Safeguarding Policy for Adults & Vulnerable Adults
1. Purpose of this Policy
This theatre is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all adults involved in classes, rehearsals, performances, and volunteering. This includes adults who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, mental health, or personal circumstances.
The policy outlines how we protect adults from harm, respond to concerns, and promote safe, respectful practice.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
* All adults participating in theatre activities
* All volunteers, staff, trustees, and visiting practitioners
* All audience members and visitors to the theatre
* All theatre environments, including classes, rehearsals, backstage areas, performances, front-of-house areas and public spaces
* Any adult who may be vulnerable or require additional support while attending or participating in theatre activities
3. Principles
* All adults have the right to be safe, respected, and supported.
* Adults may be vulnerable at certain times or in certain circumstances.
* Safeguarding adults is everyone’s responsibility.
* Concerns will be taken seriously, recorded, and acted upon promptly.
* Adults have the right to make their own choices unless they lack capacity or are at risk of significant harm.
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The theatre’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is:
Chris Sadd – Safeguarding Officer
Contact: spookysad@gmail.com
The DSL is responsible for:
* Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns
* Maintaining confidential safeguarding records
* Liaising with Adult Social Care and other agencies
* Ensuring volunteers understand safeguarding expectations
5. Recognising Abuse or Neglect
Abuse of adults can include:
* Physical abuse
* Emotional or psychological abuse
* Financial exploitation
* Sexual abuse
* Neglect or self-neglect
* Discriminatory abuse
* Domestic abuse
* Organisational abuse (unsafe practices within a group or setting)
Signs may include unexplained injuries, withdrawal, fearfulness, confusion, sudden financial difficulties, or changes in behaviour.
6. Safe Practice Expectations
All adults working with vulnerable adults must:
* Maintain professional boundaries
* Treat all participants with dignity and respect
* Avoid being alone with a vulnerable adult where possible
* Use appropriate language and behaviour
* Never take photos or videos without consent
* Report concerns immediately to the DSL
* Support adults to make their own decisions wherever possible
7. Consent & Capacity
* Adults are presumed to have capacity to make their own decisions unless proven otherwise.
* If an adult lacks capacity or is at risk of significant harm, the DSL may need to contact Adult Social Care.
* Adults should be involved in decisions about their own safety wherever possible.
8. Responding to Concerns
If you are worried about an adult:
* Listen calmly and respectfully
* Do not promise confidentiality
* Record the concern factually using the theatre’s incident form
* Report immediately to the DSL
* The DSL will contact Adult Social Care if necessary
In an emergency, call 999.
9. Photography, Filming & Publicity
* Adults must give informed consent for photography or filming.
* Consent must be written and stored securely.
* No unauthorised photography backstage or during classes is permitted.
10. Record Keeping
The theatre will keep:
* Incident/concern forms
* Consent forms
* Attendance registers
* Relevant communication with Adult Social Care
All records will be stored securely and confidentially.
11. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Safeguarding Officer and trustees, or sooner if legislation or circumstances change.
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (Brief Version)
1. Purpose of this Policy
This theatre is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all children and young people involved in classes, rehearsals, and performances. This policy outlines how we protect children from harm, respond to concerns, and ensure safe practice by all adults.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All volunteers, staff, trustees, and visiting practitioners
- All activities involving children under 18, including weekly classes, rehearsals, backstage areas, and performances
3. Safeguarding Principles
- The welfare of the child is paramount.
- All children have the right to participate safely and be treated with respect.
- All adults share responsibility for safeguarding.
- Concerns will be taken seriously, recorded, and acted upon promptly.
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The theatre’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is: Chris Sadd – Safeguarding Officer Contact: spookysadd@gmail.com
The DSL is responsible for:
- Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns
- Maintaining safeguarding records
- Liaising with local authority children’s services
- Ensuring volunteers understand safeguarding expectations
5. Safe Practice Expectations
All adults working with children must:
- Be appropriately vetted (including an enhanced DBS check)
- Follow the theatre’s Code of Conduct
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times
- Avoid being alone with a child wherever possible
- Use only appropriate language and behaviour
- Never take photos or videos without prior parental consent
- Report any concerns immediately to the DSL
6. Supervision & Environment
- Children will be supervised at all times during classes, rehearsals, and performances.
- Changing areas for children will be separate from adults.
- Backstage areas will be risk‑assessed and kept safe.
- A register will be kept for all sessions, with clear sign‑in and sign‑out procedures.
7. Photography, Filming & Publicity
- Parents will be asked to give written consent for any photography or filming.
- No unauthorised photography backstage or during classes is permitted.
- Images will be used responsibly and stored securely.
8. Responding to Concerns
If a child is at risk or discloses information:
- Listen calmly and without judgement
- Do not promise confidentiality
- Record the concern factually using the theatre’s incident form
- Report immediately to the DSL
- The DSL will contact Children’s Services if necessary
In an emergency, call 999.
9. Record Keeping
The theatre will keep:
- Incident/concern forms
- Attendance registers
- DBS records
- Parental consent forms All records will be stored securely and confidentially.
10. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Safeguarding Officer and trustees, or sooner if legislation or circumstances change.