Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
Ragged Edge Productions (Ragged Edge) is an arts organisation that aims to develop new work that will have an appeal because of its originality, quality and contemporary relevance. We recognise that the local delivery of live performing arts is important in maintaining the quality of life in a thriving rural community. Our work brings us into contact with people of all ages and abilities.
Ragged Edge is committed to the principals and practices of child, young person and vulnerable adult (CYPVA) protection which sits within the Organisation’s Charitable Objects:
The advancement of the education of the public in the appreciation and understanding of performing arts in all their forms.
When working in partnership, Ragged Edge will default to the policies and procedures of the partner organisations and will where appropriate, observe these (including reporting procedures) alongside those laid out in this document. In situations when multiple partners are working together, the policy belonging to the organisation that has most direct responsibility for the CYPVA will always take precedence, e.g. a school or youth organisation. Where Ragged Edge is the lead partner, it will be specified whose policy will take precedence.
Who this policy is for:
Ragged Edge has a duty of care to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults by recognising the possible risks within the organisation and its practices and by raising awareness of the issues which cause harm.
In order to achieve this objective, the principles within this document are intended for all individuals working for or on behalf of Ragged Edge including (but not limited to) employees, freelancers, volunteers, contractors and trustees (from here on in referred to as ‘staff’).
What this policy covers:
The purpose of this document is ultimately to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults (referred to in this document as CYPVA) from harm and it also seeks to protect Ragged Edge and its staff. It does this through a set of principles which can be embedded within the everyday ethos and practices of the organisation and allow staff to make informed and confident responses to safeguarding concerns.
Harm can be caused through the actions, or failure to act, of a person whether or not they intended to cause harm. Often referred to as abuse, it can occur within many situations including the home, school, institution and creative environments.
Whilst it is important that staff are aware of the types of abuse (as laid out in Appendix 1) they should not isolate their safeguarding responsibility to the identification of those specific signs and indicators. Alternatively, all staff should ensure that the health, safety and well-being of participants, colleagues and Ragged Edge as an organisation is at the core of their work. In order to do this, individuals should:
Individuals should not:
By acting in a transparent, professional manner, staff are ensuring participants have a positive and engaging experience and that the reputation of Ragged Edge and its staff is not put in jeopardy.
4.1 Designated Officer
Ragged Edge has two Designated Officers whose names and contact details are in Appendix 2.
The role of the Designated Officers is:
4.2 Making a Report
All staff have a responsibility to act on any incidents or concerns arising whilst working for Ragged Edge.
If during any activity or event delivered on behalf of Ragged Edge, you have a concern you should speak to one of Ragged Edge's Designated Officers as soon as possible.
This includes:
This list is not exhaustive and staff should trust their instincts. Even if you are not sure
it is a safeguarding concern, speak to the Designated Officer for advice and clarification. The Designated Officer may ask you to write your concerns down or fill in an Incident Report Form.
If A CYPVA tells you something which raises a Safeguarding concern, you should:
4.3 Working in Partnership
Where a concern occurs whilst working within a partner venue or project,
you should adhere to the partner organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures alongside this document. Concerns reported to a partner organisation’s Designated Officer should also be reported to Ragged Edge's Designated Officer.
4.4 Reports Involving Poor Practice and/or a Member of Staff
If an allegation is made against a member of staff, the Designated Officer will take steps to ensure the welfare and safety of Ragged Edge's staff, participants and any other persons who may be at risk. This may include:
There may be two types of investigation:
4.5 Confidentiality
Every effort will be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information will be handled and shared on a need to know basis. Information (including records kept by the Designated Person) will be accurate, relevant, regularly updated and stored in a secure place in line with data protection laws.
4.6 Contact Numbers
NSPCC Anonymous Helpline 0808 800 5000
Cumbria Safeguarding Hub 0333 2401727
Ragged Edge has due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism in accordance with the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. Staff should consider their role in protecting CYPVA from radicalisation and extremism as a core part of their safeguarding duties. Concerns about someone being at risk of being drawn into terrorism, including support for extremist views should be discussed with the Designated Officer.
6.1 General
Where a Ragged Edge activity or event involves filming or photography, participants / audience members who may be recorded should be made aware of this and appropriate permissions sought and agreed in advance.
If Ragged Edge would like to use an image/film (for instance in promotional material), they will endeavour to inform the subject(s) thereof.
All subjects should be appropriately dressed in order to reduce the risk of images / film being used inappropriately.
6.2 Under 18s: Images
The taking and recording of images of anyone under the age of 18 is allowed only when the child and parents/carers have given written consent. This includes filming and images taken as part of a workshop as well as by professionals and should include information about how they will be stored and what they may be used for.
Ragged Edge recognises that some partner organisations (e.g. schools) may already have consent from parents, in which case written confirmation of this will suffice.
Children’s names will not be published alongside their images unless there is a specific need to do so and express permission has been given.
Ragged Edge recognises the value of social media, blogs, etc. and respects individuals’ online social networking and personal Internet use. However, staff should be mindful to protect themselves, Ragged Edge and project participants and use electronic media, even in personal time, responsibly and respectfully. During online activities designed in response to Covid 19 and Social Distancing the same principles apply but some thought must be given to the fact that any disclosures or abusive or anti-social behaviour will be witnessed simultaneously by all the participants. Behavioural guides may be given at the start of sessions and specific risk assessment will be developed as the company gains experience in the field.
Ragged Edge recognises that anyone may have the potential to cause harm to others and is committed to ensuring that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that unsuitable people are prevented from working with CYPVA.
8.1 Recruitment Advertising
All advertisements will make clear Ragged Edge's commitment to safeguarding.
8.2 Application
Upon applying for a post that involves working with CYPVA all staff will be required to provide:
8.3 Interview and Induction
All staff will be required to undergo an appropriate and proportionate interview and induction process. This is an opportunity for Ragged Edge to interrogate the information supplied in the application and further assess the suitability of the candidate for the post.
During this process
8.4 Disclosure and Barring Service Checks
For work involving CYPVA all members of staff must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
8.5 Training and Supervision
Ragged Edge requires all staff to complete safeguarding training if their work involves CYPVA. Training should enable individuals to recognise their responsibilities with regard to their own practice including how to raise concerns.
Effective management practices will provide staff with supervision and support. All staff will be given regular opportunities to give and receive feedback, to identify training needs and to set new goals.
Ragged Edge will make the Safeguarding Policy available to all staff and failure to conform to it may lead to dismissal.
The policy is a public document and is available on our website. A copy can be sent to any of Ragged Edge's stakeholders including parents/carers, participants and partner organisations upon request.
Appendix 1 - Types and Signs of Abuse
Below are the different types of abuse that children, young people and vulnerable adults may suffer as defined by the NSPCC and the NHS. People will often experience more than one type of abuse, as well as other difficulties in their lives.
Abuse often happens over a period of time, rather than being a one-off event and it can increasingly happen online.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is deliberately causing injuries such as bruises, broken bones, burns or cuts. It includes violence such as being hit, kicked, poisoned, burned, slapped or throwing objects at someone. It also includes withholding or misuse of medications and fabricated or induced illness.
Neglect
Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet someone’s basic needs. They may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care. They may be put in danger or not protected from physical or emotional harm and may not get the love, care and attention they need.
Sexual Abuse
Someone is sexually abused when they are forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities. This doesn't have to be physical contact and it can happen online. Sometimes the person won't understand that what's happening to them is abuse. They may not even understand that it's wrong. Child sexual exploitation is a type of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
This includes emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, preventing someone from socialising and humiliation, blame, controlling behaviour, intimidation or harassment. It also includes verbal abuse, cyber bullying and isolation, or an unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or support networks.
Online Abuse or Cyber Bullying
Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the web, whether through social networks, playing online games or using mobile phones. Online abuse may be part of abuse that is taking place in the real world or it may be that the abuse only happens online.
Domestic Abuse
This is typically an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, bullying or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse by someone who is, or has been, an intimate partner or family member. Domestic abuse includes emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse.
Discriminatory Abuse
This includes some forms of harassment, slurs or similar unfair treatment relating to race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
Financial Abuse
This includes stealing money or other valuables as well as appointed and trusted persons using someone else’s money inappropriately or coercing them into spending it in a way they are not happy with. Internet scams and doorstep crime are also common forms of financial abuse.
Current Trends
Diversification of society is reflected in the types of incident being reported. Some of the more recent types of abuse that are being reported include female genital mutilation (the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons) male circumcision carried out by unqualified persons, child trafficking, forced marriage and radicalisation.
The signs of abuse aren't always obvious and people might not tell anyone what is happening to them and may not want to talk about it. People might be scared that the abuser will find out, and worried that the abuse will get worse. Or they might think that there’s no-one they can tell or that they won’t be believed. Sometimes, people don't realise that what is happening is abuse.
Below are some indicators which may cause concern. This list is not exhaustive and should you have a concern, you should report it regardless of whether or not it appears below.
2.1 Signs of Abuse in Children and Young People
Children develop and mature at different rates. So what is worrying for a younger child, might be normal behaviour for an older child. If a child looks or acts a lot older or younger than their age, this could be a cause for concern. However, if a child develops more slowly than others of a similar age and there is not a cause such as physical or learning disabilities, it could be a sign they are being abused.
2.2 Behavioural Signs of Abuse in Adults
Other signs to watch out for include a sudden change in their finances, not having as much money as usual to pay for shopping or regular outings, or getting into debt. Watch out for any official or financial documents that seem unusual, and for documents relating to their finances that suddenly go missing.
2.2 If a Disclosure is Made
If A CYPVA tells you something which raises a Safeguarding concern, you should:
Appendix 2 - Ragged Edge Designated People for Safeguarding
Primary Designated Person:
Name: Stefan Escreet
Position: Artistic Director
Email Address: StefanEscreet@raggededgeproductions.co.uk
Designated Person 2:
Name: Heather Askew
Position: Chair of Trustees
Email Address: heatheraskew27@hotmail.com
Policy adopted January 2022
Due for Review June 2024