Safeguarding

Purpose

Voicefest is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults, across all festival activities. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, workshop leaders, performers, and contractors engaged in Voicefest events.

Our Commitment

- Promote the wellbeing and safety of all participants.

- Recognise that children and vulnerable adults may be at risk of abuse or exploitation.

- Take all concerns seriously and respond appropriately.

- Ensure that all safeguarding concerns are reported to the relevant authorities.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Voicefest’s appointed Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:

Name: Angus Coull

Contact: angus@voicefest.org

The DSL is responsible for handling safeguarding issues, disclosures, and risk assessments.

Safer Recruitment

- All staff , contractors and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults will be appropriately PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checked.

- All will receive basic safeguarding training before their first session.

Reporting Concerns

- Anyone with concerns about a participant’s safety should immediately report to the DSL.

- All incidents and actions will be documented and stored securely.

Risk Management

- All venues (including historic sites) will undergo risk assessment.

- Staff ratios for children’s workshops will follow guidance (e.g. 1 adult per 10 children).

Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers

1. Treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability or background.

2. Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult unless in an open, visible space or with another adult present.

3. Never engage in physical punishment, abuse, or inappropriate contact.

4. Maintain professional boundaries in language and behaviour.

5. Report all disclosures or suspicions of abuse to the DSL.

6. Wear festival identification badges while on duty.

7. Obtain parental/guardian consent before photographing or filming children.

8. Avoid sharing personal contact information or connecting via social media with children.

Policy Review

This policy will be:

- Reviewed annually or sooner if safeguarding legislation changes.

- Distributed to all staff and volunteers as part of their induction.