Bay Brass
Torquay, Devon
Bay Brass child/vulnerable adult protection policy statement
(The word child in this document also means vulnerable adult)
Bay Brass recognises its’ responsibilities to ensure that that all children regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or identity can participate in the playing of Brass Band Music in a safe and enjoyable environment.
This policy applies to all members of the band and any other person who may from time to time be part of or represent the band. It is the responsibility of everybody to provide this safe environment.
Legal Framework
This policy is based upon legal principles contained in UK and International Legislation along with government guidance and take the following into consideration.
The Children’s Act 1989
The Protection of Children Act 1999
“Caring for the Young and Vulnerable” – Home Office guidance for preventing the abuse of trust 1999
The UN Convention on The Rights of The Child
Human Rights Act 1998
A copy of this document will appear on The Band’s website as well as on request from a committee member. The Welfare Officer is Alison Wilmott and designated committee member
is
John
Sherlock.
What is Child abuse?
Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed either physically, mentally or emotionally. This is usually done by an adult or adults but can be by their peers. Often these are people the children know and trust.
Children can be abused within the family unit or outside the family in environments where they come into contact with others.
Physical abuse includes situations where the child is:
Hurt or injured (e.g. by hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting or burning).
Given cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or poison.
Choked, strangled or suffocated.
Neglect includes situations where:
A child’s basic needs (e.g. food, warmth and clothing) are not met.
Children are left alone and unsupervised.
Sexual Abuse includes situations where others use young children to fulfil their own sexual needs:
Any sexual contact whatever.
Showing them any pornographic books, photographs or film or the taking thereof.
Emotional abuse includes situations where:
There is a persistent lack of love, affection or attention shown to the child.
The child is overprotected preventing them from socialising.
The child is taunted or shouted at .
Bullying is not always easy to spot and can take many forms. It is usually repeated over a period of time. The three main types are physical, verbal and emotional and will include:
Deliberate hostility and aggression towards the child.
Intimidation and persecution of the child.
Coercive behaviour toward the child.
Appropriate behaviours
All band members should be treated with dignity and respect.
Children should be encouraged within the band, but none should be perceived as favourites.
In general avoid being alone with children, try to have another band member with you.
If it is necessary to be alone with a child:
Make sure another band member knows where you are and how long you will be.
Invite the child to bring as friend.
Leave the door open of the room you are in.
Move to the centre of the room so that you can be seen.
Avoid physical contact with the child unless that contact is necessary to avoid harm or injury to that child.
If physical contact cannot be avoided ask the child’s permission wherever possible to ensure that they are comfortable.
If a child talks to you confidentially ensure that they understand that you will not share that information unless it is in specific circumstances regarding child protection and safeguarding.
Outside of Band activities
Try to avoid contacting the child unless it through their parents or guardian.
Be aware that children will see you as a role model therefore your behaviours and actions are responsible and considerate with appropriate personal/professional boundaries.
Do not give your personal phone number or email address to a child.
Do not develop individual friendships with children, unless as part of a family friendship.
Be careful of your language during band activities
If you are involved in a position of leading or teaching do not accept gifts from children, or give them gifts. If presented with a token “thank you gift” accept it with thanks and inform the Welfare Officer.
If you wish to present a token gift to a child for a specific reason please inform the Welfare Officer and obtain the committee’s consent.
Guidelines for trips away
Whether using private vehicles or coaches parents/guardians need to be informed of the following:
Outward and return journey times, including any possible stops or breaks in the journey.
The full address of the destination including any telephone numbers or email addresses
If any changes to the itinerary or emergencies, parents/guardians need to be contacted as soon as possible by a committee member or organiser.
The details of the travel company and the driver should be made known to parents/guardians.
The driver’s and at least one committee member’s mobile telephone number should be made available to a parent/guardian .
Use of Private vehicles:
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to get the child to rehearsal.
However if you are taking a child in your car whether to rehearsal or any other Band event you must get the written permission of the parent/guardian. You must also be subject to a DBS check.
Parents/guardians:
It is their responsibility to provide full details of any special dietary needs, ailments, allergies or illnesses, including any GP details and any emergency numbers. Medication and access to these supplies and authority to issue these whether for normal use or in emergency. This needs to be in writing and given to a committee member where it can be kept in a place of easy access for when it is required.
When staying in overnight accommodation certain measures are required:
No Child to share with an adult unless a family member.
Children sharing must be of the same sex.
Appropriate Adults (those who have undergone DBS checks) should be the first point of contact for any child with any necessary room numbers and mobile telephone numbers being given to all.
Any allegations whether against a band member or any other person must be taken seriously.
Do:
Do tell them they are right to tell you.
Do tell them they are not to blame.
Do be honest about your own position, who you have to tell and why.
Do tell the child what you are doing and when, keep them up to date with what is happening.
Do Take further action – you may be the only person who is in a position to stop future abuse – tell your Welfare Officer immediately.
Do write down everything that is said and done.
Do nots:
Don’t make promises you cannot keep.
Don’t interrogate the child, it is not your job to investigate. Police and Social Services are experienced and trained this.
Don’t doubt anything the child says, don’t interrupt or change the subject.
Don’t say anything that make the child feel responsible for anything that has happened.
Don’t do nothing – ensure you tell the welfare Officer, they will know how to deal with this and where to go for further advice and help.
Allegations against a band member/representative.
Bay Brass will ensure that any allegation made against a member or representative will be dealt with swiftly and in line with the procedures;
The member who is told will ensure that the child is safe and away from the person against whom the allegation is made.
The Welfare Officer must be informed immediately. If the named person is the Welfare Officer a committee member must be informed.
The Welfare Officer should contact the Local authority designated officer or other agency as seen fit.
The person who witnessed the incident or was told of it by the child should make a full written statement as soon as possible. It is important that this is done to get as accurate a report as is possible. This report must be made available to the appropriate authority.
Whether an investigation takes place or not Bay Brass will conduct an internal investigation as soon as is possible and disciplinary procedures will follow if necessary.
Photography
We will not permit photographs, videos or other images of children to be taken without the consent of the parent/guardian. Should Bay Brass require photographs for promotional purposes we will ensure that steps are taken to make sure that these photographs are used solely for the purpose the are intended.
Remember, this is everyone’s responsibility.
