Purpose and Scope:

This policy statement applies to Ultimate Warriors CIC’s activities involving children and families, including keep fit, self-defense, and mental well-being programs. Its purpose is to:

• Protect children and young people participating in Ultimate Warriors CIC’s services, events, and activities, especially when photographs and videos are taken.
• Outline the principles guiding our approach to photographing and filming children and young people during our events and activities.
• Ensure we operate within our values and legal requirements when creating, using, and sharing images of children and young people.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and other adults associated with Ultimate Warriors CIC.

Legal Framework:

This policy is based on legislation, policy, and guidance designed to protect children in England, including the principle that children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote their welfare and to take, share, and use images safely.

Policy Objectives:

• Celebrate and Record Achievements: Sharing photographs and films helps celebrate successes, document activities, and raise awareness of our organization.
• Prioritize Welfare: The welfare of children and young people is paramount.
• Respect Rights: Children, parents, and carers have the right to decide whether images are taken and how they are used, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
• Informed Consent: Consent to take images is only meaningful when children, parents, and carers understand how the images will be used, stored, and the associated risks.
• Risk Awareness: We acknowledge the potential risks of sharing images online.

Safety Measures:

We will keep children and young people safe by:

• Written Consent: Always obtaining written consent from a child and their parents or carers before taking and using the child’s image.
• Clear Communication: Explaining how images will be used, stored, and the associated risks.
• Respecting Withdrawn Consent: Informing families that withdrawing consent for shared images may not allow for their deletion from already shared platforms.
• Anonymization: Changing names and avoiding identifying details in published materials.