VDT SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Policy written: 2015
Last reviewed: April 2025
Introduction
Vincent Dance Theatre recognises it has a responsibility to promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and to keep
them safe. VDT is committed to practice in a way that protects them whilst providing them with the best possible experience and
opportunities.
The purpose of the Vincent Dance Theatre (VDT) Safeguarding Policy is to:
• to protect children, young people and adults at risk who take part in Vincent Dance Theatre’s activities from harm. This also includes
the children of adults who take part in our activities
• provide anyone employed by or working on behalf of VDT with clear guidelines and overarching principles of VDT’s safeguarding
practice and procedures
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Vincent Dance Theatre, including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid
staff/freelancers, volunteers, trainees and students. This policy is updated and approved by the Board of Trustees on an annual basis.
Context/Legal Framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children and adults in England:
• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child 1989
• The Human Rights Act 2000
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Care Act 2014
Aims
VDT believes that:
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Children and adults should never experience abuse of any kind
•
We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and adults, to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them
VDT recognises that:
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The welfare of children and adults is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take
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Working in partnership with children, young people, adults at risk their parents, careers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare
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All children and adults regardless of age, ethnicity, culture, race, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation or religious beliefs have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
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Some children and adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
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Extra safeguards may be needed to keep children and adults who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse
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The use of digital technology can present additional challenges in terms of how we use it responsibly and, if misused, can be harmful
VDT seeks to keep those in its care safe by:
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Valuing, listening to and respecting them
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Appointing a trustee safeguarding lead (TSL), designated safeguarding lead (DSL), and designated safeguarding officer (DSO)
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Adopting DSL best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers
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Developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures
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Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training so that all our staff and volunteers know about and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently
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Recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
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Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance
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Ensuring that the relevant consent procedures are taken for photography, filming and audio recording
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Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children and adults and their families
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Making sure that children and adults and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern
Using our DSL procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, parents, families and carers appropriately
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Using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately
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Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying and harassment environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise
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Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place
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Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children and adults, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance
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Building a safeguarding culture where staff and volunteers, children, adults and their families or carers, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns
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Ensuring that there is sensitivity to the content of project sessions which considers the age, gender and abilities of all participants
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Following the necessary steps as set out in VDT & Playing On Theatre Company’s Safeguarding Questions Resource when starting a new project
Safeguarding in a Dance Theatre Company
VDT recognises that as a Dance/Theatre company it makes work and runs workshops that necessitate physical contact between performers, participants (children and/or adults) and the director/choreographer/facilitator. All physical contact must be appropriate to the activity and should never compromise the physical or emotional safety of participants. In the studio the company will use safe touch physical contact.
Safe touch physical contact is that which takes place only when it is necessary in relation to a particular activity. It should take place in a safe environment with the extent of the contact being made clear to the participant and parent/carer. Once agreed, safe touch should be undertaken with the permission/consent of the child and/or adult. Contact should be relevant to their age or understanding and the facilitator/s should remain sensitive to any discomfort expressed verbally or non-verbally by the child and/or adult.
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Be aware that every physical contact with a child, young person or adult at risk, however well- intentioned, may be misinterpreted
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Consider if physical contact is necessary. Use your skills in demonstration, clear instruction, imagery and intonation of voice to support participants to access activity and develop their technical and creative skills
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Where physical contact may be useful or necessary, ensure that permission is given, that clear explanation of the nature of the contact is given, and that an understanding or learning has occurred
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No participant should be forced into physical contact against their will. It is sometimes necessary to look at body language to check comfort and safety, and respond appropriately to meet the needs of the participant
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Any weight bearing activities should be assessed and alterations made to ensure physical safety of participantsVDT-Safeguarding-Policy.pdf