SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Purpose and scope:
Audiovisability is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. This policy applies to trustees, staff, freelancers, volunteers and anyone acting on behalf of Audiovisability.
We believe that:
• Everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm
• The welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount
• All people, regardless of age, disability, race, religion, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation, have equal rights to protection.
This policy is informed by the following legislation and guidance:
• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026
• Keeping children safe in Education 2026
• Care Act 2014
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Equality Act 2010
We will keep children and adults at risk safe by:
• Valuing, listening to and respecting children, young people and adults at risk
• Providing safeguarding training for employees and volunteers of Audiovisability
• Following safer recruitment procedures and maintaining appropriate DBS checks
• Ensuring concerns are reported promptly
• Creating a positive, inclusive and accessible environment.
We recognise that:
• Some children are more vulnerable due to previous experiences, their level of dependency, ability to communicate how they are feeling or other factors
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
Clear definitions of abuse and harm:
Abuse and harm can be defined but not restricted to:
• Physical Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Neglect
• Child on child abuse
• Online harms
• Child Exploitation
• Harmful sexual behaviour
• Domestic Abuse
• Honour based abuse
• Coercive control
Recognising and reporting concerns:
Anyone with a safeguarding concern must:
Where there is immediate danger, contact 999 or BSL 999
Listen to the disclosure carefully, do not lead the conversation and do not rush them
Tell the person they have done the right thing in telling you but do n
ot promise confidentiality
If they have observed something of concern, take action to reduce risk
Record information factually, as soon as possible with as many details as you can
Report the concern to the named Designated Safeguarding Officer on the same day
Refer the concern to statutory agencies where required. This should be in the area where the person lives, not where the event is taking place
Record actions taken, reflect on learning and inform the Board’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
If a staff member or volunteer is not satisfied with the actions taken by the DSO or the concern is about the DSO, they can escalate to the Board’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Chair of the Board.
Safer recruitment:
Where anyone works on behalf of the charity, Audiovisability will:
• Verify identity and eligibility to work or volunteer
• Carry out DBS checks to the appropriate level according to latest guidance
• Provide safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers
• Monitor staff and volunteers through supervision with clear lines of enquiry
• Obtain references where appropriate
DBS checks and volunteers:
Audiovisability will ensure that DBS checks are obtained where required by law and best practice. Individuals working directly with children will normally require Enhanced DBS clearance. Volunteer roles will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with current regulated activity and future changes affecting supervised volunteers.
Whistleblowing:
Staff, volunteers and trustees are encouraged to report concerns about unsafe practice, misconduct or safeguarding failures. Concerns may be raised with the DSL, safeguarding trustees, Chair of Trustees or external agencies. No individual will suffer detriment for raising concerns in good faith.
To report an incident, please contact Ruth Montgomery (below) or complete the incident report form below. If you would like to make a declaration using BSL please send us a link to a video to download (WeTransfer and/or Dropbox).
Allegations against staff or volunteers:
Audiovisability and its Board will take any allegations against staff or volunteers seriously. Reports will be made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) accordingly.
Online and face-to-face activities:
Audiovisability holds a charity risk register which is reviewed every quarter.
Audiovisability will assess risks relating to workshops, performances, outreach, digital projects, filming, photography, social media and one to one support.
If working with a partnership or host organisation, Audiovisability will have sight of their safeguarding policy and confirm who will be the named person responsible for safeguarding at the event.
Appropriate consent, supervision and accessibility measures will always be implemented with additional needs noted and care plans in place where required adopting a child/person centred approach.
Staff and volunteers will be appropriately trained on understanding boundaries, use of phones/cameras at events and social media expectations.
Workshop participants, parents and carers or other stakeholders will always be made aware of who they can go to for help if they need support or if they have a concern.
Recording, storing and using information will be secured safely in line with data protection, GDPR and other legislation and guidance.
Contact details:
Audiovisability Artistic Director and Designated Safeguarding Officer for activities
Name: Ruth Montgomery
Email: ruth@audiovisability.com
Nominated Designated Safeguarding Lead
Name: Bryony Parkes
Email: hello@audiovisability.com
Chair of the Board
Name: Lucy Dunkerley
Email: hello@audiovisability.com
This policy and procedure will be reviewed annually or following any major safeguarding incident or change in legislation.
Policy approval and review
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Policy owner: Bryony Parkes
Approval Date: 1st October 2026
Review Date (annual): 1st October 2027