Policy statement and aims
Breakaway Theatre Company, an amateur dramatic society, is committed to providing a safe and secure environment in which everyone can come together voluntarily to create drama and to promoting an environment where everyone will feel confident about sharing any concerns, which they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others.
This policy applies to all official activities, which are organised and approved by the committee and applies to all those participating in those activities.
Definitions:
Breakaway Theatre Company: An amateur dramatic society, which meets to prepare, rehearse, produce and perform productions. Breakaway also meets and organises social events for its members, potential members and friends and family.
Child: Any person aged 17 years or under.
Vulnerable Adult: s. 2 of The Police Act 1997 (Enhanced Criminal Record Certificates) (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) Regulations 2002 provides a legal definition. For the purposes of this policy, the term is paraphrased as being any person 18 years and over who is in need of care and support, as they are at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect, as they cannot protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Adult: Any person aged 18 years or over, who is not deemed vulnerable.
We aim to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults by working with their parents, guardians or support workers, to:
- protect them from discrimination or maltreatment
- ensure they can engage in enjoyable, creative and collaborative activity in an environment consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
All members of Breakaway Theatre Company should make it a priority to safeguard any children and vulnerable adults involved in our productions.
There is a legislative requirement in certain circumstances for children and young people to have a licence to perform if cast in a Breakaway Theatre production. There may also be a requirement for licensed chaperones.
If you are directing a play where children are to be performing, you should speak to the committee immediately before casting.
Guidance when working with children and young people
The guidance given here is of particular relevance for all directors, production managers and organisers of Breakaway Theatre events, although each and every member of the society should make themselves aware of what the following guidance includes and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.
It is crucial that any member, on having concerns or being made aware of concerns or incidents, should not make their own judgement as to whether to report to the Safeguarding Officer or not.
We should ensure that:
- A minimum of two adults are present during sessions with children or vulnerable adults
- Children and young people have their own dressing room space when performing
- During performance children should have a designated adult chaperone (not someone in the cast unless on/off stage at all the same times)
- Work takes place in an open environment (e.g. a hall, rather than a smaller room or someone’s home)
- We treat all children, and vulnerable adults with equal respect as any other member of Breakaway
- We give positive and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism
- We model appropriate conduct, excluding any bullying, shouting, racism, sexism or sectarianism
Things not to do include:
- Working with any child or vulnerable adult in a one-on-one situation
- Using any physical chastisement (except if there is risk of imminent harm to anyone present)
- Driving one child, young person or vulnerable adult home on your own
Safeguarding Officer
The Safeguarding Officer designated annually by the committee will be the first contact point for the children and young people, parents/carers or any other adults who have questions, concerns. The Safeguarding Officer cannot be a parent, guardian or carer of any child or vulnerable adult to whom this policy relates.
It is this Officer’s responsibility, not to make a judgement, but always to take action following any concerns reported in good faith by, in the first instance, contacting the appropriate authorities for advice as necessary. (A concern regarding a child must be reported to the Children’s Services Department of the Council in which he/she lives – see referral numbers below)
It is also this Officer’s responsibility to inform the parents/carers of the child or young person, unless that will increase the risk of harm to the child or young person, or unless advised not to by Children’s Services personnel.
Police Checks
As a voluntary organisation we do not come under any recognized body for registration. However where possible we prefer those working primarily with children and young people to be subject to an enhanced DBS check either from their employment or from another voluntary organisation.
Photography and the Internet
There have been increasing concerns about the risks posed by the Internet to children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of social media and photographs on websites. To reduce this risk we will ensure:
- If someone is named, avoid using their photograph
- If a photograph is used, avoid using the full name of the actor
- Written parent/carer and personal consent is always obtained prior to use or publication of images
Advice to adults on the appropriate response to a child or young person making a disclosure of possible abuse
- Stay calm
- Listen to what is said
- Find an appropriate opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared – do not promise to keep secrets
- Ask questions for clarification only and at all times avoid questions that suggest a particular answer
- Give reassurance that the right thing has been done by telling
- Explain what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared
- Record in writing what was said as soon as possible, in the exact words used, – note the date and time, to whom the information was given – and ensure the record is signed and dated
It is important to remember that the person who first encounters a case of possible abuse or inappropriate behaviour is not responsible for deciding whether abuse has occurred. That is a task for the professional Safeguarding agencies (Children’s Social Care), following a referral from the Designated Safeguarding Officer.
Adopted by the Breakaway Theatre Company November 2024
Contact Numbers to report concerns
Children – Hertfordshire Social Care: 0300 123 4043
Adults – 0300 123 4042
(Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime is being committed)
