This is section 2 of our safeguarding policy which is specific to our band. All members of our band are required to read this document. Any more information can be obtained from the safeguarding officer (Hannah Spooner) and the full policy can be read at band or emailed out.
Section 2: Riviera Concert Brass Safeguarding Policy
This policy applies to all members, volunteers or anyone working on behalf of Riviera Concert Brass.
The purpose of this policy:
- To protect children, young people and adults with care and support needs who are members of the band or connected to the band in some other way.
- To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
Riviera Concert Brass believes that a child, young person or adult with care and support needs should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.
Legal framework
This policy has been drawn up based on law and guidance that seeks to protect children and adults at risk. A list of documents which have been consulted are available to see by asking our safeguarding officer (Hannah Spooner).
We recognise that: the welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act (1989); all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse; some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues; and working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
In addition, we are aware that they also have safeguarding responsibilities towards adult members, some of whom may be vulnerable at different times in their lives. The principles outlined above in relation to children, also apply to our work with adults. In terms of a legal framework, the arrangements for those over 18 are governed by the Care Act 2014. This Act stipulates that statutory safeguarding duties apply to an adult who: has care and support needs, and is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse of neglect, and, as a result of those care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.
We will seek to keep children, young people and adults safe by: valuing them, listening to and respecting them, ensuring that, in the case of adults, we work with their consent unless ‘vital interests’ [as defined in the Data Protection Act (1998)] are at stake, or the person has been assessed as lacking mental capacity [as defined in the Mental Capacity Act (2005)]; adopting child protection and adult safeguarding practices through procedures and a code of conduct for and members and volunteers; ensuring that our governance arrangements reflect our commitment to safeguarding; working to ensure that there is a safe culture within our band; developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures; providing effective support and training for volunteers with responsibility; recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made; sharing information about child protection and adult safeguarding with children, parents, volunteers and members; sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.
Safeguarding Code of Conduct (specifics)
All members should adhere to the following:
The safeguarding documents should be read by all members and people involved with the band. In addition, it is advised that members who are involved in teaching young people also read the KCSIE 2021 document. Any activities involving young people/ vulnerable adults should be risk assessed appropriately to identify any issues or concerns from adults, parents or young people. All players should be treated equally. No young person/ vulnerable adult should be taught alone in an one to one session. There should be no physical contact with young people/ vulnerable adults. If a child/ vulnerable adult needs to be addressed over a concern (eg. in their behaviour), there should be two adults present. Band members should maintain appropriate standards of behaviour at rehearsals and concerts where there are young people present. Always trying to be role models and to help young people in their desire to be a better musician. Members should be aware of the potential of abuse over social media (see guidance). No photos of any members are to be used without permission. The safeguarding officer, MD, Chairman, First Aider should be aware of any medical concerns and keep a log of any accidents which occur during rehearsals/ concerts. Written parental consent should be gained for young people to be involved in concerts. No lifts should be given to young people/ vulnerable adults unless there are two people present. Members should not engage in rough games, horseplay and should not use any rude/ provocative/ stereotypical jokes or comments. If a child/ vulnerable adult is in tears, make sure this is dealt with (however trivial you may feel it is). No allegations/ disclosures should go without being acted upon. All members involved in working with children should have a DBS check. This will be updated at regular intervals and a record will be kept by the Safeguarding/ Welfare Officer who will make sure all appropriate adults are suitable and checked.
If a young person under the age of 18 attends rehearsals or concerts, responsibility for the young person rests ultimately with the parents/ carers. Band members will observe safeguarding procedures but parents/ carers will be encouraged to remain on site.