OUR STATEMENT

The Vox Tribe acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Warwickshire County Council requirements. The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children 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/young people have a positive and enjoyable experience of singing in a safe and child centred environment and are protected from abuse whilst participating in musical activities 

We acknowledge that some children, including disabled children or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

The law requires any organisation involving young people and vulnerable adults to take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risk of harm to their welfare is minimised and, where there are concerns, to share them with other agencies, as appropriate.

 The Vox Tribe will appoint the Designated Safeguarding Officer (“DSO”). The DSO shall undertake appropriate training as required and will be identified to children as the principal person they should turn to if they have any concerns or queries. Contact details for the DSO are also given in the enrolment form and on the website, currently 07943070565. On any occasion when children or vulnerable adults are required to rehearse and/or perform with The Vox Tribe there will be at least two adults appointed who will remain responsible for them throughout rehearsals. During performances registered chaperones will be on duty to safeguard children at all times.

The Vox Tribe recognises that it is not the role of our organisation to decide whether a child or vulnerable adult has been abused or not. This is the role of the Social Services department who have legal responsibility or the NSPCC who have powers to investigate child protection concerns under the Children Act.

AS PART OF OUR SAFEGUARDING POLICY, WE WILL:

Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people values.

Listen to and respect children/young people. 

Adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures, and code of conduct for volunteers.

Ensure volunteers understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and are provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people

Provide effective management for volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all volunteers know about our policies, procedures and behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently ensuring appropriate action is taken. 

In the event of incidents or concerns of abuse the Designated Safeguarding Lead  or deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead should be notified 

Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance.

Prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting volunteers safely,

Ensuring all necessary checks are made to appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people, and a deputy safeguarding lead. 

Share safeguarding and good practice with children/young people and their parents via leaflets, posters and discussions make sure that children, young people and their parents know where to go for help if they have a concern. 

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in The Vox Tribe. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

MONITORING

This policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances: changes in legislation and/or government guidance as required by the local authority (Warwickshire County Council) as a result of any other significant change or event. 

This policy was last reviewed on  22.04.23 (MELISSA ASBRIDGE SIGNATURE)

Everyone involved in providing activities for children will be given access to appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people

Contact details Our Safeguarding/Welfare Officer Name:

Melissa Asbridge: youth@thevoxtribe.co.uk

Our Deputy Safeguarding/Welfare Officer Name: 

Paul Asbridge: info@thevoxtribe.co.uk

In a safeguarding emergency, where a young person is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 or If in any doubt as to what to do, the DSO or other person acting shall seek advice from NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.