Introduction and Scope

 

The overall aim of this policy is to create the safest possible environment for vulnerable adults, children and young people who are either members of Ayr Music Club or who attend any concerts or events organised by Ayr Music Club, where they can feel safe and comfortable, and are treated equitably and with dignity and respect.

 

This document is not a step-by-step guide.  Every event we organise is potentially different involving different musicians, layout, and venues and indeed audiences - rules, regulations and procedures on their own cannot compensate for using common sense, experience and sound professional judgement to anticipate and respond appropriately to different situations.  The elements of good practice outlined below aim to minimise risk and create the kind of positive environment described above. It is important to remember that we cannot eliminate risk entirely.

 

Vulnerable Adults

A vulnerable adult is someone aged 16 or above who may need community care services for reasons like mental health issues, disability, age or illness.  These persons are considered more ‘vulnerable’ because they may not be able to protect themselves from harm.  Safeguarding vulnerable adults means protecting a person's right to live in safety, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and exploitation.  Because of their vulnerability, the individual may be in receipt of a care service in their own

home, in the community or be resident in a residential care home, nursing home or other institutional setting.  All forms of care service including home care, residential care homes, nursing homes or other institutional settings should have a safeguarding policy in place.

 

All vulnerable adults have the right to

• Live a life free from neglect, exploitation and abuse

• Be protected from inhumane and degrading treatment

• Support to make their own decisions and to give or withhold their consent to an activity or service

• Engage in activities and offered services that enable them to fulfil their ability and potential

• Be treated equally with their background and culture being valued and respected

• Dignity and respect through recognition of uniqueness and personal needs

• Liberty, privacy and security.

 

In order to ensure a safe environment for vulnerable adults the following guidelines must be adhered to by Ayr Music Club members and our contracted musicians at our events:

• Activities should be accessible to all audience members who want to be involved. It is a good idea to ask in advance whether there are any individuals who have particular needs – best done as attendees arrive at each event.  In addition these conversations must be undertaken sensitively and within an appropriate confidential setting.

• Common sense and professional judgement are required at all times.

• The atmosphere created should be relaxed and friendly whilst always remaining professional.

• Any physical contact should be person-centred and appropriate and justifiable to the task required.

• There should be an awareness of diversity in the beliefs and practices of vulnerable adults and their families.

• There should be an awareness of the difficulties posed by language barriers and other communication difficulties.

• There should be an awareness of the difficulties posed by ageing, particularly deafness and mobility issues.

• There should be an awareness of potential health and safety hazards.

• Any photographs taken of the event/activity must be authorised in advance by the participating vulnerable adult/care provider.

 

 

Children and Young People

 

All children and young people, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have a right to equal protection from harm.  Ayr Music Club undertakes  to promote and protect the welfare and human rights of children and young people who attend our events.  We have no tolerance for harm, maltreatment, abuse, neglect or exploitation in accordance with the Child Protection Policies and Guidelines which exist in Scotland to keep all children and young people safe.  The four Key Principles from the Child Protection Guidelines for the Arts with which we comply are:
1. The best interests of the child must always be a primary consideration;
2. All children and young people should be treated fairly and with dignity and respect;
3. All children and young people have the right to protection from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and   

    exploitation; and
4. All children and young people have the right to express their views on matters that affect them.

In order to make the environment as safe as possible for children and young people, and to ensure
the best outcomes for participants, both Ayr Music Club members and our contracted musicians must adhere to the following guidelines as detailed:
• Common sense and professional judgement are required at all times.
• Activities should support emotional and physical safety for all participants.
• Activities should be accessible to all children and young people who want to be involved. It is a good

   idea to ask in advance whether there are any individuals in the group who have any particular or

   additional support needs - best done as attendees arrive at each event.  Ensure that these  

   conversations are undertaken sensitively and within an appropriate and confidential setting.
• Create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere whilst maintaining a professional distance at all times.
• Any physical contact must be appropriate, justifiable, agreed by the child and approached sensitively.
• Be aware of potential health and safety hazards.  

• Any photographs taken of the event/activity must be authorised by the parent or guardian in

   attendance.

 

PVG Disclosure Checks

 

It is the responsibility of the carer/care service in line with their internal policies to determine whether a PVG Disclosure should be carried out prior to attending one of our events.  In addition, sufficient staff supervision must be in place at all times during any event according to the policy of the attendee’s care service.  It is the responsibility of the carer/care service to ensure that neither Ayr Music Club members nor contracted musicians are at any time left alone with vulnerable adults as they cannot be left in the role as primary carer.

 

Safeguarding and Data Privacy

 

Personal data, which may include name, address, telephone number and email address, is held electronically by Ayr Music Club and can be accessed only by the Secretary and Treasurer.  This is held only in respect of Ayr Music Club members and potential members or regular concert attendees who have agreed to pass this information to the Club.  General emails to all members are managed using the BCC (blind carbon copy) facility. 

 

Personal data is not held on either the Ayr Music Club website or our Facebook page. 

The importance of safeguarding vulnerable people is taken into account for data privacy purposes.  No information relating to children and young people is held.

 

 

References

 

Chamber Music Scotland’s Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy;

Chamber Music Scotland’s Child Protection Policy;  and

Creative Scotland’s “Creating Safety” –

https://www.creativescotland.com/resources/professional-resources/guidance-and-

toolkits/creating-safety

 

 

This Safeguarding Policy has been approved by Ayr Music Club’s Committee acting as Trustees, notified to members at the 2023 AGM, and available on the Ayr Music Club website.

 

Updated June 2022