Safeguarding Policy

overview

Rehearsal Orchestra as it is currently constituted runs courses primarily for adults but on occasion participants under the age of eighteen may be permitted to participate, in which case a parent or guardian should be present.

Abuse or abusive conduct is defined in the ordinary of understanding of the expression, and may include (but is not limited to) repeated infliction of verbal abuse, such as the use of derogatory remarks, insults, and epithets, verbal or physical conduct that a reasonable person would find threatening, intimidating, or humiliating.

We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all participants during our activities.

About this policy

  • This policy applies to: participants, freelance staff, volunteers and anyone attending Rehearsal Orchestra activities.
  • The purpose of this policy is to provide participants, freelance staff, volunteers and anyone attending Rehearsal Orchestra activities with the overarching principles that guide our approach to the protection of all vulnerable people
  • This policy recognises vulnerable people as:
  • Adults aged over 18 at risk as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. This might include adults with a learning or physical disability, a physical or mental illness, chronic or otherwise, including an addiction to alcohol or drugs, or reduced physical or mental capacity. This policy also recognises risk is determined by the activity an adult is taking part in and not solely on the personal characteristics or circumstances of the adult, as such any adult can be at risk, and the risk can be temporary.
  • This policy aims to:
    • Protect all participants, freelance staff, volunteers and anyone else attending Rehearsal Orchestra activities.
    • Ensure participants, freelance staff, volunteers and anyone else attending Rehearsal Orchestra activities working with people at risk are carefully recruited and understand and accept responsibility for the safeguarding of those vulnerable individuals they are interacting with.
    • Ensure that safeguarding of people at risk is a primary consideration when Rehearsal Orchestra undertakes any activity, event or project.

How Rehearsal Orchestramight work with vulnerable people: participation is open to those over 18 years of age. We run regular rehearsal courses for musicians and give Open Rehearsals for the general public. As such our involvement with vulnerable people might include, but is not limited to:

  • Musicians who attend rehearsals
  • Relatives and friends of members who attend Open Rehearsals in a volunteering capacity
  • Attenders at Open Rehearsals

Named safeguarding person: the Administrator has responsibility for safeguarding issues, along with a nominated Trustee. All queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to the Administrator in the first instance.

Procedures and ground rules: A further document, below – ‘Ground rules, ways of working and procedures’ forms part of this policy.

Policy review: This policy will be reviewed and amended on a biennial basis by the Board of Trustees. It will also be reviewed in response to changes in relevant legislation, good practice, or in response to an identified failing in its effectiveness. Trustees will undergo regular training on the topic of Safeguarding.

Rehearsal Orchestra – Safeguarding policy – Ground rules, ways of working and procedures

This document forms part of the Rehearsal Orchestra Safeguarding policy and includes:

  • Recruitment practices around safeguarding
  • Ground rules and ways for working regarding safeguarding of vulnerable people
  • Procedures for raising safeguarding concerns and incidents of abuse
  • Procedures for dealing with concerns and incident of abuse

Rehearsal Orchestra as currently constituted runs courses primarily for adults but on occasion participants under the age of eighteen may be permitted to participate, in which case a parent or guardian should be present. Under these circumstances, the group’s activities do not require the presence of DBS-checked individuals. In the unusual event that an event for under-eighteens is planned, there will be someone present with valid DBS certification.

Ground rules and ways for working regarding safeguarding of vulnerable people

Procedures for raising safeguarding concerns and incidents of abuse

  • If any participant, freelance staff member or volunteer in Rehearsal Orchestra witnesses, suspects or is informed of a witnessed or suspected case of abuse they should immediately report it to the named safeguarding officer; the Administrator.
  • If the named person is not available, or is involved in or connected to, the abuse, it should be reported to the nominated Trustee..
  • If an individual wishes to report an incident of abuse against themselves they should report it to the safeguarding lead.

Procedures for dealing with concerns and incidents of abuse

The Safeguarding Officer ornominated Trustee will first make a decision based on the immediacy of the concern, If the vulnerable person is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical attention, the Safeguarding Officer or nominated Trustee will call the police and/or ambulance service.

If none of the above applies the Safeguarding Officer will:

  • Make a note of the concerns reported to them.
  • Speak with Trustees to decide how to handle the reported abuse, excluding any Trustees who are involved in the incident.
  • Escalate the report by either:
    • Raising concerns with the police – for serious or possible criminal offences.
    • Requesting an assessment by the local authority social care department about whether a vulnerable person is in need of protection.
    • Conducting an internal investigation – for less serious incidents where they feel internal mediation will be successful.
  • Where cases are escalated the Trustees will cooperate with the police or local authority in dealing with the reported incident.
  • Where an internal investigation takes place the committee will:
    • Inform all parties involved of the reported abuse as soon as possible.
    • Inform the family/guardians of the person reported as being been abused of the incident.
    • Arrange separate meetings with both parties within 10 days of the reported incident. A joint meeting may be arranged if appropriate.
      • Both parties should be given the chance to bring a friend or family member to the meeting, if they so wish.
      • Meetings will be attended by the named Safeguarding Officer and at least one Trustee.
      • All parties will also be invited to submit a written statement in advance of the meeting.
    • Once meetings have taken place the Trustees will agree next steps and communicate them to all parties in writing within 5 days. They may decide to
      • Escalate the incident to the relevant authority.
      • Conduct further investigation – set out a timescale for established procedures and timelines to work towards a resolution.
      • Resolve the matter at this stage.

Resolution and disciplinary action

  • If abuse is found to have taken place any final resolution or decision will be taken in the best interest of fairness and best practice.
  • Any disciplinary action will be taken in line with published best practice and Rehearsal Orchestra’s Code of Conduct.