Safeguarding

The Rode Hall Silver Band is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in the band including all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in its activities. Our Safeguarding policy defines how we achieve this in all we do.

Introduction

This Safeguarding Policy demonstrates Rode Hall Silver Band’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who participate in its activities. This policy establishes the band’s position, roles and responsibilities, clarifying expectations for all individuals involved. It emphasises the importance of protecting individuals from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment while also safeguarding personnel from false allegations.

Everyone participating in music with Rode Hall Silver Band is entitled to a safe and enjoyable environment. This policy applies to all participants, with a particular emphasis on the heightened duty of care owed to children, young people and vulnerable adults. Abuse can occur in various settings and Rode Hall Silver Band is committed to implementing procedures to protect individuals and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities.

The purpose of this policy:

  • To protect children who engage in Rode Hall Silver Band’s activities from harm. This includes the children of adults members.
  • To provide all members, as well as children and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
  • Rode Hall Silver Band believes that a child, young person or adult with care and support needs should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.
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Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up based on law and guidance that seeks to protect children and adults at risk, namely:

  • Children Act (1989)
  • United Convention of the Rights of the Child (1991)
  • Data Protection Act (1998) and subsequent data protection guidance
  • Sexual Offences Act (2003)
  • Children Act (2004)
  • Protection of Freedoms Act (2012)
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; HM Government (2018)
  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
  • The Human Rights Act (1998)
  • The Children and Families Act (2014)
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) code of practice: 0 to 25 years. Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities; HM Government (2014)
  • General Data Protection Regulations (European Union) (2017)
  • Information sharing: advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers; HM Government (2015)
  • The Care Act (2014)
  • The Care Act (2014) Care and Support Statutory Guidance (specifically the safeguarding section of this)
  • The Mental Capacity Act (2005)

The UK's four nations – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – each have their own framework of child protection legislation, guidance and practice to:

  • Identify children who are at risk of harm
  • Take action to protect those children
  • Prevent further abuse occurring

Although the child protection systems are different in each nation, they are all based on similar principles. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system

We believe that:

  • Children should never experience abuse of any kind.
  • We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.
  • The welfare of children is paramount in all the activities we undertake and in all the decisions we make.
  • Working in partnership with children, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues. Extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

We will seek to keep children safe by:

  • Valuing them, listening to and respecting them.
  • Appointing a nominated lead, a deputy and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding.
  • Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and a code of conduct for members.
  • Developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures.
  • Providing effective support and training for volunteers with responsibility for safeguarding.
  • Recruiting members and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
  • Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children, parents and members.
  • Making sure that children and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern.
  • Sharing concerns with agencies who need to know and involving parents and children appropriately.
  • Using Rode Hall Silver Band’s procedures to manage any allegations against members and volunteers appropriately.
  • Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children and members, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.
  • Building a safeguarding culture where members, children and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.
  • Sharing information about anyone found to be a risk to children with the appropriate bodies. For example: Disclosure and Barring Service, Services, Police, Local Authority/Social Services.

Online Safety

RHSB is committed to ensuring safe and appropriate use of digital communication:

  • No one-to-one contact via private messaging or social media with young members under 18 (unless a parent/carer is included).
  • The membership form will be used to obtain consent for photos & videos of children to be used for band promotion purposes.
  • The band will use official channels (email/newsletter/Facebook page) to communicate information.

DBS Eligibility

All adults undertaking roles with significant responsibility for or regular contact with young people or adults at risk will:

  • Undergo appropriate checks, including Enhanced DBS with Barred List Check where required by law.
  • Receive safeguarding guidance and induction.
  • Be made aware of their responsibilities and our Code of Conduct.

Transport and Trips

Transport to/from regular rehearsals is the responsibility of the parent/carer unless group transport is arranged.

  • When RHSB is acting in loco parentis (e.g., at contests or events where no parent is present), a nominated, DBS-checked adult will be responsible for supervision.
  • Parental consent is required for participation in any band activity outside normal rehearsals (see Membership Form).
  • Trip organisers will ensure safe transport arrangements, emergency contacts, and appropriate adult-to-child supervision ratios.

Anti-Bullying Statement

RHSB has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying of any kind.  Any concerns about bullying, including cyberbullying or exclusion should be reported to the Safeguarding Officer. Incidents will be dealt with promptly, sensitively, and in accordance with this policy.

Children’s Version

A summary version of this policy using age-appropriate language is available and will be shared with all members under 18.  Parents/guardians are invited to read and discuss this summary with their child upon joining the band.

Raising Concerns

Band members follow a standard route to raise concerns about a child’s or vulnerable persons safety or welfare.  See Appendix 1.

Useful contact details:

Internal Contacts:

  • Band Safeguarding/Welfare Officer (DSL): Ed Gillespie, safeguarding@rodehallband.org.uk
  • Band Deputy Safeguarding/Welfare Officer: Donna Bates, 07944341004, safeguarding@rodehallband.org.uk
  • Band Safeguarding Trustee: Sue Howell,safeguarding@rodehallband.org.uk

External Contacts:

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): Cheshire East, Tel: 01270 685904, Email: LADO@cheshireeast.gov.uk
  • Children's Social Care: CHECS, Tel: 0300 123 5012
  • Adult Social Care: Cheshire East, Tel: 0300 123 5012 Out of hours Tel: 0300 123 5022
  • Police (non-emergency): 101
  • Police (Emergency): 999
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • The Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
  • Brass Bands England Safeguarding Officer: 01226 771015

Policy Review

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. This policy was last reviewed on: 2nd July 2025

Signed: Ed Gillespie Safeguarding Office

Date: 2nd July 2025

Appendix 1: Safeguarding report process