AMA Risk Analysis & Risk Control Measures

Analysis of Risk And AMA’s risk control measures

What are the different types of activities?

The activities are developed by head instructors with professional qualifications in Education and Early Childhood Education and Exercise Scientist to ensure that the classes are age appropriate, run for an appropriate length of time and suit the needs for young students of different abilities and backgrounds.

Where are they held?

Classes are held in open spaces with good ventilation and temperature control where possible. Smaller training rooms have an unlocked door policy meaning multiple teachers regularly check in on the sessions and no students are left in a closed space by themselves or with only one teacher unless their parent is available or door is open. Parents are encouraged to stay on the premise at all times and be available to supervise their child.

Is there physical contact between children and adults?

Physical contact between children and adults occurs in various contexts, such as self defence, physical corrections of technique, helping children who are upset, guidance, or in teaching situations. Risk are minimised by ensuring that interactions are appropriate, respectful, and safe. Key strategies in place to minimise risk and maintain safe boundaries:

  1. Staff Training: Regular and thorough training is provided for staff on appropriate and inappropriate touch. This includes understanding body language, the importance of respecting personal space, and recognising boundaries. Training covers: -When touch is appropriate (e.g., offering comfort, supporting physical activities). -How to avoid misinterpretation and asking for permission (e.g., explaining the reason for touch in advance and checking in with children). -Types of touch to avoid (e.g., any contact that could be deemed too intimate or that makes a child uncomfortable).
  2. Clear Guidelines: Staff are aware of policies on physical contact with children. These outline what types of touch are permissible in different situations (e.g., during accidents, comfort, or instruction) and make clear boundaries.
  3. Open Communication: Staff should establish clear communication with both children and their families regarding boundaries. Children should be encouraged to speak up if they feel uncomfortable, and their concerns should be taken seriously.
  4. Observational Oversight: A head or senior instructor is rostered on to oversee classes. Interactions between children and adults helps ensure that the guidelines are followed
  5. Physical Environment: The setting or environment where interactions happen should also help maintain boundaries. For example, in classrooms, ensuring that activities and discussions around physical touch happen in an open space with visibility to others.
  6. **Understanding Developmental Needs**: Understanding a child’s age and developmental stage is crucial in determining when touch may be appropriate (e.g., younger children may need more physical reassurance than older ones).
  7. **Parental Involvement**: This policy is available to engage with parents and guardians about touch policies and help them understand what is acceptable and why it’s necessary. This ensures that both adults and children are on the same page.

AMA's physical environment (situational risk) - Poorly supervised areas.

Parents are to be onsite at all times where possible and be available to take children to places poorly supervised such as bathrooms. Staff are trained to supervise students who need to go to the bathroom and parents are not immediately available by taking them to the bathroom and waiting at the hall/bathroom door and facing out to be within ear shot but not within a cubicle with a child unless in emergency.

AMA’s online environment (situational risk)

Consider whether there are any aspects of your organisation’s online environment that may make it easier for child abuse or harm to occur or to go undetected.

Communication policy

AMA’s preferred form of communication is in person or via email or phone call. When using platforms necessary for speciality groups such as whatsapp – WhatsApp groups are created with more than one senior instructor to provide adequate supervision and for students under 16 years of age their parents are invited to join the group also.

Have you set clear expectations for behaviour by adults and children online? AMA expects all members and staff regardless of age to follow our code of conduct online and in person. AMA has a mandatory reporting policy for all breaches of code involving children – members should contact head instructors via email requesting a time to discuss a serious matter .Email: info@australianmartialarts.com.au or if they feel a child is in immediate danger call the police or https:// reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s/mrg

What policies and procedures are in place to protect privacy?

AMA staff are trained to use AMA devices where possible and continually trained that posting outside of AMA’s environment (that is their personal pages) is banned.

AMA’s people (propensity risk)

How do you manage inappropriate behaviour?

Managing inappropriate behaviour within an AMA is crucial for maintaining a positive, productive, and respectful environment. The approach is clear, consistent, and fair, involving the following steps:

  1. Clear Policies and Expectations in our Code of Conduct: Establish a clear and accessible code of conduct or behavioural guidelines that all members of the organisation are required to follow. Training and Awareness: Conduct regular training sessions to help employees understand what constitutes inappropriate behaviour (e.g., harassment, discrimination, bullying, unethical actions) and the consequences.
  2. Encourage Reporting – Safe Reporting Channels with whistleblower policy: Provide confidential and accessible channels for individuals to report inappropriate behaviour without fear of retaliation.
  3. Investigation Process – Immediate Response: Once a report is made, it should be taken seriously, and an immediate, neutral investigation should begin. – Thorough Investigation: Ensure investigations are fair, thorough, and unbiased, gathering evidence and speaking to all relevant parties. Confidentiality: Protect the privacy of individuals involved during the investigation to prevent unnecessary harm.
  4. Disciplinary Action- Proportional Response: Depending on the severity of the behaviour, the organisation should apply appropriate consequences (e.g., warnings, training, suspension, termination).

How do you recruit staff and volunteers?

Staff and volunteers are recruited through our leadership programs and the community recognising individuals who have a great positive attitude and enjoy working with and creating safe spaces for children.

Are all adults properly screened for appropriateness to engage with children before joining the organisation?

Yes all staff over 18 years of age have a working with children check and abide by our code of conduct

AMA’s structures (institutional risk)

Consider how your organisation is set up and operates. Some organisational structures can increase the risk of abuse and harm such as:

AMA’s leadership believe that every member of the community is important and everyone has the right to be heard including staff, volunteers, families and children in our community.

AMA has a whistleblower policy to encourage individuals—such as employees, contractors, or others within an organisation—to report unethical, illegal, or harmful behaviour without fear of retaliation.

AMA encourages a “no dating policy” between instructors and any members of our community, any relationships must be disclosed to the head instructor team.

AMA leaders believe that they should be accessible and open to feedback to all members of the community.

AMA’s culture (institutional risk)

AMA encourages a culture and has regular training sessions to encourage the below

Staff understand child abuse and harm and are aware of the signs

Staff see the prevention of child abuse and harm as a everyone’s responsibility

Staff prioritise the safety of children over the reputation of the organisation

Staff listen to and empower children

Staff educate children about what is appropriate behaviour by adults

Staff understand how discrimination can cause harm to children and take action if it occurs

AMA’s policies and procedures (institutional risk)

Effective policies and procedures can greatly reduce the risk of child abuse and harm occurring. However, for policies and procedures to be effective they must be properly implemented, up to date and communicated to everyone. AMA requires:

  1. appropriate recruitment policies (including Working with Children Checks and/or other screening) for staff and volunteers
  2. a Code of Conduct that clearly establishes what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour towards children with consequences for breaches
  3. an easily understood Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Complaints Handling Policy
  4. clear processes for reporting and responding to allegations of child abuse or harm and child safety concerns that are understood by staff, volunteers, children and families
  5. appropriate induction, training and communication with staff and volunteers so they are aware of policies and procedures, and understand their role and responsibility to protect children from abuse and harm