Safeguarding Policy

 

Children and young people are vulnerable. St Magnus International Festival believes that all children and young people have the right to have their physical and mental wellbeing cared for. We are committed to ensuring the welfare of all children and young people by preventing them from coming to any harm and safeguarding them. St Magnus International Festival fosters culture of safeguarding for all adults, children and families involved in its charitable activities.

 

The Board shall nominate a person who is responsible for safeguarding children and young people, referred to as the Named Person for Safeguarding Children and Young People. The current Named Person nominated by the Board is Pamela Scadding. All trustees, staff and volunteers working with St Magnus International Festival must adhere to the following principles and guidelines:

 

·         Awareness of Abuse

·         Statement of Principles

·         Reporting and Recording Concerns

·         Supervision of Children and Young People

 

Safeguarding children and young people covers those up to the age of eighteen.

 

All trustees, staff and volunteers must familiarise themselves with the following forms of abuse and promptly report any concerns to the Named Person.

 

Abuse can take different forms:

Neglect: Persistent failure to meet the basic physical and/or psychological needs of the child or young person, such as inadequate clothing, diet, health care; leaving a child alone at an inappropriate age; or exposing them in unsafe situations.

Physical Abuse: Causing harm through physical injury, such as hitting, shaking or poisoning.

Emotional Abuse: Failing to provide love and affection, frightening a child with threats or taunts, or giving responsibilities beyond their capabilities.

Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activity. This can include physical contact and non-contact activity such as encouraging a child to look at inappropriate images or behave in inappropriate ways.

When interacting with children and young people, trustees, staff and volunteers should never:  

·         Permit abusive behaviour such as bullying, ridiculing or taunting – whether physical or verbal.

·         Engage in inappropriate physical or verbal contact.

·         Jump to conclusions or make assumptions without verifying facts.

·         Make suggestive remarks or actions, even in jest.

·         Deliberately place yourself or others in compromising situations.

·         Assume ‘it could never happen.’

·         Show favouritism.

 

Trustees, staff and volunteers are expected to:

·         Treat everyone as an individual, respecting their personal preferences and parenting choices.

·         Model acceptable behaviour.

·         Maintain confidentiality and respect personal privacy.

·         Offer support and, when necessary, refer individuals for appropriate assistance.

·         Ensure actions and words cannot be misinterpreted or cause offence and are acceptable within a relationship of trust.

·         Manage sensitive issues with understanding.

·         Prioritise the care and safety of children and young people during all activities.

·         Report any accidents, complaints or safeguarding concerns to the Named Person.

 

If you suspect a child or young person is being neglected or abused physically, sexually or emotionally:

·         Believe the child.

·         Handle the matter sensitively, maintaining confidentiality.

·         Stay calm and avoid appearing shocked or judgmental.

·         Do not investigate or question the child.

·         Do not confront parents or carers about your concerns.

·         Record all details supporting your suspicions, sign and date them, and keep a secure record.

·         Report your concerns to the Named Person, who will contact the appropriate agency, such as Social Services, for investigation.

 

If a child or young person confides in you about abuse:

·         Listen carefully and reassure them, explaining that you cannot keep their disclosure secret.

·         Inform the Named Person immediately.

·         Record all details, sign and date them, and keep a secure record.

 

If there is an allegation or suspicion of abuse by someone involved in the charitable activities, including yourself:

·         Inform the Named Person of your concerns.

·         Record all details, sign and date them, and keep a secure record.

 

In cases of immediate danger or if the Named Person is unavailable, contact the police or Social Services directly and inform the Named Person as soon as possible.

Parents/carers or designated adults (eg teachers) always remain responsible for the children and young people in their care.

 

When children and young people participate in unaccompanied activities, event organisers must hold a valid Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

 

·         A minimum of two adults must be present during any activity or event.

·         Adult to child ratios should be appropriate for the activity.

·         All unaccompanied children must be supervised by adults with valid Enhanced DBS Disclosure (Disclosure and Barring Service).

·         Attendance records, including details of accompanied children, should be available .

·         Any accidents or safeguarding concerns arising during events must be reported to the organiser and addressed appropriately.

 

·         Participants must be informed about photography or video recording activities, and consent must be obtained before capturing images of children and young people.

·         If names are used in conjunction with images, responsible adults must be notified.

·         Parents or carers should inform the organiser if they do not consent to the use of their children’s names.

 

 

Telephone: 03000 200 190

Email: customerservices@dbs.gov.uk

Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service 

 

Telephone: 0808 800 5000

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/

 

You can find local social services here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

 

Telephone: 0800 555 111

Anonymous Online Form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information

 

·         For immediate danger: Call 999.

·         Non-emergency police contact: Call 101 (Textphone 18001 101).

·         Visit a police station or contact relevant social care services (see above).