BCS Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Berkhamsted Choral Society (BCS) is an adult choir with a minimum membership age of 18. The choir rehearses weekly and engages a musical director and accompanist on a self employed basis. Activities include 3 concerts a year accompanied by professional, self employed musicians, Come and Sing events and an annual tour. BCS activities are not aimed at adults at risk, and most members would not be categorised as such. However, the choir welcomes all members of the community. Although BCS does not have members under the age of 18, they may at times be joined by a children’s school choir supported by a member(s) of staff or a child soloist accompanied by a responsible adult. This policy is designed to ensure that no individual is disadvantaged, abused or put at physical or emotional risk as a result of any action by BCS or its members, and that systems are in place to safeguard the welfare of all members and those who engage with BCS activities.

Commitment to safeguarding

BCS believes that a child or adult at risk should never experience abuse of any kind. A key principle of safeguarding is that protecting people at risk is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, we recognise our responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and adults at risk. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all children and adults at risk we come into contact with and to protecting them from harm.

Aims of this policy

  • This policy applies to all members and people working on behalf of BCS whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
  • The purpose of this policy is to provide members, staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to the protection of all people at risk.
  • This policy recognises people at risk as:
    • Children up to the age of 18.
    • Adults aged over 18 at risk as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. This might include adults with a learning or physical disability, a physical or mental illness, chronic or otherwise, including an addiction to alcohol or drugs, or reduced physical or mental capacity. This policy also recognises risk is determined by the activity an adult is taking part in and not solely on the personal characteristics or circumstances of the adult, as such any adult can be at risk, and the risk can be temporary.
  • This policy aims to:
    • Protect children and adults at risk who are members of BCS, work or volunteer for BCS or engage in BCS activities.
    • Ensure BCS members, staff and volunteers understand their responsibility for safeguarding children and adults at risk with whom they may come into contact and accept responsibility for the safeguarding of those people at risk they are interacting with.
    • Ensure that safeguarding children and adults at risk is a primary consideration when BCS undertakes any activity or event.

How BCS works with people at risk

On occasions BCS may be joined by a children’s school choir or a child soloist. As such our involvement with people at risk includes:  

  •  BCS members who attend rehearsals and concerts
  • Children singing with BCS as part of a children’s school choir supervised by a member(s) of school staff
  • A child soloist supervised by a responsible adult
  • Relatives and friends of members who support BCS in a volunteering capacity
  • Audience members at public concerts

Rehearsals and performances are group activities, and there is no need for any member of the choir to be alone with another. Infrequent individual vocal coaching sessions for choir members with the Musical Director can be chaperoned by a member of the committee or another designated member of BCS if requested or considered appropriate.

When BCS are joined at an event by a children’s school choir, it is expected that a member of staff or adult responsible for the children’s school choir will remain with them and that arrangements for ensuring safeguarding will be in accordance with the policy of the children’s school. The named safeguarding person (BCS Chair) or the person with responsibility for safeguarding in their absence (BCS Vice Chair) will ensure that the children’s school has suitable safeguarding arrangements in place.

 When BCS are joined by a child soloist, it is expected that a responsible adult will remain with the child. A responsible adult is understood to mean a parent, guardian, close relative or teacher.

 

Named safeguarding person:

Isobel Marsh (BCS Chair, isobelmarsh@gmail.com) hereafter referred to as ‘the named safeguarding person’ has responsibility for safeguarding issues. All queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to the named safeguarding person in the first instance. If she is unavailable, then matters should be referred to Elizabeth O’Reilly (BCS Vice Chair, oreilly29@btinternet.com) hereinafter referred to as the ‘deputy named safeguarding person’.

Procedures for raising safeguarding concerns and incidents of abuse

  • If any choir member, or person working or volunteering for BCS witnesses, suspects or is informed of a witnessed or suspected case of abuse they should immediately report it to the named safeguarding person.
  • If the named safeguarding person is not available, or is involved in or connected to, the abuse, it should be reported to the ‘deputy named safeguarding person’.
  • If an individual wishes to report an incident of abuse against themselves, they should report it to the named safeguarding person or an individual they trust.


Procedures for dealing with concerns and incidents of abuse

The named safeguarding person (or person reported to in their absence) will first make a decision based on the immediacy of the concern and the following two factors:

  1. If the person at risk is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical attention, call the police and/or ambulance service.
  2. If the person at the centre of the allegation is in contact with people at risk at the current time, they should be removed in a sensitive manner from direct contact with people at risk.


If none of the above applies the named safeguarding person will:

  • Make a note of the concerns reported to them and keep a confidential record.
  • Speak with the deputy named safeguarding person about how to handle the reported concern/incident of abuse, excluding any committee members who are involved in the concern/incident.
  • In the case of less serious concerns/incidents, the named person for safeguarding may be able to resolve the concern/incident through mediation.
  • In the event of more serious concerns/incidents, escalate the report by either:
    • Reporting concerns/incidents to the police for serious or possible criminal offences.
    • Reporting to local authority social care department about whether a person at risk is in need of protection.
  • Where cases are escalated the named safeguarding officer and/or deputy named safeguarding person will cooperate with the police or local authority in dealing with the reported concern/incident.
  • Where an internal investigation takes place the names safeguarding person will:
    • Inform all parties involved of the reported incident of concern/abuse as soon as possible.
    • Inform the family/guardians of the person reported as being been abused of the concern/incident of abuse (where appropriate)
    • Arrange separate meetings with both parties within 10 days of the reported incident. A joint meeting may be arranged if appropriate.
  • Both parties should be given the change to bring a friend or representative to the meeting.
  • Meetings will be attended by the named safeguarding person and at least one other committee member.
  • All parties will also be invited to submit a written statement in advance of the meeting.
  • Once meetings have taken place the matter will be reviewed by the committee which will decide on next steps and communicate them to all parties in writing within 5 days. They will be either:
    • Escalate the incident to the relevant authority.
    • Further investigation – with established procedures and timelines to work towards a resolution.
    • A decision or resolution.

Resolution and disciplinary action

  • If abuse is found to have taken place any final resolution or decision will be taken in the best interest of the person who has suffered the abuse and the best interests of BCS
  • Any disciplinary action will be considered as appropriate

Policy review:

This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the committee. It will also be reviewed in response to changes in relevant legislation, good practice, or in response to an identified failing in its effectiveness.

Reviewed January 2025

This policy is due for review is due by January 2026

BCS Policies