In acknowledging this, we recognise the need to ensure that our younger students feel safe and happy in the dojo and to do all we can to ensure that abuse, in any form, does not occur within the club.

Abuse can take many forms: sexual, physical, verbal, emotional. We are also aware of the potential for abuse to occur away from practice, in the home or at school and are ready to help any student, who may see his or her instructor as the only person s/he can trust to help with problems occurring elsewhere.

Our organisation falls under the umbrella of the British Aikido Board (‘BAB’), which has drawn up a Child Protection Policy, providing procedures and guidelines, with the aim of ensuring that abuse doesn’t occur within its member organisations.

At Shiro Kashi all instructors that teach students under the age of 18 have had full CRB checks and attend all necessary training to ensure they offer the best quality of training and support to its members.

We also have a Club Welfare Officer who is there to offer support to students who have any concern about their treatment at home, school or on the mat.

Parents and Guardians can also contact the CWO if they have any concerns with the treatment of their child whilst at club.

Lizz Fields–Pattinson is our Club Welfare Officer. Her husband Michael is a club member, but Lizz is not directly connected to the club in any way. This was something we felt was important to maintain the impartiality necessary for the role of CWO. She has 3 boys and lives locally in Burton on Trent. Her background is in teaching with children of all ages and also those with special needs. Lizz currently works as a psychologist and business coach and also provides support for people suffering from work-related stress. She visits the Junior classes on a regular basis to ensure all the members know who she is, should they need to discuss anything with her.