PROGRESS Wrestling work within the framework of a number of policies and measures, which include: mandatory DBS checks being required for all contractors and UK talent, only accredited people to be permitted backstage and the commitment to have a Lead Safeguarding Officer available for talent and crew. We also work with an independent, safeguarding expert who says:
“I am delighted to be working with the team at PROGRESS Wrestling. Over the last 20 years I have worked with many organisations across a wide range of sectors and supported them to develop robust safeguarding policies and procedures. The ‘Speaking Out’ campaign has added much needed transparency to the world of wrestling promotion, and I am keen to ensure that all concerns raised are addressed in a sensitive but sensible way.
My aim is to work with alongside the team and provide independent guidance and direction on all safeguarding matters, ensuring that PROGRESS is fully compliant with relevant legislation and continues to develop a safeguarding culture which is embraced by all.”
Gill Sommers – Independent Safeguarding Expert
- Manifesto
- Safeguarding Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Codes of Conduct: Talent // Referees // Crew
- Audience Policy
Safeguarding concerns can be sent to us via email: safeguarding@progresswrestling.com. All concerns and disclosures are treated in the strictest confidence. We aim to reply within 3 working days.
Please note that we are unable to comment on individuals or specific cases.
To give a greater understanding of what safeguarding entails and to widen understanding, we’ve put the following process flowchart together:
Safeguarding process flowchart
The APPG’s initial findings and subsequent report came out on the 8th April 2021. It can be found here.
We welcome these initial findings and, although this is only the start of a hopeful move towards increased regulation and it is not without areas that require further investigation, it is a huge step in the right direction. We will continue to make ourselves available in any way that we can to assist further. Industry-wide change and help is needed, those involved in the industry need to work together to make these changes.
There has been strong national media interest in the APPG report:
– Guardian
– BBC
We strongly believe that there is a need for a National Governing Body within professional wrestling. Until that time our safeguarding procedures and codes of conduct will be of the highest possible standard.
Whether it be a wrestling show in London, wrestling show Birmingham, wrestling show Sheffield, wrestling show Manchester or anywhere globally we take all of our safeguarding policies and codes of conduct very seriously.
