Safeguarding Policy

At Castle Voices Choir, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all adult members, volunteers, leaders and visitors. We believe everyone should be able to take part in choir activities free from abuse, harassment, bullying, discrimination or harm.

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Our Commitment

We will:

• treat everyone with dignity and respect

• promote a culture of openness and accountability

• take concerns seriously and respond promptly

• support anyone who raises a safeguarding concern

• work in line with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance

 

This policy applies to all choir rehearsals, performances, workshops, social events and any other activity organised by Castle Voices Choir.

 

Safeguarding Principles

Castle Voices Choir believes that:

• every adult has the right to feel safe

• everyone should be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harassment

• safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

• concerns should be listened to and acted on appropriately

• confidentiality should be respected, while never preventing action where someone may be at risk

 

Appropriate Conduct

All members, volunteers and leaders should:

• behave respectfully and professionally

• use appropriate language and behaviour

• respect personal boundaries and consent

• avoid discriminatory, intimidating or abusive conduct

• be mindful of power imbalances and avoid favouritism or inappropriate relationships where trust or authority may be affected

Unacceptable behaviour includes:

• bullying, harassment or intimidation

• unwanted physical contact

• sexual comments, advances or behaviour

• misuse of alcohol or substances at choir activities

• sharing private information without consent

• using social media or messaging in a way that is intrusive, coercive or inappropriate

 

Supporting Vulnerable Adults

Castle Voices Choir recognises that some adults may be more vulnerable because of disability, illness, age, mental health needs, isolation or other circumstances. We will take reasonable steps to support participation safely and respectfully, and to respond appropriately where additional safeguarding measures are needed.

 

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know. Information may be shared without consent where there is a concern about someone’s safety, where required by law, or where it is necessary to prevent harm.

 

Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern, allegation, disclosure or suspicion of abuse, harassment or unsafe conduct should be reported as soon as possible to the designated safeguarding leads:

Rebecca Field-Bunney
Nick Field

If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services without delay.

All concerns will be recorded, taken seriously and dealt with in line with safeguarding procedures.

 

First Aid and Emergencies

Where first aid is needed, it should be provided by a suitably trained person where possible. In an emergency, the priority will always be the safety and wellbeing of the person concerned, and emergency services or appropriate support will be contacted if needed.

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Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains up to date and effective.