The Contemporary Chorus – Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

The Contemporary Chorus is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all individuals who engage with our organisation. This includes choir members, staff, freelance professionals, volunteers, members of the public, and staff at venues where we rehearse, record, or perform.

We recognise our duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, and to protect all participants from harm, harassment, or exploitation.

This policy sets out our safeguarding principles, responsibilities, and procedures.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All members of The Contemporary Chorus (adult and youth ensembles where applicable)

• Staff (employed and freelance)

• Volunteers and contractors

• Members of the public we interact with during performances, workshops, or outreach activity

• Venue staff and external partners

3. Safeguarding Principles

We are guided by the following principles:

• Zero Tolerance of Harm: Everyone has the right to be safe from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

• Prevention: Safeguarding is best achieved by creating a proactive culture of vigilance, openness, and respect.

• Proportionality: Any safeguarding response will be appropriate to the level of risk identified.

• Partnership: We will work collaboratively with statutory agencies, venues, and partner organisations to ensure robust safeguarding practices.

• Accountability: All staff, members, and volunteers share responsibility for safeguarding and must adhere to this policy.

4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

4.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• A named DSL will oversee the implementation of this policy.

• Responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining safeguarding records securely

  • Providing guidance and support to staff, members, and volunteers

  • Liaising with statutory safeguarding agencies where required

  • Ensuring compliance with training and policy updates

4.2 Staff and Volunteers

• Must complete safeguarding awareness training before taking up duties.

• Must follow this policy and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

• Must maintain professional boundaries at all times.

4.3 Choir Members

• Expected to treat others with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

• Must not engage in bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour.

• Any safeguarding concerns should be raised promptly with the DSL.

4.4 Venue Staff and External Partners

• Relevant safeguarding requirements will be shared with venues and contractors.

• Where venue safeguarding policies exist, The Contemporary Chorus will align with them to ensure joint responsibility and clarity of roles.

5. Safer Recruitment

• All staff and volunteers in roles involving children, young people, or adults at risk will be recruited using safer recruitment procedures.

• This includes obtaining references and, where appropriate, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)checks.

• Job descriptions and contracts will outline safeguarding responsibilities.

6. Code of Conduct

• Respectful behaviour is expected from all individuals.

• Physical contact must be appropriate, limited, and necessary for the context (e.g., musical instruction, first aid).

• Communication with choir members, particularly children or adults at risk, must remain professional (including online or via messaging apps).

• Confidential information must be protected in line with data protection law.

7. Risk Management in Activities

7.1 Rehearsals

• Risk assessments will be conducted for all rehearsal venues.

• Emergency procedures (fire exits, first aid provision) will be communicated clearly at the start of each term.

• Attendance will be recorded for accountability and safeguarding purposes.

7.2 Performances and Recordings

• Safeguarding measures extend to interactions with the public and external personnel.

• Procedures will be in place for managing audience interactions, backstage access, and liaison with venue staff.

• Designated chaperones will be appointed for youth participants or vulnerable adults.

7.3 Outreach and Community Work

• When working in schools, care homes, or community settings, The Contemporary Chorus will comply with the safeguarding standards of the host organisation in addition to our own policy.

8. Digital and Online Safety

• Online rehearsals, communications, and recordings must be conducted using approved platforms.

• Choir members and staff must not share inappropriate, offensive, or harmful content.

• Parental/guardian consent will be obtained before recording, livestreaming, or photographing children or adults at risk.

9. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

• Concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL.

• In the absence of the DSL, concerns must be raised with a Deputy DSL or the senior leadership.

• Where there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services must be contacted without delay.

• All concerns will be documented and, where appropriate, referred to statutory safeguarding agencies (e.g., Local Authority Designated Officer, Police, or Social Services).

• Whistleblowing protections apply to anyone raising concerns in good faith.

10. Training and Awareness

• All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding induction training before engaging in activities.

• Refresher training will be provided at least every two years.

• Choir members will be made aware of safeguarding principles through handbooks, induction sessions, and ongoing communications.

11. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• Safeguarding concerns will be shared strictly on a “need-to-know” basis.

• Information will be stored securely and handled in compliance with data protection regulations.

12. Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually by the DSL and Directors/Trustees.

• Lessons learned from incidents will be incorporated into updated procedures.

• Any legislative or best practice changes will trigger an interim review if necessary.

13. Contacts

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSLTameside, Stockport, Sale & Wilmslow​): Dan Taylor: 07725954257 

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL Bolton, Bury, Wigan & Salford): Joe Keegan: 07809676271 

14. Approval

This Safeguarding Policy was adopted by The Contemporary Chorus on: 14th April 2023
Next review date: 14th April 2026

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15. Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

• Adult at Risk – An individual aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to their care needs, disability, or circumstances.

• Chaperone – A responsible adult assigned to supervise and safeguard children or adults at risk during rehearsals, performances, or travel.

• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) – A UK government service providing background checks on individuals to ensure they are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

• DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) – The named individual responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures and acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

• Deputy DSL – An appointed individual who supports the DSL and acts in their absence.

• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – A statutory officer within a local authority who deals with allegations against adults who work with children.

• Safeguarding Concern – Any issue relating to the safety, wellbeing, or welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk.

• Whistleblowing – The reporting of concerns about unsafe or unlawful practices within an organisation.