Introduction:
Grass Under Foot C.I.C Ltd is committed to promoting the welfare and safety of all children and vulnerable adults who are involved with the theatre company, including staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers. This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines that the theatre company will follow to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The Chairperson of Grass Under Foot C.I.C Ltd is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented and followed, and for ensuring that all staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers are aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Grass Under Foot C.I.C Ltd is Michael How. He is responsible for ensuring that all concerns or allegations of abuse or neglect are reported and managed appropriately, and for ensuring that all staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers are aware of the theatre company’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
All staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers have a responsibility to ensure the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable adults who are involved with the theatre company, and to report any concerns or allegations of abuse or neglect to the DSL or another designated person, as outlined in this policy.
Procedures:
Recruitment and Selection:
All staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers who work with or on behalf of the theatre company will be subject to appropriate recruitment and selection procedures, including an enhanced DBS check where applicable. They will also be required to attend an induction, which includes information on the safeguarding policy and procedures.
Additional recrutement and vetting proceedures for permanent staff and volunteers:
All staff and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults must undergo a recruitment and vetting process, which includes the following:
- Application form and references: All applicants must complete an application form, which includes information on their previous employment and any criminal convictions. References must be obtained and checked prior to appointment.
- DBS checks: All staff and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults must have a valid enhanced DBS check.
- DBS checks for permanent staff and volunteers will be renewed annually.
Training:
The DSL for the theatre company will receive appropriate training to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge required to carry out their role effectively. All staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers will receive appropriate training on safeguarding and child protection, as outlined in the theatre company’s training and development plan.
Identifying and Responding to Concerns:
All staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers should be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect, and should report any concerns or allegations to the DSL or another designated person as soon as possible.
If a concern or allegation is received, the DSL or another designated person will follow the theatre company’s procedures for managing safeguarding concerns, which may include referring the matter to the relevant authorities or agencies, such as the police or social services.
Confidentiality:
All concerns or allegations of abuse or neglect will be treated confidentially and in accordance with the theatre company’s confidentiality policy. However, in some circumstances, it may be necessary to share information with relevant authorities or agencies in order to protect the welfare of the child or vulnerable adult.
Freelancers:
Freelancers who work with or on behalf of the theatre company will be subject to the same safeguarding procedures and guidelines as staff, volunteers, and members, and will be required to follow the theatre company’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
Reporting Concerns:
All staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers should report any concerns or allegations of abuse or neglect to the DSL or another designated person, as outlined in the theatre company’s safeguarding policy and procedures. If the concern or allegation involves the DSL, it should be reported to another designated person.
Conclusion:
Grass Under Foot C.I.C Ltd is committed to promoting the welfare and safety of all children and vulnerable adults who are involved with the theatre company. This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines that the theatre company will follow to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff, volunteers, members, and freelancers have a responsibility to ensure the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable adults, and to report any concerns or allegations of abuse or neglect to the DSL (Michael How) or another designated person.