SAFEGUARDING (including CHILD PROTECTION) POLICY

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About this policy

This Policy applies to all staff, members and volunteers of the Horwich Amateur Theatre Society (Society or we) including creative contractors, committee, members, performers and all other volunteers.

We recognise our duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Child (Performances) Regulations 1968, the Protection of Children Act 1999 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.

We recognise that safeguarding is a key governance priority and that abuse can take many forms, whether it be physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. We are committed to practice which protects children and vulnerable adults (including those at risk from age, illness or disability) from harm.

 We all accept and recognise our responsibilities to remain alert and aware of possible safeguarding risks and, in providing our activities we will endeavour at all times to ensure that everyone is as safe as we can make them.

We have a duty to act on reports or suspicions of abuse and we adopt a “zero-tolerance” to abuse in the Society.

Safeguarding Lead

 Any question or concern about the welfare of children or vulnerable adults should be shared swiftly and appropriately with our Safeguarding Lead (or, in their absence, another committee member):

 Name. Ashley Foster

 Email. ashfos4@gmail.com

Phone. 07796 712123

Children

 We believe that:

The welfare of the child is paramount;

All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, appearance, racial origin, religious belief and/or gender identity have the right to protection from abuse or harm;

Harm can be caused by accidents, deliberate abuse (physical, psychological, sexual, emotional, financial), neglect (deliberate or not) or factors such as bullying, prejudicial attitudes, or a failure to enable a person to participate in activities that are open to most of their peers. It can also include abuse via use of ICT facilities including the internet).

 All our staff, members and volunteers should understand the importance of safeguarding and protecting children and how to respond to issues appropriately.

We will ensure that:

All children will be treated equally and with respect and dignity; Our duty of care to children will always be put first; A balanced relationship based on mutual trust will be built which empowers the children involved with the Society to share in decision making processes;

Enthusiastic and constructive feedback will be given to children rather than negative criticism;

Bullying will never be accepted or condoned (we know that children can face harm from their peers);

 All adult members of the society provide a positive role model, acting appropriately in the presence of children;

 Any inappropriate or harmful behaviour towards or in the presence of children by any adult member will be challenged;

 We keep up-to-date with legislation and guidance relating to the protection of children and undertake relevant development and training;

We maintain a record of every child (and person with parental responsibility for them) presently involved with the Society with their consent, to be accessible in case of emergencies;

All personal information we may collect relating to children will be processed and stored in accordance with [our] data protection policy and with the UK GDPR principles.

The Society has child protection procedures which will accompany this Policy.

 Review

This Safeguarding Policy was approved by the Society’s Committee on 18/10/2024 and came into effect on that date. The Committee will, as appropriate, monitor and enforce this Policy and will review it regularly