SAFEGUARDING POLICY

March 2023

Introduction and purpose

This policy sets out how Eye Bach Choir operates to keep adults at risk of abuse or neglect and children safe from abuse. 

The policy is about stopping abuse where it is happening and preventing abuse where there is a risk that it may occur.

We have a Duty of Care to our volunteers and those who engage with any aspect of Eye Bach Choir. We are committed to the protection and safety of adults at risk and children whether they are volunteers and/or participants in our activities. We will protect and support the volunteers who work with us as well as those who engage with us.

All citizens of the United Kingdom have their rights enshrined within the Human Rights Act 1998. Children’s legislation includes the Childrens Act 1989 and 2004.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. For our safeguarding policy to be effective every volunteer, and staff member who supports us whatever their role, will play their part in keeping people safe.

Definitions

Adult at risk of abuse or neglect 

For the purposes of this policy, adult at risk refers to someone over 18 years old who, according to paragraph 42.1 of the Care Act 2014:

has care and support needs

is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect

as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

If someone has care and support needs but is not currently receiving care or support from a health or care service, they may still be an adult at risk

Children and young people are defined as those persons aged under 18 years old. This policy will apply to all staff, contractors and volunteers and will be used to support their work. 

“Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children” is defined in Working Together 2018 as:

protecting children from maltreatment

preventing impairment of children’s health and development

ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care 

taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

Persons affected by this policy

All volunteers 

All who engage with any aspect of Eye Bach Choir

Our Policy

Eye Bach Choir has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse. 

There are no excuses for not taking all reasonable action to protect adults at risk and children from abuse, exploitation, radicalisation and mistreatment. 

Eye Bach Choir recognises that under the Care Act 2014 it has a duty for the care and protection of adults who are at risk of abuse.  It is committed to promoting wellbeing, harm prevention and to responding effectively if concerns are raised. 

The welfare of the child and/ or adult at risk is paramount and all adults have the right to protection from abuse.

We are committed to working with appropriate agencies including Suffolk Social Care, Suffolk Safeguarding Teams and the police etc. to ensure the reporting of abuse is appropriate and in line with local, national and Charity Commission requirements and Information Sharing guidance.

We will create an environment where volunteers feel able to raise safeguarding concerns and feel supported with their safeguarding responsibilities.

All volunteers are required to report any suspected abuse and be aware of the appropriate reporting and support procedure for safeguarding including the reporting of people at risk of radicalisation and extremism.

All Volunteers and staff must be clear on appropriate behaviour and responses.

Felicity Golding is the Designated Lead for safeguarding at Eye Bach Choir. 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Eye Bach Choir will fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities in a way that ensures that adults and children are safeguarded from harm. The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for following up and reporting any suspected reports of abuse.

Appropriate recruitment of volunteers is in place.

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Committee.

FLOWCHART FOR REFERRAL FOR ACTUAL OR SUSPECTED ABUSE (2022)

See it. Recognise it. Report it.