To ensure safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly and appropriately
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To promote the welfare of learners, particularly adults at risk or those who may be vulnerable
Definitions
Safeguarding
Measures to protect the health, wellbeing, and human rights of individuals, ensuring they live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
Abuse
A violation of an individual’s human or civil rights by any other person or persons. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory, or institutional.
Neglect
The failure to meet a person’s basic physical, emotional, medical, or social needs.
Adults at Risk
An adult aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to factors such as physical or mental health conditions, disability, learning difficulty, substance misuse, or temporary vulnerability.
Key Principles
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Zero Tolerance: BISMA has zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, or exploitation
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Empowerment: Supporting individuals to make informed decisions wherever possible
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Prevention: Taking action to reduce risk before harm occurs
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Proportionality: Safeguarding actions are appropriate and least intrusive
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Protection: Supporting those at greatest risk of harm
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Partnership: Working with relevant external agencies where appropriate
Roles and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding arrangements, managing concerns, maintaining records, and liaising with external agencies where required.
All Staff, Tutors, and Volunteers
All personnel must:
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Be familiar with this policy
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Undertake safeguarding training as required
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Maintain professional boundaries
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Report safeguarding concerns promptly
Safeguarding Procedures
Recruitment and Training
BISMA undertakes appropriate pre-engagement checks, including DBS checks where required by role and risk, and provides safeguarding training at induction with refresher training as appropriate.
Reporting Concerns
Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the DSL.
If a concern involves the DSL, or if a learner or staff member feels unable to report to the DSL, concerns may be reported to another senior member of staff or directly to appropriate external agencies.
Safeguarding concerns may be shared without consent where there is a risk of harm.
Response to Concerns
The DSL will assess the concern and take appropriate action, which may include internal protective measures or referral to external agencies such as social services or the police.
Immediate Action
BISMA reserves the right to take immediate action, including suspension, removal from activities, or exclusion, where safeguarding concerns arise, in order to protect learners, staff, or others.
Record Keeping
Accurate and confidential records of all safeguarding concerns, actions, and outcomes will be maintained securely in line with data-protection requirements.
Confidentiality
Safeguarding information will be shared only with those who need to know in order to protect individuals. Confidentiality will not prevent information sharing where there is a safeguarding risk.
Supporting Learners
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Welfare Support: BISMA will provide appropriate signposting or support where safeguarding concerns are identified
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Health and Safety: BISMA maintains health and safety measures to reduce safeguarding risks
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Equality and Diversity: BISMA promotes an inclusive environment that respects dignity, equality, and diversity
Use of Facilities
Gym and Classroom Facilities
BISMA facilities are intended for learners aged 16+. Staff must ensure appropriate supervision and conduct expectations are maintained.
Supervision
Adequate supervision will be provided during practical, gym, and classroom activities to support safety and wellbeing.
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner where required by legislative, regulatory, or organisational change.
Safeguarding arrangements are monitored through staff training, incident reviews, and feedback from learners and staff.
