Safeguarding Policy

SAFEGUARDING POLICY LANGCLIFFE SINGERS SEASON   2026 - 2027

Langcliffe Singers (LS) recognises its responsibility and commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing, and prevention of harm for all children, young people (aged 16-18) and vulnerable adults participating in Langcliffe Singers’ rehearsals and events. This also applies to volunteers helping at events. There is an understanding that all members accept responsibility for safeguarding. Vulnerable groups are defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

The named Safeguarding Lead is Angela Rickards who has responsibility for safeguarding issues. All queries and concerns should be directed to her in the first instance.

Any projects, events or other activities that involve vulnerable people must be planned with the involvement of the Safeguarding Lead in line with established procedures and rules.

The policy will be reviewed annually or when necessary, by the Trustees, bearing in mind changes to legislation or identified failure of effectiveness.

Recruitment Practice around Safeguarding

Any member or volunteer working on behalf of Langcliffe Singers with vulnerable children or adults must have the appropriate DBS check, as specified by the Government DBS Eligibility Guidance. Appropriate safeguarding training should be provided.

Ground Rules and Ways of Working regarding Safeguarding of Vulnerable People

Planning should be carried out in line with this Safeguarding Policy

The event should be attended by an appropriate number of DBS checked individuals (minimum 1)

The total number of adults in attendance should be in line with the Ofsted recommended ratio

There is a main DBS checked Safeguarding contact on the day of the event

The main Safeguarding contact has access to emergency contact details and collection details of the vulnerable persons

Aim to have a gender balance of adults reflecting the gender balance of the vulnerable persons

A vulnerable person should not be left alone with a single adult unless in exceptional circumstances. The adult should be appropriately DBS checked

Adults should be responsible for ensuring all vulnerable people are collected from the venue or have other arrangements to get home safely

Working with Parents/ Guardians

Written permission should be obtained from parents/guardians before the activity takes place. This should include emergency contact details and collection details.

Procedures for Raising Safeguarding Concerns and Incidents of Abuse

If any LS member or volunteer witnesses, suspects or is informed of a witnessed or suspected case of abuse they should immediately contact the named Safeguarding Lead, Angela Rickards.

If the named person is unavailable or is involved in, or connected to the abuse, the Group Chair, Margaret Coleman, or another DBS checked adult should be contacted.

If an individual wishes to report an incident of abuse against themselves, they should report it to the Safeguarding Lead or a trusted individual within LS.

Procedures for Dealing with Concerns and Incidents of Abuse

The Safeguarding Lead or nominated deputy will make a decision based on the immediacy of the situation.

If the vulnerable person is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical attention call 999 for the police and/or ambulance

Remove the person at the centre of the allegation from any direct contact with vulnerable people in a sensitive manner

If the situation is less urgent:

The named Lead will make a note of the concerns reported to them

They may discuss with the LS Chair if appropriate

Action may involve:

Raising concerns with the Police (for serious or possible criminal offences)

Discussing with carers, if appropriate, and possibly requesting a Social Care assessment if the vulnerable person is in need of protection

An internal investigation of the allegation for less serious incidents

Where cases are escalated the Committee will co-operate with the police or local authority.

Internal Investigation actions:

Inform all parties involved of the reported abuse as soon as possible

Inform the family/ guardian if the person reported as being abused is a child or adult without capacity

Arrange separate meetings within 10 days of the reported incident. A joint meeting may then be arranged.

Both parties should be able to bring a friend or representative to the meeting

Meetings will be attended by the named Safeguarding Lead and at least one other committee member

All parties will be invited to submit a written statement in advance of the meeting

Following the meeting the Committee will decide the next steps and communicate them to all parties within 5 working days. This might include:

Escalation to the relevant authorities

Further investigation to work towards a resolution

A decision or resolution

Resolution and Disciplinary Action

If abuse is deemed to have occurred, this needs to be reported to the appropriate statutory bodies as appropriate for further investigation and action.

Actions within the choir would be discussed by the LS Committee, considering the best interests of the person suffering the abuse.

APPENDIX 1

Safeguarding Lead – Angela Rickards

Chair of Trustees – Margaret Coleman

Members with First Aid Qualification -  Helen Blyth, Margery Toller