Safeguarding Policy

1. Aims

The aims of our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures are:

  • To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who directly engage in Forced Entertainment’s Participation programmes;
  • To enable those children, young people and vulnerable adults to engage in our work in a safe and welcoming environment; and
  • To implement best practice in the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults in the planning and delivery of our Participation programme.

2. Policy

Forced Entertainment is committed to practice that protects children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm.  As a company we firmly believe that:

  • All children, young people and vulnerable adults whatever their age, culture, disability, gender identity or expression, sexuality, language or religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse and to a happy and healthy childhood;
  • Child abuse in whatever form is unacceptable and should be brought to the attention of the proper authorities;
  • Everyone working with children, young people and vulnerable adults have a responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of each child/person in our care. Children, young people and vulnerable adults should feel safe and able to speak out if this is not the case; and
  • All staff will play a part in the prevention of abuse and neglect and must be aware of and alert to signs of abuse.

3. Principles

Forced Entertainment will endeavour to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the following principles:

  • Awareness:We ensure that all staff, freelance workers, trustees and volunteers are aware of abuse and the risks facing children, young people and vulnerable adults, via this policy and procedures document and relevant training.
  • Prevention: We ensure through our awareness and good practice that staff and others minimise the risks facing children, young people and vulnerable adults.
  • Reporting:We ensure that staff and others involved in our work are clear what steps to take if concerns arise regarding the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
  • Responding:We ensure that action is taken to support and protect children, young people and vulnerable adults where concerns arise regarding possible abuse.

4. Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults, namely:

  • Children Act 1989;
  • United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991;
  • Data Protection Act 1998;
  • Human Rights Act 1998;
  • Sexual Offences Act 2003;
  • Children Act 2004;
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006;
  • Protection of Freedoms Act 2012;
  • Children and Families Act 2014; and
  • 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.

5. Scope

The Policy and Procedures apply to everyone who works for and on behalf of Forced Entertainment including staff, freelance workers, trustees and volunteers.

The DSL is responsible for developing and reviewing the organisation’s Safeguarding Policy statement and other care and protection policies and guideline