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Safeguarding Policy

 

 

Background


Amersham Festival Society (AFS) is a registered charity and has been operating for over 30 years. We have a Festival in April that includes inter alia a classical concert, a choral concert, and a concert performed by children. In the winter we have a series of four classical concerts. There is a children’s bursary scheme whereby the AFS encourages children with their musical studies by providing financial assistance, often for the purchase of instruments. AFS operates through its trustees and a committee. A team of volunteers provides any necessary assistance.

 

 

Commitment to safeguarding


The Amersham Festival Society (AFS) believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We recognise that we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all children, young people and vulnerable adults we come into contact with and to protecting them from harm.

 

 

About this policy
 

This policy applies to all committee members, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of the AFS.

 

The purpose of this policy is to provide organisers and participants with the overarching principles that guide our approach to the protection of vulnerable people.

 

This policy recognises vulnerable people as:

 

  • Children (people under 16)

  • Young people (aged 16-17)

  • Adults (aged 18 or over) defined as vulnerable 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 aims to:

 

  • Protect children, young people and vulnerable adults (vulnerable people) who are members of, receive services from, or volunteer for the AFS.

  • Ensure that all those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are carefully recruited, and understand and accept responsibility for the safeguarding of those vulnerable individuals with whom they are interacting.

  • Ensure that the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults is a primary consideration when the AFS undertakes any activity, event or project.

 

 

How the AFS might work with vulnerable people


AFS may come into contact with vulnerable people in the following ways:

 

  • At concerts as a member of the audience

  • As persons assisting at our events

  • As participants in the bursary scheme

  • As participants in an educational event during the Festival

  • As performers at some of our concerts

 

 

Responsibility for Safeguarding


The committee of the AFS has a designated Safeguarding Officer- Gill Minikin. Queries and concerns relating to safeguarding can be raised with the Safeguarding Officer, or with another member of the AFS committee.

 

 

Procedures and ground rules


A further document – ‘Procedures, ground rules and ways of working’ gives more detailed guidance for Society events and functions.

 

Any projects, events or other activities that will involve responsibility for vulnerable people must be planned with the involvement of the Safeguarding Officer and in line with these established procedures and ground rules.

 

 

Policy review


This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the AFS 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.

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