Introduction

The Westmorland Orchestra, a registered charity, is an amateur symphony orchestra. Its members are mainly adults. However from time to time, young people (under the age of 16 years) become involved in the activities of the Orchestra, usually as players. The Orchestra welcomes and actively encourages the involvement of such young people, to foster their musical development and as a way of encouraging future membership. However we need to ensure their safety and well-being whilst they are in our care.

Aims of this Policy

To ensure the safety of any child entrusted to the care of the orchestra

To protect the position of the Orchestra in event of any allegations of misconduct towards such children.

Definitions

Orchestra – The Westmorland Orchestra

Activity – any rehearsal, concert or associated activity officially arranged by the Orchestra

Child – any person under the age of 16 years taking part in an Orchestra Activity,

Committee – the Committee of the Orchestra (who are also the Trustees of the Charity)

Supervisor – Any member of the Orchestra who has been approved by the Committee to look after the interests of children involved in its activities.

Roles and responsibilities

Supervisor:

The Committee will appoint certain suitable members of the Orchestra to take responsibility for the supervision of any children becoming involved in its activities

The appointment of such supervisors will only be made after satisfactory checks with Criminal Record Bureau (CRB), or satisfactory evidence of such checks having been made previously for similar purposes.

Each child involved in the activities of the Orchestra will be allocated to one or more supervisors. The allocated supervisor(s) will be of the same sex as the child.

On their first arrival at the Orchestra, the child will be introduced to the section leader, who will arrange their seating and deal with any musical matters. The child will then be introduced to their supervisor, who will be the first point of contact for the child should any personal problems arise from Orchestra activities.

Supervisors will keep a discreet watch on children in the Orchestra and ensure their general well-being.

At least one supervisor of each gender is to be in attendance at every activity.

Chairman

Any complaints regarding the safety of children and/or the conduct of members towards such children are to be referred to the Chairman in the first instance. He will raise it with the Committee.

Committee

The Committee will be responsible for the appointment of supervisors.
The Committee will be responsible for dealing with any child protection issues reported to it by the Chairman

Parents/Guardians

Before a child takes part in any activity, written permission must be provided to the Orchestra by his/her parents/guardians, who will be given a copy of this policy.

Orchestra Members

No member or employee of the Orchestra is allowed to be alone at any time with any child under its care during any activity.
There is to be no inappropriate touching between members and any child under its care during any activity
No member or employee of the Orchestra is permitted to meet with any such child outside such activities or away from the normal meeting places of the Orchestra, unless a parent or other adult approved by a parent is present.