Holmfirth Choral Society believes that any child, young person or adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We recognise that we have a particular responsibility to all children, young people and adults at risk we encounter. We aim to maintain a safe and positive environment in which our activities take place. We acknowledge that the types of abuse are varied and include, but are not confined to, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, financial abuse, neglect, stalking behaviour.
Holmfirth Choral Society exists and advertises itself as a choir for adult singers. We do not ask for auditions and membership is open to all. Occasionally we may be joined by children (generally children of choir members) or adults at risk, who may rehearse and/or perform with us. Rehearsals and performances are group activities and there is no occasion on which any member of the choir is required to be alone with another member of any age. We recognise our responsibilities towards vulnerable people and the Committee has therefore adopted the following Safeguarding Policy.
The activities of Holmfirth Choral Society do not include regulated (as defined by DBS) activity. When people under 18 years of age, or vulnerable adults take part in a rehearsal or other event, we require that they are accompanied by an adult who has designated responsibility for them.
About this policy
- The purpose of this policy is to provide members, staff and volunteers with a statement of the principles that guide our approach to the protection of vulnerable people
- This policy applies to all members, staff (whether employees or freelances), volunteers and anyone working with or acting on behalf of Holmfirth Choral Society or taking part in Holmfirth Choral Society activities.
- This policy recognises vulnerable people as:
- Children up to the age of 16 or young people aged 16-18.
- Adults at risk of harm. The Care Act 2014 defines an adult at risk as someone over 18 years old who:
- has care and support needs
- is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
- as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.
- This policy aims to:
- Protect children, young people and adults at risk who are members of, engage in activities with, or volunteer for Holmfirth Choral Society.
- Ensure members, staff and volunteers working with children, young people and adults at risk are carefully recruited and understand and accept responsibility for the safeguarding of those individuals they are interacting with.
- Ensure that safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk is a primary consideration when Holmfirth Choral Society undertakes any activity, event or project.
How Holmfirth Choral Society might work/ come into contact with children, young people and adults at risk:
Choir membership is open to adult singers and younger singers of adult ability. We run regular rehearsals for members and put on concerts for the general public at which a number of volunteers may help with stewarding, hospitality and ticket sales. We also occasionally offer open rehearsals which anyone may attend. As such our involvement with people at risk might include, but is not limited to:
- Members of the group who attend regular rehearsals and concerts
- members of the public who attend open rehearsals
- Relatives and friends of members who attend rehearsals and concerts in a volunteering capacity
- Audience members at public concerts
Named safeguarding person:
The designated safeguarding person has responsibility for safeguarding issues. All queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to them in the first instance.
Any projects, events or other activities that will involve vulnerable people must be planned with the involvement of the designated safeguarding person and in line with established procedures for safeguarding, data protection and health and safety. [see separate documents].
Policy review: This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the management 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.
Adopted at a meeting of the management committee on 12 May 2024
Heath and Safety policy
Holmfirth Choral Society is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all those involved in the activities it organises. This policy applies, but is not limited, to:
- members, additional performers, volunteers and members of the public.
- rehearsals, performances and fundraising events.
Responsibilities
- Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the Holmfirth Choral Society Committee.
- The committee will appoint a named Health and Safety Officer who will take practical responsibility for health and safety at events and activities organised by the Society. This person will be named for each event organised by the Society.
Statement of general policy
Holmfirth Choral Society will seek to prevent accidents and cases of ill-health by managing risks to health and safety at events and activities by carrying out appropriate risk assessments. Where regular venues are used risk assessments will be reviewed on an annual basis or sooner if required.
- Holmfirth Choral Society will ensure that members and volunteers acting on behalf of the society are able to do so as safely as possible. To this end, where necessary, activities and tasks will be risk assessed and appropriate instruction will be provided (e.g. preparing and serving hot drinks, erecting staging). Appropriate hygiene and infection prevention measures will be adhered to.
- Holmfirth Choral Society will engage and consult with members and volunteers on health and safety issues. Members and volunteers will be briefed on health and safety risk assessments for new venues/activities and updated on any changes in risk assessment for regular venues/activities.
- Attendees will be given health and safety information at all events hosted/run by the Society.
- Anyone may raise a health and safety concern and anyone may take action to maintain immediate safety. Issues should be brought to the attention of the Health and Safety Officer or any committee member as soon as practicable. Holmfirth Choral Society will establish clear lines of communication for members, staff and volunteers to raise health and safety concerns, and have procedures in place to ensure concerns raised are investigated and acted on where appropriate.
- Holmfirth Choral Society will implement emergency procedures – eg. evacuation in case of fire or other significant incident – in accordance with procedures applicable to the venue. We will ensure that at least one individual is responsible for knowing fire procedures for hired venues and for communicating them to those present.
- Holmfirth Choral Society will maintain safe and healthy conditions for the storage of equipment.
First Aid
- Holmfirth Choral Society will ensure they are aware of First Aid procedures, kits and equipment at hired venues.
- Where practical Holmfirth Choral Society will recruit members and volunteers with First Aid experience. OR
- Where appropriate (e.g. for larger events) Holmfirth Choral Society will train members or volunteers in First Aid or work with professional First Aid organisations.
Sound safety
Holmfirth Choral Society takes the responsibility of protecting the hearing of members, staff, volunteers and audience members seriously. We will:
- Take into account the protection of our audience’s hearing when designing stage and audience layout for performances.
- Ensure there are open lines of communication for individuals to raise concerns about hearing
- Where concerns are raised the Committee will work with the individuals to find ways to minimise risk.
Adopted by the Committee
Date: 12 May 2024
