Whitstable Choral Society Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: May 2025
Approved by Trustees: May 2025
Next Review Date: May 2026

Statement of Safeguarding Principles

Every person has a value and dignity; they must be protected from harm.

Principles

We are committed to:

  • The care and nurture of all members of the Whitstable Choral Society (hereinafter referred to as "The Society".
  • The safeguarding and protection of all vulnerable persons.
  • The establishing of a safe and caring Society.

Members of The Society will respond without delay to every safeguarding concern. Concerns should be reported to the current Safeguarding Officer. The Society will work in partnership with the police and local authority in any investigation. We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust. In all these principles, we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good
practice.

The Society recognises that it has a particular duty of care for all who are vulnerable, whether as a result of age, disabilities or reduction in capacities or by their situation. It is recognised that this increased vulnerability may be temporary or permanent and may be visible or invisible, but that it does not diminish our responsibilities.

The Society recognises the serious issue of the abuse of children and vulnerable adults and that this may take the form of physical, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, discriminatory, domestic or institutional abuse or neglect, abuse using social media, child sexual exploitation or human trafficking (slavery). It acknowledges the effects these may have on people and their development. It accepts its responsibility for ensuring that all people are safe in its care and that their dignity and right to be heard is maintained. It accepts its responsibility to support, listen to and work for healing with survivors, offenders, communities, and those who care about them. It takes seriously the issues of promotion of welfare.

The Society commits itself to RESPOND without delay to any allegation or cause for concern that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed or may suffer harm, whether in The Society or in another context. It commits itself to challenge the abuse of power of anyone in a position of trust.

The Society commits itself to ensuring the IMPLEMENTATION of its Safeguarding Policy, government legislation and guidance and safe practice.

The Society commits itself to the PROVISION of support and advice to members to ensure they are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.

Purpose

The purpose of the Safeguarding Policy is to check that procedures are in place and provide clarity about the roles and responsibilities of those trusted with promoting The Society as a safe space for all its users.

Trustees

It is the responsibility of the Trustees to appoint a Safeguarding Officer. The Safeguarding Officer should be a member of The Society, or someone appointed by the Trustees to fulfil that role. They must have the right to attend every Trustee meeting to report on the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy.

Reporting Process

If a person wishes to report a safeguarding issue, they should contact the Society's Safeguarding Officer immediately without further investigation of the issue themselves. No-one should promise to maintain someone else's confidence if they hear of anything which is illegal or may cause harm to any person.

The Safeguarding Officer may be contacted at: safeguarding@whitstablechoral.org

If the Safeguarding Officer is unavailable the Chair of the Society should be contacted at: chairman@whitstablechoral.org

Any person also has the right to contact these authorities and helplines or any other that are deemed suitable:

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Kent Local Authority Child Protection Designated Officer (LADO): 03000 410888
  • Kent Social Services: social.services@kent.gov.uk
  • Adult abuse in Kent: 03000 416161

The Society's Safeguarding Officer is to:

• Provide support and advice to the Trustees in fulfilling their roles with regard to safeguarding.
• Ensure that a suitable, signed Safeguarding Policy is always available on the Society's website, along with name of the current Safeguarding Officer, national helplines and other suitable information.
• Record all safeguarding issues that are reported to the Trustees.
• Attend training and meetings relating to the role
• Work in partnership with the Trustees to promote good safeguarding practice.
• Check that safeguarding is included as an agenda item at all meetings of Trustees.

Good Practice

We believe good practice means that:

  • All people are treated with respect and dignity.
  • Those who act on behalf of The Society should not meet or work alone with a child or vulnerable adult where the activity cannot be seen.
  • Any child attending an event or rehearsal should remain under the care of their parent, guardian or other responsible person.