Pirton Community Choir Safeguarding Policy
1. Purpose
Pirton Community Choir is a community choir dedicated to bringing people together through music. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all members, guest performers, and attendees. This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to protecting adults at risk (as defined by UK legislation) and, where applicable, children under 18 who may participate in or attend our activities. Our goal is to ensure that no one experiences harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation while involved with the choir.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
3. Definitions
All members and volunteers are expected to:
Signs of potential abuse or neglect might include:
For questions or concerns, contact our Designated Safeguarding Officer:
Dated: 26 May 2025
1. Purpose
Pirton Community Choir is a community choir dedicated to bringing people together through music. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all members, guest performers, and attendees. This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to protecting adults at risk (as defined by UK legislation) and, where applicable, children under 18 who may participate in or attend our activities. Our goal is to ensure that no one experiences harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation while involved with the choir.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All choir members, including trustees/committee members.
- Volunteers, conductors, accompanists, or other staff (paid or unpaid).
- Guest performers, audience members, or anyone else who comes into contact with the choir during rehearsals, performances, or events.
3. Definitions
- Adult at Risk: An individual aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support (whether or not those needs are being met), is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and, as a result, is unable to protect themselves from harm (Care Act 2014, England; similar definitions apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
- Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
- Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse, neglect, or discriminatory behavior (e.g., based on age, disability, or race).
- We aim to ensure all choir activities—rehearsals, performances, workshops, and social events—are conducted in a way that promotes wellbeing and prevents harm.
- We recognize that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and encourage an open culture where concerns can be raised without fear.
- We will work with external agencies (e.g., local authorities or police) if serious safeguarding issues arise.
All members and volunteers are expected to:
- Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, or background.
- Avoid any behavior that could be interpreted as abusive, harassing, or exploitative.
- Never be alone with a child or vulnerable adult in a private setting during choir activities.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
Signs of potential abuse or neglect might include:
- Unexplained injuries, anxiety, or withdrawal.
- Reports of bullying or harassment within the choir.
- A member disclosing that they feel unsafe or mistreated, whether related to choir activities or their personal life.
- Raising a Concern: If you suspect or witness abuse, or if someone discloses a problem, report it to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) as soon as possible. If the DSO is unavailable, contact the Choir Chair.
- DSO Role: Our DSO is Hannah Buckley, hannahbuckley27@gmail.com, 07722 038016.
- They will:
- Listen carefully and record the details confidentially.
- Assess whether the concern requires escalation (e.g., to social services or police).
- Take action only as needed to ensure safety, respecting the individual’s wishes where possible (unless they lack capacity or a crime is suspected).
- External Reporting: For immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergencies involving adults at risk, the DSO will contact the local authority safeguarding team e.g., Hertfordshire County Council Adult Safeguarding: (0300 123 4042). For children, contact the local children’s services or NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000). Herts Children’s social care (0300 123 4043)
- Confidentiality: Information will be shared only with those who need to know to ensure safety.
- Joint Performances with Children: When collaborating with youth choirs, we will:
- Ensure children remain under the supervision of their own group’s responsible adults (e.g., teachers or parents).
- Agree safeguarding arrangements with the partnering organization in advance.
- Vulnerable Adult Members: If a member is identified as an adult at risk (e.g., due to dementia or physical disability):
- They must be accompanied by a carer or responsible adult if needed for their safety.
- We will make reasonable adjustments to support their participation (e.g., accessible venues).
- Photography/Video: We may take photos or recordings at events for promotion or records. Consent will be sought from members or their guardians (for children), and anyone can opt out.
- Committee and Volunteers: will undergo basic safeguarding awareness training. DBS checks are not typically required, as choir activities don’t involve regulated one-on-one contact with vulnerable individuals, but we’ll assess this case-by-case.
- New Members: All will receive a copy of this policy upon joining and be briefed on how to raise concerns.
- This policy will be reviewed annually by the choir committee or sooner if legislation or activities change.
- A safeguarding lead trustee/committee member ([Name]) oversees compliance and reports any incidents at committee meetings.
- Members can request a copy of this policy or view it on our website: pirtoncommunitychoir.org.uk.
For questions or concerns, contact our Designated Safeguarding Officer:
- Name: Hannah Buckley
- Phone: 07722 038016.
- Email: hannahbuckley27@gmail.com
Dated: 26 May 2025
