Safeguarding Policy

Vivace Chorus believes that children, young people and adults at risk of harm should never experience abuse of any kind. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to protecting any vulnerable people we come into contact with.    

1 – Who does this policy apply to?

This policy recognises vulnerable people as:

• Children up to the age of 16
• Young people aged 16-17
• Adults aged 18 and over, who are at risk of harm or neglect because of their care and support needs (whether or not the needs are being met).

An adult at risk of harm may be a person who:

• Is elderly and frail due to ill health
• Has a learning disability
• Has a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment
• Has mental health needs including dementia 
• Has a long-term illness or condition
• Misuses substances or alcohol
• Is unable to make their own decisions. 

This list is not exhaustive; other people might also be considered to be adults at risk.

2 – Types of abuse

Abuse of vulnerable people can take many forms, the most common being:

• Physical abuse
• Domestic violence or abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Financial or material abuse
• Modern slavery
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational or institutional abuse
• Neglect or acts of omission
• Self-neglect.

For more information on types of abuse, see https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse 

We understand the importance of being alert to signs of abuse and to the difficulty vulnerable people may have in reporting it.

3 - How Vivace Chorus operates

Membership is open to adults over the age of 18.

We run regular rehearsals for members and put on public concerts and events. Our involvement with vulnerable people might include, but is not limited to:

• Members of the choir who attend rehearsals, concerts and events
• Soloists and orchestra members who perform at concerts/events
• Members of other choirs or organisations who attend joint rehearsals, concerts and events
• Audience members at public concerts

Rehearsals are run by our self-employed Music Director or a substitute on occasion, with a self-employed accompanist.  We do not employ staff directly.

4 – Supervision of vulnerable people

Where we participate in events involving children (e.g. joint concerts with a youth choir) the main responsibility for safeguarding individual children will lie with designated responsible adults e.g. teachers, parents, guardians or chaperones. However, we are aware that all members of the choir have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for joint activities with children, and this is set out in more detail in our Child Protection policy and procedures.

We are aware that vulnerable people may attend our concerts as members of the audience, or attend social events hosted by us.  It is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or carer to ensure adequate supervision.  If a parent, guardian or carer is not personally attending an event this policy requires them to be satisfied that the vulnerable person will be accompanied and adequately supervised by a responsible adult acting on their behalf at all times.

5 – What to do if you have a safeguarding concern

If you believe that a vulnerable person is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical attention you should call the police and/or an ambulance.

Otherwise, any concerns relating to safeguarding should be immediately reported to Becky Kerby as Safeguarding Officer (safeguarding@vivacechorus.org) or another member of the Vivace committee in her absence.

Depending on the nature of the safeguarding concern, we may refer the matter to the Police, Social Services or other relevant statutory agencies.

If a concern, complaint or allegation is made against a member of Vivace Chorus, this may be referred to statutory agencies (e.g. the Police) as appropriate. If a statutory agency later confirms they do not propose to investigate, we may still undertake our own internal investigation. If any member or associate of Vivace Chorus is found to have abused or caused harm to a vulnerable person, their membership/association will be permanently revoked. 

We will keep confidential records of any safeguarding concerns or allegations.

This policy is available as a PDF attachment.