{"id":3106,"date":"2026-06-06T16:11:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T16:11:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beccleschoralsociety.co.uk\/wp\/?page_id=3106"},"modified":"2026-06-06T16:11:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T16:11:13","slug":"safeguarding-and-safety-policy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.beccleschoralsociety.co.uk\/wp\/?page_id=3106","title":{"rendered":"Safeguarding and Safety Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BECCLES CHORAL SOCIETY Safeguarding Policy (May 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Purpose and Commitment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Beccles Choral Society is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all its members and participants. As a registered charity, Beccles Choral Society recognises its duty of care to its members, volunteers and audiences and is committed to good governance in line with Charity Commission expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Safeguarding is the process of protecting children and adults at risk from harm. Harm may arise from abuse (physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial), neglect, discrimination, bullying or from failure to take reasonable steps to ensure safety. Although Beccles Choral Society\u2019s membership is restricted to adults aged 18 and over, children and adults at risk may attend concerts or social events and appropriate safeguards must be in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This policy sets out our general principles and practical measures to ensure children and adults at risk are protected and that concerns are handled appropriately and responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Scope<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This policy applies to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 All members of Beccles Choral Society (current requirement: members must be at least 18 years old; however, adults at risk may join), including trustees\/committee members
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Volunteers, freelance musical leaders, engaged performers and any external facilitators
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Engaged performers, such as soloists, musicians or orchestras, insofar as they include adults at risk
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 All events, rehearsals, concerts and social functions organised by Beccles Choral Society<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Note: Children and adults at risk may attend concerts or social events, e.g., as audience members. In such cases, responsibility for supervision rests with the parent, guardian or carer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Our Commitment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    We aim to:
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Protect the welfare of all members, particularly adults at risk
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Prevent abuse, harassment or exploitation
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Promote a culture of openness, respect and accountability
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Recognise that vulnerability may arise temporarily due to the nature of an activity, not only from personal characteristics or circumstances
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Ensure safeguarding arrangements are proportionate to Beccles Choral Society\u2019s level of involvement with children and adults at risk<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Definitions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Adult at Risk: An adult (18+) who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to physical, mental or other vulnerabilities, which may be temporary or situational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Abuse can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Financial exploitation
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Neglect or discriminatory treatment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Code of Conduct<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    All those covered by this policy are expected to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Treat others with respect and courtesy
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Avoid behaviour that could cause harm or distress
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Report concerns or incidents promptly to the designated safeguarding officer (DSO)
    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Follow event planning and supervision guidance when interacting with adults at risk<\/p>\n\n\n\n