The Choir’s Safeguarding Policy and Safeguarding Risk Assessment documents can also be downloaded from here

Weybridge Male Voice Choir

Safeguarding Policy

 

Weybridge Male Voice Choir (WMVC) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of its members, those guest artists performing with it (including children) and  members of its audiences, (where WMVC is the concert/event organiser).  WMVC is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Elmbridge Borough Council requirements.

 

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children, older people and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children, older people and vulnerable adults

 

  • They will have a positive and enjoyable experience of the rehearsals, concerts and events performed by WMVC in a safe and suitably centred environment (see Annex A for Health and Safety aspects that will be considered for all WMVC rehearsals, concerts and events).

  • They will be protected from abuse whilst participating in or attending rehearsals, concerts and events organised by WMVC.

WMVC acknowledges that some children, older people and vulnerable adults, including disabled people, or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and it accepts the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.  

 

WMVC will:

 

  • Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, older people and vulnerable adults

  • Appoint a member of the Executive Committee to be the safeguarding officer ensure that he attends appropriate training.

  • Ensure all choir members understand their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children, older people and vulnerable adults.

  • Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern

  • Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored

  • Prevent the contracting/deployment of unsuitable individuals

  • Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

This policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved with WMVC. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the choir.

 

This policy will be reviewed a year after implementation and then after every three years, or in the following circumstances:

 

  • Changes in legislation and/or government guidance

  • As required by the National and Local Government safeguarding policies

  • As a result of any other significant change or event.

 

 

Annex A to     WMVC Safeguarding Policy

Health and Safety

Health and Safety Factors

In preparing for any WMVC rehearsal, concert, or event, the following Health and Safety factors will always be considered:

Fire precautions and drills.

First Aid cover (to include immediate on site provision and that of the emergency services)

The identification of possible hazards in performance locations (e.g. steps, uneven floors, poor lighting)

Briefing Responsibilities and Precautions

 

Fire

·        Rehearsals.  The Chairman will brief choir members once every six months on the fire precautions and drills required at the St James’ Parish Centre, Weybridge.  Briefings to be reported and minuted at the next Executive Committee meeting.

·        Concerts and Events.  Choir members will be briefed on fire precautions drills either by the stage manager as part of his pre-concert/event briefing, or by the Chairman/event organiser as part of their welcoming address to the audience.

 

First Aid Cover

·        WMVC will ensure that it has at least two of its members trained and currently qualified in first aid.  One first aid trained member will be in attendance at each concert/event.

·        WMVC will purchase and maintain a suitable first aid kit, which will be taken to each rehearsal/concert/event by a first aid trained member.

·        The Concert Secretary will ascertain the contact number and location of the nearest A&E hospital department to each concert/event and include it in his concert briefing.

 

Performance Location Hazards

·        During his reconnaissance of concert/event locations the Concert Secretary will conduct a risk assessment to identify any possible hazards that may prejudice the wellbeing and safety of members of the choir, guest performers and audience.  He will include such hazards in his concert briefing.  Risk assessment forms are at Annex B to this policy.

·        Where choir members suffer from some infirmity or disability that puts them at particular risk, their section representatives will arrange for able bodied members to provide suitable assistance.