The North West Early Music Forum (NWEMF) is an organisation created for the study and enjoyment of mostly pre-classical music. Our members are drawn from amateur and professional musicians. Our main focus is on practical study through day workshops and occasionally online presentations both of which may include non-members.
Commitment to safeguarding
NWEMF believes that a child, young person or adult at risk should never experience abuse of any kind. We recognise that we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk we come into contact with and to protecting them from harm.
About this policy
This policy applies to all members of NWEMF and anyone working on behalf of NWEMF or taking part in NWEMF workshops.
The purpose of the policy is to provide members and people working on behalf of NWEMF with the overarching principles that guide our approach to the protection of all vulnerable people.
The policy recognises vulnerable people as:
- Children up to the age of 16 or young people aged 16-18
- Adults aged 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. This policy also recognises risk is determined by the activity an adult is taking part in and not solely on the personal characteristics or circumstances of the adult, as such any adult can be at risk, and the risk can be temporary.
Policy aims
The law requires any organisation involving children, young people or vulnerable adults to take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risk of harm to their welfare are minimised. NWEMF espouses this requirement and takes all practicable steps to protect any children, young people or vulnerable adults at our activities.
We recognise that it is not for us to decide whether a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been abused or not but, where there are concerns, to share them with agencies who do have that role. The relevant Social Services department is appropriate as is the NSPCC who has powers to investigate child protection concerns under The Children’s Act.
Membership of NWEMF is not advertised as an activity suitable for children or vulnerable adults and members are independent adults. It would be only rarely that a young person or vulnerable adult joins workshops whether in person or online.
If a child or young person is to participate in a workshop they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
NWEMF workshops are group activities, and there is no need for a member or visitor to be alone with another member of any age. NWEMF is therefore unlikely to be targeted by a person seeking opportunities to abuse children, young persons or vulnerable adults. Nonetheless we recognise the need to safeguard any young and vulnerable people that might be in our midst and the Trustees have therefore agreed the following Safeguarding Procedures.
Procedures
NWEMF has nominated a Designated Person, John Huthnance, who has received appropriate training and has been checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service and who will continue to attend appropriate training as required.
- NWEMF members will report any concerns to the Designated Person. [Guidance is available from the Designated Person and also in this document (See Appendices 2 – 5) on what observation or evidence would indicate such a cause for concern.] In the absence of the Designated Person the matter should be brought to the attention of the NWEMF chairman or secretary.
- Once aware that a cause for concern has been raised the Designated Person is then mandated to ensure the completion of a Confidential Record of Suspected Abuse Appendix which is to be kept permanently and securely.
- The Designated Person will instigate an internal investigation in the case of less serious incidents where they feel internal mediation will be successful and that the allegation does not require escalating to involve outside agencies. Otherwise, they will proceed as outlined in Appendix 1.
- NWEMF publicises its Safeguarding Policy on its website and, as with all our essential policies, draws it to the attention of our members at the beginning of each season.
Review
This policy is reviewed by the NWEMF Trustees (committee) every year and is updated as required. NWEMF members will be informed of any changes to the policy and be invited to comment.
