Safeguarding Policy

Overview

Commitment to safeguarding: Trentham Brass Band believes that a child, young person, or adult at
risk should never experience abuse of any kind. Abuse may be physical, sexual, psychological, or
emotional. It will include any behaviour or course of conduct intended or reasonably likely to cause
physical or emotional harm. We recognise that we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all
children, young people, and adults at risk. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all
children, young people, and adults at risk we come into contact with and to protecting them from
harm.

About this policy

• This policy applies to; all members, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of Trentham
  Brass or taking part in their activities.
• The purpose of this policy is to provide members and volunteers with the overarching
  principles that guide our approach to the protection of all vulnerable people
• This policy recognises vulnerable people as:
• Children up to the age of 16 or young people aged 16-18.
• Adults aged over 18 at risk as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. This
  might include adults with a learning or physical disability, a physical or mental illness, chronic
  or otherwise, including an addiction to alcohol or drugs, or reduced physical or mental
  capacity. This policy also recognises risk is determined by the activity an adult is taking part in
  and not solely on the personal characteristics or circumstances of the adult, as such any adult
  can be at risk, and the risk can be temporary.
• This policy aims to:
• Protect children, young people and adults at risk who are; members of, receive services from,
  or volunteer for, Trentham Brass.
• Ensure members and volunteers working with children, young people and adults at risk are
  carefully recruited and understand and accept responsibility for the safeguarding of those
  vulnerable individuals they are interacting with.
• Ensure that safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk is a primary
  consideration when Trentham Brass undertakes any activity, event, or project.

How Trentham Brass might work with vulnerable people

Membership is open to all ages. We run
regular rehearsals for members and put on concerts for the general public. As such our involvement
with vulnerable people might include, but is not limited to:

• Members of the group who attend rehearsals and concerts
• Relatives and friends of members who attend rehearsals and concerts in a volunteering
  capacity
• Audience members at public concerts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Gavin Probert has responsibility for safeguarding issues. All
queries and concerns relating to safeguarding should be referred to him in the first instance.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Rhiana Travis.

Gavin Probert and Rhiana Travis have completed the Brass Bands England Band Safe training. They
are both DBS checked.

Any projects, events or other activities that will involve vulnerable people must be planned with the
involvement of the DSL (or, in his absence, the DDSL) and in line with established procedures
and ground rules (see below).

Procedures and ground rules

A further document – ‘Ground rules, ways of working and
procedures’ is available and forms part of this policy.

Policy review

This policy will be reviewed and amended (if necessary) on an annual basis by the
Management Committee. It will also be reviewed in response to changes in relevant legislation, good
practice, or in response to an identified failing in its effectiveness.

Safeguarding policy – Trentham Brass – Ground rules, ways of
working and procedures

This document forms part of the Trentham Brass Safeguarding policy

• The policy applies to; all members, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of Trentham Brass
  or taking part in band activities.
• The purpose of this policy is to provide members and volunteers with the overarching principles
  that guide our approach to the protection of vulnerable people.
• This policy recognises vulnerable people as:
   Children up to the age of 16 or young people aged 16-18.
   Adults aged over 18 at risk including those defined as vulnerable by the
  Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006; this might include adults with a learning
  or physical disability, a physical or mental illness, chronic or otherwise, including an
  addiction to alcohol or drugs, or reduced physical or mental capacity.

This document includes:

• Procedures for dealing with concerns and incidents of abuse
• Recruitment practices around safeguarding
• Ground rules and ways for working regarding safeguarding of vulnerable people
• Procedures for raising safeguarding concerns and incidents of abuse

Recruitment practices around safeguarding

If an existing or potential new member, staff member or volunteer will be working with vulnerable people
as part of the Trentham Brass activities the appropriate level of DBS will be requested before that work is
undertaken.

The level of DBS check required will be decided by the committee and in line with DBS rules regarding
regulated activity. The results of any check to inform a decision will be used confidentially and in line with
the Trentham Brass equal opportunities policy.

Any potential new member who will not be undertaking regulated activity with vulnerable people, will be
subjected to an Internet search before membership is confirmed.

Ground rules and ways for working regarding safeguarding of vulnerable people

When Trentham Brass organises an activity or event where they will be responsible for vulnerable people
they will ensure:

• Planning is carried out in line with this policy and procedures.
• The event is attended by an appropriate number of DBS checked adults – this will be a minimum
  of one but more when practically possible.
• A DBS checked adult will be responsible for supervising children at all times. This will be in line
  with the ratio of children to adults as per the Ofsted guidance below. This adult will be a non-
  playing member of the band so will be available throughout events.
• There is a main contact for safeguarding on the day – this will be an individual who has been on
  BandSafe Training and DBS checked.
• The main contact has access to emergency contact details and other relevant details (e.g.,
  information about picking up arrangements for vulnerable people).
• That if vulnerable people of different gender will be taking part in activities adults of different
  gender will be in attendance too.
• A vulnerable person is never to be left alone with one adult.
• Two adults (one DBS checked) should be the last to leave a venue once the activity has finished
  and will be responsible for ensuring vulnerable people get home safely.

Working with parents/guardians

If a vulnerable person wishes to take part in Trentham Brass activities,
written permission (email is fine) should be obtained from parents/guardians where appropriate, and
before the activity takes place. Written permission should include emergency contact details and any
relevant pick-up arrangements – including permission for another adult to pick up the vulnerable person
after the activity has finished.

In the event of an emergency, the parents/ guardians will be contacted to ensure safety of the child(ren)/
vulnerable person.

Responsibility of members

Upon joining the band, all members agree to:

• An Internet search of their name.
• Read the bands safeguarding policy.
• An annual reminder of their safeguarding responsibilities.
• To not message children in the band privately through social media.

Procedures for raising safeguarding concerns and incidents of abuse

• If any member, staff or volunteer in Trentham Brass witnesses, suspects or is informed of a
  witnessed or suspected case of abuse they should immediately report it to the DSL.
• If the DSL is not available, or is involved in or connected to, the abuse, it should be reported to the
  group chair, Rhiana Travis or a DBS checked adult (Committee member).
• If an individual wishes to report an incident of abuse against themselves, they should report it to
  the DSL or an individual they trust.

Procedures for dealing with concerns and incidents of abuse

The DSL (or person reported in their absence) will first make a decision based on the immediacy of the
concern and the following two factors:

1. If the vulnerable person is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical attention – call the
   police and/or ambulance service.
2. If the person at the centre of the allegation is working with vulnerable persons at the current time
   – remove them, in a sensitive manner, from direct contact with vulnerable people and follow the
   procedures below.
   
   If none of the above applies the named person will:

• Make a note of the concerns reported to them.
• Speak with committee members to decide how to handle the reported abuse, excluding any
  committee members who of involved in the incident.
• Escalate the report by either:
  • Raising concerns with the police – for serious or possible criminal offences.
  • Requesting an assessment by the local authority social care department about whether a
    vulnerable person is in need of protection.
  • An internal investigation – for less serious incidents where they feel internal mediation will
    be successful.
    
• Where cases are escalated the committee will cooperate with the police, local authority, and DBS
  service in dealing with the reported incident.
  
• Where an internal investigation takes place, the committee will:
  • Inform all parties involved of the reported abuse as soon as possible.
  • Inform the family/guardians of the person reported as been abused
  • Arrange separate meetings with both parties within 10 days of the reported incident. A
    joint meeting may be arranged if appropriate.
    • Both parties should be given the chance to bring a friend or representative to the
      meeting.
    • Meetings will be attended by the DSL and at least one other committee member.
    • All parties should submit a written statement in advance of the meeting.
    • Once meetings have taken place the committee will decide on next steps and
      communicate them to all parties in writing within 5 days. They will be either:
    • Escalate the incident to the relevant authority.
    • Further investigation – with established procedures and timelines to work towards
      a resolution.
    • A decision or resolution.

Resolution and disciplinary action

• If abuse is found to have taken place any final resolution or decision will be taken in the best
  interest of the person who has suffered the abuse and the best interests the Trentham Brass
• Any disciplinary action will be taken in line with the Trentham Brass constitution.

Bullying and Harassment

The committee is committed to providing an environment where all members feel safe, respected, and
valued. Bullying of any kind—whether verbal, physical, emotional, or online—is not tolerated under
any circumstances.

Bullying may include:

• Name-calling, mocking, or spreading rumours
• Intimidation or threats, including exclusion from group activities
• Physical aggression or unwanted physical contact
• Cyberbullying via messages, emails, or social media
• Repeated undermining or belittling of individuals
  

Responsibilities:

• All members have a duty to treat others with respect and report any bullying they witness or
  experience.
• The committee will take all reports of bullying seriously and respond promptly in line with the
  Safeguarding Policy.
• Incidents will be handled sensitively, with appropriate action taken to protect those affected
  and address the behaviour.

Action may include:

• Informal resolution or mediation (where appropriate)
• Formal investigation by the committee and/or safeguarding officer
• Warnings, suspension, or termination of membership where necessary

We are committed to fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusion, where everyone can
enjoy making music in a safe and supportive environment.

Policy readopted October 2025
Review date October 2026