Safeguarding Policy – statement of principles
Holmfirth Choral Society believes that any child, young person or adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We recognise that we have a particular responsibility to all children, young people and adults at risk we encounter. We aim to maintain a safe and positive environment in which our activities take place. We acknowledge that the types of abuse are varied and include, but are not confined to, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, financial abuse, neglect, stalking behaviour.
Holmfirth Choral Society exists and advertises itself as a choir for adult singers. We do not ask for auditions and membership is open to all. Occasionally we may be joined by children (generally children of choir members) or adults at risk, who may rehearse and/or perform with us. Rehearsals and performances are group activities and there is no occasion on which any member of the choir is required to be alone with another member of any age. We recognise our responsibilities towards vulnerable people and the Committee has therefore adopted the following Safeguarding Policy.
The activities of Holmfirth Choral Society do not include regulated (as defined by DBS) activity. When people under 18 years of age, or vulnerable adults take part in a rehearsal or other event, we require that they are accompanied by an adult who has designated responsibility for them.
About this policy
- The purpose of this policy is to provide members, staff and volunteers with a statement of the principles that guide our approach to the protection of vulnerable people
- This policy applies to all members, staff (whether employees or freelances), volunteers and anyone working with or acting on behalf of Holmfirth Choral Society or taking part in Holmfirth Choral Society activities.
- This policy recognises vulnerable people as:
- Children up to the age of 16 or young people aged 16-18.
- Adults at risk of harm. The Care Act 2014 defines an adult at risk as someone over 18 years old who:
- has care and support needs
- is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
- as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.
- This policy aims to:
- Protect children, young people and adults at risk who are members of, engage in activities with, or volunteer for Holmfirth Choral Society.
- Ensure members, staff and volunteers working with children, young people and adults at risk are carefully recruited and understand and accept responsibility for the safeguarding of those individuals they are interacting with.
- Ensure that safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk is a primary consideration when Holmfirth Choral Society undertakes any activity, event or project.
How Holmfirth Choral Society might work/ come into contact with children, young people and adults at risk:
Choir membership is open to adult singers and younger singers of adult ability. We run regular rehearsals for members and put on concerts for the general public at which a number of volunteers may help with stewarding, hospitality and ticket sales. We also occasionally offer open rehearsals which anyone may attend. As such our involvement with people at risk might include, but is not limited to:
- Members of the group who attend regular rehearsals and concerts
- members of the public who attend open rehearsals
- Relatives and friends of members who attend rehearsals and concerts in a volunteering capacity
- Audience members at public concerts
Named safeguarding person:
The designated safeguarding person has responsibility for safeguarding issues. All queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to them in the first instance.
Any projects, events or other activities that will involve vulnerable people must be planned with the involvement of the designated safeguarding person and in line with established procedures for safeguarding, data protection and health and safety. [see separate documents].
The designated safeguarding person (May 2024) is Geoffrey Lockwood
Policy review: This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the management committee. It will also be reviewed in response to changes in relevant legislation, good practice, or in response to an identified failing in its effectiveness.
Adopted at a meeting of the management committee on 12 May 2024