Safeguarding Policy - overview
(reviewed August 2023)

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Commitment to safeguarding:  Westbury Park Orchestra believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind.  We recognize 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 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 members, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of the Westbury Park Orchestra or taking part in Westbury Park Orchestra activities.

• The purpose of this policy is to provide members and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to the protection of vulnerable people

• The policy recognizes vulnerable people as:

  • Children up to the age of 16 or young people aged 16-18

  • Adults over 18 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

• The policy aims to:

  • Protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who are; members of, receive services from, or volunteer for the Westbury Park Orchestra

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

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

How the Westbury Park Orchestra might work with vunerable people: membership is open to those over 16 years of age.  We run regular rehearsals for members and put on concerts for the general public.  As such our involvement with vulnerable people might include but is not limited to:

• Members of the group who attend rehearsals and concerts

• Relatives and friends of members who attend rehearsals and concerts in a volunteering capacity

• Audience members at public concerts

Named safeguarding person:  Penny Rawlings has responsibility for safeguarding issues.  All queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to Penny Rawlings in the first instance.

Any projects, events or activities that will involve vulnerable people must be planned with the involvement of Penny Rawlings and in line with established procedures and ground rules (see below).

Procedures and ground rules:  A further document – ‘Ground rules, ways of working and procedures’ is available and forms part of this policy.

Policy review: This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the Westbury Park Orchestra Committee.  It will also be reviewed in response to an identified failing in its effectiveness.

31.05.2018 (reviewed August 2023)