It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Martlesham Brass has always held her in great esteem and we will miss her dedication and constant care for us.
We have followed her example of making our organisation open and welcoming to all.

We look to the future when we can celebrate her life and that of our new sovereign, King Charles III.

Policy For Safeguarding in Brass Bands

MARTLESHAM BRASS BAND

DEFINITIONS: In this text, the term 'Tutor' will refer to any person authorised by the band to assist or to be solely responsible for the teaching of the child: the 'band-room' will refer to any premises in which the band rehearses: 'the Band' will refer to the band named at the head of this policy. 'Vulnerable Persons' is defined as any young person under the age of eighteen years and any vulnerable adult. 'Child' is defined as any young person under the age of eighteen years.

1. The person immediately responsible for Safeguarding within the Band shall be the Tutor lecturing at any given time.

2. The person ultimately responsible for Safeguarding within the Band shall be the appointed safeguarding officer with an appropriate background.

3. As a member of Brass Band England, the Band will follow NSPCC guidelines and will ensure all Tutors have up-to-date training and that their DBS certificates are checked yearly. NSPCC guidelines are contained within the following website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

4. Before being appointed, all Tutors within the Band are thoroughly investigated for any offence against Vulnerable Persons. The investigations carried out are as follows:-

• An Application Form is completed which requests full details of previous positions held with other bands and a signed disclaimer.
• Referee's reports from the applicant's previous bands are sought.
• An interview by the Main Committee.
• If satisfactory reports are received, the applicant may be appointed on an initial probationary period of six months, during which time the person ultimately responsible for Safeguarding within the band will monitor the teaching methods of the Tutor.

5. The Band has a 'no touch' policy for Tutors when training Vulnerable Persons.

6. Tutors should not teach on a 'one to one' basis.

7. Tutors are instructed to attend rehearsals properly dressed and not to wear any attire that may be misconstrued or deemed provocative or of an embarrassing nature.

8. Children are required to attend rehearsals properly dressed and may be refused entry to the band-room if the Tutor is not satisfied with their attire.

9. The Band has ensured that there are adequate toilet facilities at the band-room for both males and females.

10. Where Martlesham Brass has arranged for photographs or videos to be taken of children in the band we will refer to the preferences recorded for that child from the parents or carers before any photographs or videos are published.

11. The safeguarding policy and procedures of the Band will be reviewed by the Band committee at least annually.

12. The Band will comply with the principles, legislation and guidance underlying the safeguarding of Vulnerable Persons, including health and safety and anti-bullying. For a more detailed analysis of bullying and cyberbulling, please refer to the following NSPCC guidance. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/

13. If any member of the band is concerned that abuse has occurred or may occur to themselves or another person, they should refer the matter immediately to the Safeguarding Officer or, if he/she is not available or the complaint relates to the conduct of the Safeguarding Officer, to the Chairman of the Band or another committee member. We will then proceed with a referral along local guidelines.

14. A disclosure may be made at any time. This is where a Vulnerable Person reveals abuse to another person. Where a disclosure is made, the following points must be adhered to:

• Listen carefully to the child.
• Let them know they've done the right thing.
• Tell them it's not their fault.
• Say you will take them seriously.
• Don't talk to the alleged abuser.
• Explain what you'll do next.
• Don't delay reporting the abuse.

To report the abuse, call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]
For the full details of this process, please refer to:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/what-to-do-child-speaks-out-about-abuse/

15. When 'whistleblowing' is appropriate, the NSPCC helpline should be contacted, once the process has been followed detailed here: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/dedicated-helplines/whistleblowing-advice-line/