Complaints Procedure

At the York School of Defence we work tirelessly to ensure that the environment in which we train is a safe, welcoming and inclusive space. Anything that stands in the way of this will be dealt with as expediently as possible. Sadly, in order to create such an inclusive space, we have to exclude certain individuals with offensive, derogatory, violent, or hateful views.

If you wish to make a complaint regarding;

  • The behaviour of a student towards you or another individual in the club.
  • The behaviour of a coach towards you or another individual in the club.
  • The behaviour of a member of the York School of Defence (student or coach) at a related martial arts activity.
  • The behaviour of a member of the York School of Defence (student or coach) outside of the club in such a way as to bring the club and/or its members into disrepute.

Contact the head coach immediately at chris@yorkschoolofdefence.co.uk. If the complaint is regarding the head coach please contact the secondary reporting officer at secondary@yorkschoolofdefence.co.uk.

The complaint will be investigated and the disciplinary & grievance procedure may be invoked if it is deemed appropriate to do so.

If you wish to make a safeguarding complaint or comment regarding;

  • Sexually innapropriate physical behaviour at the club between its members and/or coaches, or a member/coach and a person not affiliated with the club.
  • Sexually innapropriate, sexually vulgar, sexually demeaning or sexually threatening comments made at the club between its members and/or coaches, or a member/coach and a person not affiliated with the club.
  • Any innapropriate, demeaning or concerning behaviour between it’s members and/or coaches involving a child or adult at risk.
  • Anything that concerns you regarding the welfare of a child or adult at risk.
  • Any concerning behaviour originating from a child or adult at risk.

Immediately contact the designated Safeguarding Officer at safeguarding@yorkschoolofdefence.co.uk. If the complaint concerns the designed Safeguarding Officer, contact the Head Coach at chris@yorkschoolofdefence.co.uk.

More information regarding safeguarding is available on the Safeguarding & Reporting Policy page. This policy will be fully adhered to and where required action will be taken involving the police or other agencies, and the complaint or comment can be passed to the safeguarding team at the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association. Please note that certain reports made regarding safeguarding issues will require us to immediately notify the police or other agencies.