Listen
Stay calm. Take them seriously. Don’t interrupt or judge. Never promise to keep it a secret.
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Keeping people safe is part of your role as an instructor. Feel confident in your responsibilities and ensure your classes are safe, inclusive and professionally delivered with our free guidance for all EMD UK members.
Whether you’re working with adults, children or mixed groups, safeguarding is about recognising when someone may be at risk, knowing what to do, and acting appropriately. Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing and rights, and ensuring they are free from harm, abuse and neglect. Discover how to:
Download our free guide today to understand all you need to know about safeguarding in one easy resource.
Or, if you’re an EMD UK Pro or Pro Enhanced member, explore our safeguarding training, created in partnership with UK Coaching and the Ann Craft Trust, on the EMD UK resource hub.
Children may not always be able to communicate concerns clearly or advocate for themselves, so awareness is critical.
Guidance to help you recognise, respond to and report concerns when working with adults in your classes.
Take your safeguarding responsibilities seriously with relevant and up-to-date training courses
Helpful information for parents and carers to understand how safeguarding works within group exercise settings.
Clear, accessible information to help young people feel safe, supported and confident when taking part in exercise classes.
EMD UK is well placed to support instructors navigating the DBS process, including those applying for Enhanced DBS checks under the new legislation for self-employed workers and personal employees.
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 has introduced significant safeguarding changes that affect anyone working with children and young people in leisure, fitness and sports settings.
These changes create real new obligations that fitness professionals, clubs, governing bodies, and coaches must understand and act on.
Download the full briefing and understand what legislation applies where, and what that means for you and/or your organisation.
If someone reveals something concerning:
Stay calm. Take them seriously. Don’t interrupt or judge. Never promise to keep it a secret.
Write down exactly what was said, as soon as you can. Stick to facts, not opinions.
Pass the information to the appropriate safeguarding lead or authority. Do not try to handle it yourself.
Safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-off task. Our members are kept informed throughout their careers. Stay informed, protected and confident in your practice.
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