Safeguarding Policy Overview

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Commitment to safeguarding: Canterbury Music Makers believes that a child, young person or adult at risk should never experience abuse of any kind. We recognise that we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk we come into contact with and to protecting them from harm.

About this policy

• This policy applies to; all members, staff (whether employees or freelances), volunteers and anyone working on behalf of Canterbury Music Makers or taking part in Canterbury Music Makers’ activities.

• The purpose of this policy is to provide members, staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to the protection of all vulnerable people

• This policy recognises vulnerable people as:

• Children up to the age of 16 or young people aged 16-18.

• 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 children, young people and adults at risk who are; members of, receive services from, or volunteer for Canterbury Music Makers. 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 vulnerable individuals they are interacting with.

  • Ensure that safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk is a primary consideration when Canterbury Music Makers undertakes any activity, event or project.

 

How Canterbury Music Makers might work with vulnerable people: membership is open to those over 16 years of age. We run regular rehearsals for members and put on concerts for the general public. As such our involvement with vulnerable people might include, but is not limited to:

• Members of the group who attend rehearsals and concerts

• Relatives and friends of members who attend rehearsals and concerts in a volunteering capacity

• Audience members at public concerts

 

Named safeguarding person: [name of person] has responsibility for safeguarding issues. All queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to [name of person] in the first instance.

Any projects, events or other activities that will involve vulnerable people must be planned with the involvement of [name of person] and in line with established procedures and ground rules (see below).

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

Policy review: This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the 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.

 

Policy review

The policy will be reviewed every two years by the committee. Members of CMM will be informed of any changes to the policy and be invited to comment. 

 

Draft September 2024