18 Safeguarding Policy
18.1 Introduction
Da Capo Academy makes a positive contribution to a strong and safe community and recognises the right of every individual to stay safe. Da Capo Academy encounters children and/or vulnerable adults through the following activities: tuition (individual or group), workshops and concerts. The types of contact with children and/or vulnerable adults will be regulated and controlled.
18.2 Statement of policy
It is the policy of Da Capo Academy to ensure that we undertake responsibilities with regards to the protection of children and/or vulnerable adults and will respond to concerns appropriately.
The policy establishes a framework to support paid and unpaid staff in their practices and clarifies the organisation’s expectations.
18.3 Definitions
a) “Safeguarding” is embedding practices throughout the organisation to ensure the protection of children and/or vulnerable adults wherever possible. In contrast, child and adult protection is about responding to circumstances that arise.
b) “Abuse” is a selfish act of oppression and injustice, exploitation and manipulation of power by those in a position of authority. This can be caused by those inflicting harm or those who fail to act to prevent harm. Abuse is not restricted to any socio-economic group, gender or culture.
c) Definition of a “Child” or “Children”: A child is under the age of 18 (as defined in the United Nations convention on the Rights of a Child).
d) Definition of “Vulnerable Adult” or “Vulnerable Adults”: A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.
18.4 Responsibilities
All staff (paid or unpaid) have responsibility to follow the guidance laid out in this policy and related policies, and to pass on any welfare concerns using the required procedures.
We expect all staff (paid or unpaid) to promote good practice by being an excellent role model, contribute to discussions about safeguarding and to positively involve people in developing safe practices.
18.5 Implementation
The scope of this Safeguarding Policy is broad ranging and in practice, it will be implemented via a range of policies and procedures within the organisation. These include: Recruitment Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and Learning Agreement.
Safe recruitment: Da Capo Academy ensures safe recruitment through contacted interview (formal or informal) and shortlist process.
Criminal Bureau Records Gap Management: The organisation commits resources to providing Criminal Bureau Records check on staff (paid or unpaid) whose roles involve contact with children and/or vulnerable adults.
18.6 Training
All staff (paid or unpaid) and tutors who, through their role, are in contact with children and/or vulnerable adults will have access to safeguarding training at an appropriate level.
18.7 Professional boundaries
Professional boundaries are what define the limits of a relationship between a staff member (paid or unpaid) or tutor and a learner. There are a set of standards we agree to uphold that allows this necessary and often close relationship to exist while ensuring the correct detachment is kept in place.
Da Capo Academy expects staff to protect the professional integrity of themselves and the organisation.
The following professional boundaries must be adhered to:
a) Giving and receiving gifts from learners and/or parents and legal guardians: Da Capo Academy does not allow staff (paid or unpaid) and tutors to give gifts to learners. However, gifts may be provided by the organisation as part of a planned activity.
b) Personal relationships between a member of staff (paid or unpaid) or tutor and a learner who is a current service user is prohibited. This includes relationships through social networking sites.
c) Use of abusive language.
d) Response to inappropriate behaviour/language.
e) Use of punishment or chastisement.
f) Passing on service users’ personal contact details.
g) Not providing contact details to service users.
h) If the professional boundaries and/or policies are breached this could result in disciplinary procedures or enactment of the allegation management procedures
18.8 Allegations Management
Da Capo Academy recognises its duty to report concerns or allegations against its staff (paid or unpaid) within the organisation or by a professional from another organisation.
The process for raising and dealing with allegations is outlined in the Allegations Management Procedures.
18.9 Managing information
a) Information will be gathered, recorded and stored in accordance with the Data Protection Policy and Confidentiality Policy.
b) All staff must be aware that they have a professional duty to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
c) The public interest in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults may override confidentiality interests. However, information will be shared on a need to know basis only.
d) All staff must be aware that they cannot promise service users or their families/carers that they will keep secrets.