Ashford Invicta Singers – Safeguarding

 

The law requires any organisation involving young people and vulnerable adults to take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risk of harm to their welfare is minimised and, where there are concerns, to share them with other agencies, as appropriate.

Ashford Invicta Singers

Safeguarding Policy

The following policy applies to all members, volunteers and all others invited to perform or work

with the Choir and has been agreed by the Choir Committee. Ashford Invicta Singers Committee is

committed to the following:-

1. Promoting a safe environment and culture.

2. Supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young

people and vulnerable adults within the choir and guests of the choir

3. Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation, following official

guidelines and procedures relating to ‘Working together to Safeguard Children 2015’ and

Statement of Government Policy on Adult Safeguarding 2011

4. Caring for and supporting victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.

5. Caring for and supporting those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse

and other affected persons.

6. Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

Ashford Invicta Singers will:

 Create a safe and caring environment for all.

 Have a named Choir Safeguarding Officer to work with the Committee in the

monitoring and implementation of policy and procedures.

 Train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people

and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.

 Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children

and adults undertaken in the name of Ashford Invicta Singers.

 Ensure the contact details of Choir member responsible for safeguarding are

included on choir website.

 Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.

 Take steps to protect children and adults should a safeguarding concern of any kind

arises

 Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or

where it occurred.

 Care for and monitor any member of the choir who may pose a risk to children and

adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.

 Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place

and that these are reviewed annually.

 Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at

least annually.

Choir Safeguarding Officer Janine Hover. 01233 627775. jhover.jh@gmail.com

Each member of Ashford Invicta Singers will agree to abide by this policy and the

guidelines established by the choir

Date of Policy: 1 st January 2003

Review date: 1 st January 2024

Richard Foulger Monica Aherne

Chair, Ashford Invicta Singers Membership Secretary

 

Ashford Invicta Singers recognises that it is not the role of our organisation to decide whether or

not a child or vulnerable adult has been abused. This is the role of the local authority Children’s or

Adult Services department who have legal responsibility, or of the NSPCC who have powers to

investigate child protection concerns under the Children Act.

We are, however, committed to act responsibly within our remit.

Definition of ‘Children’ or ‘Vulnerable Adults’ In this context:

Anyone up to the age of 18, i.e., under 18 is classified as a child.

Anyone over 18 years of age is classified as a vulnerable adult, who is or who may be unable to

take care of themselves, or be unable to protect themselves against significant harm or

exploitation.

 

Appendix

Legal Context: The law requires any organisation involving young people and/or vulnerable adults

to take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risk of harm to their welfare is minimised, and

where there are concerns, to share them with other local agencies. The relevant legal

requirements arise from:

The Children Act 1989;

The Human Rights Act 1998;

The Protection of Children Act 1999;

The Sexual Offences (Amendments) Act 2006;

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;

The relevant government guidance including: Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015;

Statement of Government Policy on Adult Safeguarding 2011.