Policy Statement
Commitment to safeguarding: ERSO believes that vulnerable people should never experience abuse of any kind. We recognise that we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of vulnerable people and are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all vulnerable people that we meet and to protecting them from harm.
About this policy
This policy applies to: all members, paid freelance players, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of ERSO or taking part in ERSO activities (collectively “ERSO Personnel”).
The purpose of this policy is to provide ERSO Personnel with the overarching principles that guide ERSO’s approach to the protection of vulnerable people
This policy recognises vulnerable people as children up to the age of 16 or young people aged 16-18. (ERSO do not currently undertake any work with adults aged over 18 who are defined as vulnerable by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and who 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 and young people who come into contact with ERSO as part of our activities
- Ensure that safeguarding of children and young people is a primary consideration when ERSO undertakes any activity, event or project.
Background
ERSO is run by Music Illuminated which is a registered charity (no.1074016) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (registered number 03685489) with its registered address at 20 Wimborne Close, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4DP.
Music Illuminated Productions Limited (registered number 12628120) is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of Music Illuminated, established to perform the function of the production company in relation to all ERSO orchestral concerts.ERSO runs regular rehearsals for members and put on concerts for the public.
ERSO is an amateur orchestra. There are no paid employees although ERSO pays some freelance players.
Membership is only open to those over 18 years of age. On rare occasions an exceptional player who is between 16 and 18 may be allowed to take part in ERSO rehearsals and concerts. This is only permitted if the committee agree and a parent or guardian is present with the child at all times.
An important part of our annual season is to put on concerts for children and young people, working with trusted partner organisations such as The Camden Music Service or primary and secondary schools. As such our involvement with vulnerable people includes:
- Children and young people who take part in rehearsals and concerts as performers in our children’s and family concerts
- Children and young people who attend concerts as audience members at public concerts.
Named safeguarding person
Fiona Cairney, a Trustee of Music Illuminated and Director of MIP, has responsibility for safeguarding issues. All queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to the named safeguarding person in the first instance.
Any projects, events or other activities that will involve vulnerable people must be planned with the involvement of the named safeguarding person and in line with established procedures and ground rules (see below).
Policy review
This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the ERSO 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.
Ground rules, ways of working and procedures
When ERSO organises a children’s or family concert, we always work with a reliable partner organisation who is responsible for the safeguarding of the children and young people.
The partner organisation will follow its own safeguarding policies and will be responsible for ensuring:
- Planning is carried out in line with appropriate safeguarding policy and procedures;
- Participating children are registered at the appropriate times;
- The event is attended by an appropriate number of DBS checked adults;
- There is a main contact for safeguarding on the day – this will be an individual who has been DBS checked.
- The main contact has access to emergency contact details and other relevant details (e.g. information about picking up arrangements for vulnerable people); and
- That written permission is obtained from parents/guardians where appropriate, and before the activity takes place. Written permission should include: a signed statement of fitness and emergency contact details of any relevant pick-up arrangements – including permission for another adult to pick up the vulnerable person after the activity has finished.
Orchestra members and safeguarding
ERSO shall use its reasonable endeavours to ensure that:
- no member of the orchestra is left alone at any time with any child or young person during any activity(Independent arrangements made by parents are excluded from this clause);
- if ERSO members are asked by our partner organisations to run smaller group sessions during an event and it is not possible for a member of their staff to be present in each group session, ERSO shall ensure that at least 2 players with enhanced DBS checks are present within each group;
- there is to be no inappropriate contact between members and any child in the orchestra during any activity;
- no member of the orchestra meets with any such child outside such activities or away from the normal meeting place, unless a parent or other adult approved by a parent is present.
- No member of ERSO should make or share images of any the children taking part without prior arrangement (any images taken by ERSO for promotional use will be taken and used in accordance with the permission of our Camden Music Service/Camden School for Girls and parents)
- Whilst in the company of a child there is to be no inappropriate contact between ERSO Personnel and any child during any activity. Examples of inappropriate contact would include: physical contact with a child; sharing contact details; communicating via social media; making suggestive remarks or sharing details of your own personal life with a child; any behaviour which could be construed as grooming such as giving presents or favours
When we work with children and young people we always assign them an adult “buddy” who plays the same instrument as them or an instrument within the same section who can answer any questions and deal with their seating and any musical matters.
The ERSO committee will ensure that no taking and storing of photographs and videos of children is undertaken during orchestra activities unless the appropriate parental permission has been received via our partner organisation who have the direct relationship with the children and their parents.
Brieifing ERSO Personnel
Each season ERSO Personnel are briefed on the ERSO safeguarding policy and theuir responsibility to report all disclosures and concerns appropriately and promptly so that they can be dealt with within the guidelines of the law. They are asked to sign a declaration that they have received, read and understood the safeguarding policy; have been made aware of their duty to safeguard and promote children’s welfare and understand the procedure for reporting concerns about a child.
See the end of the document for the safeguarding guidelines which are issued to ERSO Personnel.
ERSO Reporting Procedure
It is possible that whilst ERSO Personnel are working with children, that a child may disclose something about themselves or another child, or that ERSO Personnel may notice something, which concerns them. ERSO Personnel are not responsible for deciding whether or not the concerns are justified and are responsible for reporting concerns appropriately.
Any complaints or concerns regarding the safety of children and/or the conduct of members towards such children are to be referred to the named safeguarding officer in the first instance in person or at ersoinfo@gmail. They will raise it with the partner organisation who are directly responsible for the children and young people. They will also raise the matter with the ERSO committee who will decide what further action should be taken by ERSO, if relevant.
If the named safeguarding officer is not available, or is involved in or connected to, the concern, it should be reported to a member of the ERSO Committee via ersoinfo@gmail.com.
The partner organisation is responsible for informing and liaising with the family/guardians of the vulnerable person reported as being involved in the incident.
If the vulnerable person is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical attention the police and/or ambulance service will be called.
If the person at the centre of the allegation is working with vulnerable persons at the current time they will be removed, in a sensitive manner, from direct contact with vulnerable people.
Last updated July 2022
Safeguarding Guidelines for all ERSO Personnel
As part of the rehearsal and performance days for our children’s projects, we will have close contact with the children who participate in the day. We all need to ensure that no harm comes to children in our company and that if we identify that any child could be at risk this is correctly dealt with.
There is a legal responsibility to report any suspected abuse or harm to children and the term “Children” includes everyone under the age of 18.
The children will be in the care of our Camden partner’s staff (Camden Music Service or Camden School for Girls) throughout and the only time a player should spend in the company of the children is whilst rehearsing and performing. It will therefore seem unlikely that any safeguarding concerns will arise, however it is vital that all players know how to conduct themselves to avoid concerns and are suitably informed about safeguarding practices.
These guidelines are designed to help you:
Recognise your role in safeguarding children from harm
Know how to respond to any concerns you have about a child whilst at the event.
Following the ERSO Safeguarding Policy:
We are keen that the day should be fun and friendly but there are a few rules to follow for the protection of the children:
No member of ERSO should be in a room alone with a child (unless they are the parent or guardian)
No member of ERSO should make or share images of any the children taking part without prior arrangement (any images taken by ERSO for promotional use will be taken and used in accordance with the permission of Camden Music Service and parents)
Whilst in the company of a child there is to be no inappropriate contact between ERSO Personnel and any child during any activity. Examples of inappropriate contact would include:
- Physical contact with a child,
- Sharing contact details, communicating via social media, making suggestive remarks or sharing details of your own personal life with a child,
- Any behaviour which could be construed as grooming such as giving presents or favours.
Addressing concerns about a child
It is possible that while a child is near you they disclose something about themselves or another child, or that you notice something, which concerns you.
It is not your responsibility to decide whether or not your concerns are justified. It is your responsibility to report concerns appropriately.
Below is a guide to recognising signs of abuse and how to report:
What is Child Abuse?
The four categories of child abuse outlined by the 1989 Children’s Act are as follows:
Neglect – the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of that child’s heal or development.
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Constant hunger
- Poor personal hygiene
- Poor state of clothing
- Untreated injuries
Physical Abuse – any type of physical harm, external or internal including fabricated or induced illness
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Unexplained injuries, possibly untreated
- Fear of medical help
- Arms and legs kept covered – even in hot temperatures
Emotional abuse – persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on emotional development.
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Over-reaction to mistakes
- Signs of self-mutilation
- Extremes of passivity or aggression
Sexual abuse – forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. Along with physical contact, this includes involving children looking at or in the production of pornographic material.
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Vivid details of sexual activity or self-reporting/disclosure
Concerns or suspicions of abuse could involve allegations against specific people.
What should I do if I suspect abuse or have concerns?
| DO | DON’T |
| Listen and acceptTry not to interruptTell the child they’ve done the right thing by telling youInform the child of what you are going to doMake accurate notes using the child’s words, date and time as soon as possible.Inform the Designated Safeguarding Officer: Fiona Cairney.If the named safeguarding officer is not available, or is involved in or connected to, the concern, it should be reported to a member of the ERSO Committee in person or via ersoinfo@gmail.com.The ERSO Safeguarding Officer will report to the Safeguarding Officer from Camden Music Service and ensure compliance with the law. | Promise confidentialityInvestigateAsk leading questionsAsk the child to repeat the disclosureInform someone who is not a Safeguarding Officer for ERSO or Camden Music Service.Inform an alleged abuser of the disclosure |
It is not your responsibility to decide if abuse has occurred. This will be decided by professional child protection agencies following a referral from the Designated Safeguarding Officers. Please report all disclosures and concerns so that they can be dealt with within the guidelines of the law.
CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE ERSO SAFEGUARDING GUIDELINES FOR ERSO PERSONNEL:
I confirm that I have received, read and understood the Safeguarding Guidelines For ERSO Personnel.
I have been made aware of my duty to safeguard and promote children’s welfare. I understand the procedure for reporting concerns about a child.
Name:
Date:
Signature:
ERSO 