Child Protection Policy

The Actors Forge

Purpose

The Actors Forge is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people involved in our drama school, management, and production activities. This policy provides a framework for protecting children from harm and ensuring a safe environment for their participation.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, students, artists, and collaborators working with or on behalf of The Actors Forge.

Policy Statement

We prioritize the safety and well-being of children and young people in all our activities. We are committed to preventing abuse, promoting a safe environment, and responding effectively to any concerns or incidents.

Key Principles

  1. Safeguarding Commitment:

    • The Actors Forge is committed to safeguarding children and young people. We recognize that the welfare of children is paramount and will take all necessary steps to protect them from abuse and exploitation.

  2. Safe Recruitment:

    • All staff, volunteers, and collaborators who work with children will undergo thorough background checks, including Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable. We will ensure that recruitment processes include safeguarding measures.

  3. Training and Awareness:

    • All individuals involved with The Actors Forge will receive training on child protection and safeguarding. Training will cover recognizing signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and maintaining a safe environment.

  4. Code of Conduct:

    • We have established a Code of Conduct that outlines acceptable and unacceptable behavior when working with children. All staff and volunteers must adhere to this Code of Conduct to ensure a safe and respectful environment.

  5. Supervision and Ratios:

    • We will maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios in all activities. Children will always be supervised by at least one qualified adult, and no adult will be alone with a child in a secluded or private area.

  6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns:

    • Any concerns or allegations of abuse must be reported immediately to the designated Safeguarding Lead. We will take all reports seriously and follow established procedures to investigate and address concerns. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process.

  7. Health and Safety:

    • We will ensure that all facilities used by children are safe and meet health and safety standards. Risk assessments will be conducted for all activities involving children to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

  8. Photography and Media:

    • Consent will be obtained from parents or guardians before taking photographs or videos of children. Media involving children will be used responsibly and in line with our privacy policies.

  9. Support for Children:

    • We will provide support for children who disclose concerns or who are affected by abuse. Our approach will be child-centered, ensuring that their needs and well-being are prioritized.

  10. Review and Improvement:

    • This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and feedback from our community. We are committed to continuous improvement in our child protection practices.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The designated Safeguarding Lead for The Actors Forge is:

Lynn Huntley

Lynn@theactorsforge.com

07956500091