Our SAFEGUARDING OFFICER is Samantha Duncan
Emails and telephone are checked regularly, but not daily.
In case of emergency call the Police on 999
SAFEGUARDING ADULTS POLICY
Policy
Mind & Soul Community Choir (M&SCC) recognises the responsibility to promote the welfare of all adults at risk. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all adults at risk we come into contact with and to protect them from harm. This policy statement will be widely promoted.
This policy recognises adults at risk as aged over 18 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.
It is recognised that 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.
The procedures outlined in the policy are mandatory for everyone involved in M&SCC activities. Failure to comply with the procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.
Policy aims and purposes
The aims of the policy are:
- To protect adults at risk who are members of, receive services from, or volunteer for, M&SCC.
- To ensure that safeguarding of adults at risk is a primary consideration when M&SCC undertakes any activity, event or project.
- To ensure staff working with adults at risk are carefully recruited and understand and accept responsibility for the safeguarding of those they interact with.
The policy applies to all members, staff (whether employees or freelances), volunteers and anyone working on behalf of M&SCC or taking part in M&SCC activities.
The purpose is to provide members, staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to the protection of adults at risk.
Named safeguarding person: Samantha DUNCAN has responsibility for safeguarding issues and has the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. All queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to Samantha DUNCAN in the first instance.
Any projects, events or other activities that will involve vulnerable people must be planned with the involvement of Samantha DUNCAN in line with established procedures.
Working with adults at risk
Activities include regular workshops for members or those interested in joining, performances for the general public arranged by the choir or in collaboration with other choirs/bodies. Membership of the choir is open to those over 18 years of age.
As such involvement with adults at risk might include, but is not limited to:
- People who attend workshops, rehearsals and performances
- Relatives and friends of those who attend performances in a volunteering capacity
- Audience members at public performances
where M&SCC organises any activity or event they will be responsible for ensuring that:
- Planning is carried out in line with this policy
- An event is attended by an appropriate number of DBS checked adults (a minimum of one)
- There is a main contact for safeguarding on the day who has been DBS checked
- The main contact has access to emergency contact details and other relevant details (e.g. information about picking up arrangements for adults at risk)
- The gender of people at risk taking part in activities is reflected in the gender mix of those in attendance as well
- A person at risk should not be left alone with any adult, unless that adult is DBS checked and carrying out regulated activity
- Two adults (one DBS checked) should be the last to leave a venue once the activity has finished. They will be responsible for ensuring that there are plans for people at risk to get home safely
Recruitment practices around safeguarding
If an existing or potential new member of staff or volunteer will work directly with adults at risk, as part of the M&SCC’s activities, the appropriate level of DBS will be requested before that work is undertaken. The level of DBS check required will be decided by the committee and in line with the DBS rules regarding regulated activity. The results of any check to inform a decision will be used confidentially.
Where DBS checks are required, they will be reviewed every three years.,
Procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns
If an individual wishes to report an incident of abuse against themselves they should report it to the named safeguarding officer Samantha DUNCAN, or an individual they trust.
If any member, staff or volunteer in M&SCC witnesses, suspects or is informed of a witnessed or suspected case of abuse they should immediately report it to the named safeguarding officer, Samantha DUNCAN.
If the named person is not available, or is involved in or connected to, the abuse, it should be reported to another DBS checked adult or a committee member.
Procedures for dealing with concerns and incidents of abuse
The named person (or in their absence a nominated person) will first make a decision based on the immediate concerns and the following two factors;
- If the person at risk is not safe or needs emergency medical attention – call the police, 111 or ambulance service.
- If the person the allegation is made about is working with persons at risk they should be moved to other activities, in a sensitive manner.
If none of the above applies the named person will:
- Make a written note of the concerns reported to them.
- Speak with committee members to decide how to handle the reported abuse, excluding any committee members 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.
- An internal mediation – led by the chair.
Resolution and disciplinary action
Any disciplinary action will be taken in line with the M&SCC constitution.
Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the management 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.
As agreed at Mind and Soul Community Choir AGM 29th March 2023 reviewed and amended as necessary by the management committee 8th July 2024
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