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Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Ripon Concerts is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants especially children and vulnerable adult involved in our activities.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all Trustees, volunteers and those working with us, particularly in contexts involving children (anyone under the age of 18) and vulnerable adults.

3. Aims of the Policy

  • to protect children and vulnerable adults who participate in our events including concerts, rehearsals, workshops and associated activities.
  • to provide the Trustees and volunteers with clear guidelines as to their responsibilities in safeguarding.
  • ensure safe recruitment practices for everyone working with children or vulnerable people.

4. Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with the following legislation and guidance

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working together to Safeguard Children (updated May 2025)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (updated September 2024)
  • NSPCC Safeguarding Standards and Guidance
  • Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding

5. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

  • Name Rosemary Livingstone
  • Contact rosemarylivingstone@gmail.com, telephone 07710436523
  • responsibilities of DSO:
    • acts as a point of contact for safeguarding concerns
    • ensures safeguarding procedures are followed
    • liaises with statutory agencies when required

6. Safe Working Practices

All Trustees and volunteers must:

  • treat all children and vulnerable adults with dignity and respect
  • ensure appropriate supervision ratios at events
  • avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable person
  • use language that is inclusive and not degrading or offensive
  • never engage in or allow any form of abuse (physical, emotional or sexual)

7. Photography and Consents

  • Parental or guardian consent will be obtained for children under the age of 18 to participate in performances
  • Separate consent must be obtained before taking and using photography and video recording (see photography policy)

8. Recruitment and vetting

  • All individuals working regularly with children or vulnerable adults will undergo an ‘enhanced DBS check’

9. Responding to Concerns

If a safeguarding concern is raised

  • the individual with the concern should report it to the DSO as soon as possible
  • the DSO will ascertain as far as possible the facts of the matter and record them and decide on the appropriate next steps
  • in serious cases this may mean involving North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children and Families Service
  • all concerns and actions taken must be documented and stored securely

10. Training

  • All Trustees will have completed basic safeguarding awareness training
  • The DSO will undertake appropriate advanced safeguarding training and keep their knowledge up to date

11. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or guidance changes. The review will ensure continued compliance and effectiveness

 

Date 1st June 2025

Review Date 1st June 2026

 

 

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Ripon Concerts