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safeguarding notice

Definitions

  • Child: Any individual under the age of 18.

  • Vulnerable Adult: Any person aged 18 or over who is, or may be, unable to care for themselves or protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation. 

 

Safeguarding Lead

 

Purpose and scope of the policy statement

Beckenham Acappella is a non-auditioned community choir open to members of the public. Membership is for adults and most members are independent adults, though sometimes we ay have members who could be considered vulnerable adults. We will only rarely have children attending rehearsals, and they will always be accompanied by a responsible adult (the choir member). Beckenham Acappella is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all members, including both adults and children. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the protection and welfare of all participants, particularly children and vulnerable adults, while taking part in choir activities.

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The main aims of Beckenham Acappella are singing together, learning songs and developing musical skills, working towards performances at a reasonably high level, encouraging local connections and social networks, and enhancing wellbeing. The choir is composed of choir members and the Choir Director- who organises and runs the business side of the choirs as well as leading rehearsals and events. The Choir Director may be supported by the Co-Founder in advisory capacity,  by freelance staff members who run our social media accounts and sometimes help with admin, and by various volunteers from within the choir membership on an ad hoc basis. 

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The Choir Director is First Aid trained and DBS checked, and some choir members may also be First Aid trained. 

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Beckenham Acappella recognises the need to safeguard the welfare of its members and in particular, any young and vulnerable people with whom we may work or come into contact. Beckenham Acappella also recognises that it is not our role to decide whether or not a young person or vulnerable adult has been abused. However we are committed to ensuring best practice within our remit. 

 

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 are minimised, and where there are concerns, to share them with other local agencies.

 

The law also requires an organisation to create a safe working environment, free from any form of harassment, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour.

 

The relevant legal requirements arise from:

  • The Care Act 2014

  • The Children’s Act 1989;

• The Human Rights Act 1998;

• The Protection of Children Act 1999;

• The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (as amended)

• The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;

• The relevant government guidance including: Safe from Harm 1993; Working Together to Safeguard Children 1999; Caring for the Young and Vulnerable 2000.

• Equality Act 2010

• Protection from Harassment Act 1997

• Sections 4 & 5 Public Order Act 1986 (as amended).

• Offences of assault under The Offences Against the Person Act 1861

  • Any future legislative requirement or guidance.

 

Policy statement

We believe that:

  • All people, regardless of age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, racial heritage, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and identity, have the right to equal protection from harm

  • We recognise that some people are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of discrimination, previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.

  • Everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

 

Aims

  • To protect choir members, staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom the choir has any involvement, from abuse or exploitation. 

  • To ensure that all choir members, staff, and volunteers understand their responsibilities

  • To provide clear guidelines on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

  • Ensuring Choir Members know about the organisation's safeguarding and child protection policies and what to do if they have a concern

  • To promote a culture of safety, respect, and inclusion.

 

Recruitment and Training

  • All Choir Directors and Facilitators working directly with children or vulnerable adults will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

  • Staff (and any volunteers) will receive appropriate safeguarding training, including how to identify and report concerns.

 

Code of Conduct

For All Members:

  • Treat everyone with respect and dignity.

  • Avoid any behaviour that could be considered inappropriate, abusive, or exploitative.

  • Be mindful of language, physical contact, and personal boundaries, particularly with children and vulnerable adults.

  • Do not engage in one-on-one communication or meetings with children or vulnerable adults; should this situation be necessary ensure another responsible adult is present.

 

For Adults Working with Children or Vulnerable Adults:

  • Always work in an open and transparent way.

  • Avoid spending time alone with a child or vulnerable adult unless absolutely necessary (e.g., in an emergency). 

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid developing personal relationships that could be seen as exploitative or abusive.

  • Report any concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Officer.

 

Supervision and Safe Spaces

  • Any children present at Beckenham Acappella Choir rehearsals and events are always the responsibility of their parent or carer, who must also attend.

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Photography and Social Media

  • Beckenham Acappella Choir may sometimes take photos or videos during rehearsals, workshops, socials and events, to be shared on social media, our website and for other publicity purposes; as covered in the Choir Agreement. Members should discuss with us at the time if there are any questions or concerns about how these will be shared.

  • Choir members should refrain from taking photos/videos during Beckenham Acappella Choir sessions and events, and from posting such images on social media, without consent from the members involved.

 

Reporting concerns

  • If you think a person is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999. 

  • If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult at a choir rehearsal or event is showing signs of abuse, behaving in a way that threatens their own or other’s safety, or is showing unusual changes in behaviour, you should share your concerns - please contact the Beckenham Acappella Safeguarding Officers

  • Other avenues for help and advice include your local authority and NSPCC

 

If a choir member tells you they are being abused, you should:

  • Listen, stay calm and try to create a supportive environment. Reassure them that they are doing the right thing by talking to you about it and that they will be supported

  • Ask questions sensitively, do not ask leading questions

  • Try and find out if anyone else witnessed the incident/s

  • Don’t make promises you can’t keep, eg by guaranteeing confidentiality about what you are being told

  • Ask them what they would like you to do with the information

  • Let the Choir Safeguarding Officer know as soon as possible; do not share this information with anyone other than the designated Choir Safeguarding Officer or other appropriate officials without the person’s permission

 

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed at least annually to ensure it stays up-to-date. 

 

Last reviewed: April 2025

 

Signed: ………E. Rastall………………………………………………………    Date:……12th April 2025……………….

 

    Eleanor Rastall, Beckenham Acappella Choir Director and Safeguarding Officer

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