Sports councils recognise that their affiliated National Governing Bodies (NGBs) do not hold a monopoly on safeguarding or best practices and that independent governing bodies, clubs and organisations can operate just as safely, transparently, and effectively as Sports Council NGB-affiliated ones for several key reasons: 

 

• Independent Standards: Many commercial providers and independent associations develop robust internal quality frameworks and that meet or even exceed recognised national standards.

 

• Universal Legal Frameworks: Safeguarding legislation (like child protection laws) and data protection regulations apply to all organisations by law, regardless of Sports Council NGB affiliation.

 

• Independent Accreditation and Expertise: Many independent organisations utilise specialised, third-party risk management and safeguarding experts who match or exceed traditional sporting frameworks.

 

• Legislation Applies to All: Safeguarding laws, duty of care, and data protection regulations are statutory mandates. Every club, independent or affiliated, is legally required to uphold these protections.

 

• Commercial Insurance Access: The private insurance market offers comprehensive public liability and professional indemnity cover directly to independent clubs, meaning Sports Council NGB membership is not the required or only way to secure robust legal protection.

 

• Consumer Demand: The public have a right to expect that both Sports Council and independent NGB’s actively demonstrate high quality, transparency and safety to reassure parents and participants. The UK Taekwondo Commission is committed to upholding such standards.

 

Ultimately, Sports Councils value the delivery of safe, active opportunities above any bureaucratic alignment of their structure of recognition, acknowledging that excellence can be achieved through independent multiple pathways, such as the UK Taekwondo Commission.