Child protection safeguarding procedures
BMYP is committed to maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young persons. All children and young persons whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, racial origin, religious beliefs and /or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse. The welfare of its club members is of prime importance and will always be put first. To assist with this the following is a user guide with regards to safeguarding.
It sets out procedures in the event of:
- General welfare concerns affecting an individual cast member
- Concern that a child/young person is being abused or may be in risk of abuse in the organisation
- In relation to complaints it explains how cast members of BMYP and their families can raise a safeguarding concern.
What to do if you have concerns
If you have concerns in any aspect of a child/young person’s welfare raise those concerns to one of the nominated Child Protection leads.
Concerns must be kept confidential and not discussed with anyone other than the Child Protection lead .The Child Protection lead will only share the information on a need to know basis and will, as applicable, make a reference to Childrens’ Services.
If you suspect perpetrator is one of the child protection officers’ then contact the Chair of BMYP.
If a child/young person raises an issue
If a child/young person tells they are experiencing abuse or bullying it is important to reassure them that they have done the right thing. It is important never to promise to keep what they are telling you a secret. Explain you will need to share with someone who can help.
Let them know what you plan to do next.
If you are a parent/guardian or carer speak with one of the nominated Child Protection leads or one of the chaperones. This is equally important if it is a concern made about any other cast member or any persons in any official capacity.
If a very serious allegation is made about an individual
If a very serious allegation is made against a member of the BMYP committee, a chaperone , Child Protection lead, official helper it must be discussed with the BMYP Chair or Director.
The individual involved will be suspended from attending any rehearsals or performances until the investigation is concluded. Whilst this is done confidentiality must be maintained.
Remember we are all responsible for the care and welfare of children and young persons. If you have concerns that a child may be being neglected or abused, don’t keep it to yourself, no one will criticise you for reporting a genuine concern
Recording of information
The information needs to be recorded by a nominated child protection lead… It will be kept in a confidential central file held by the Chair of BMYP.
This includes details of the allegation or reported incident, date and time, to whom reported, who was involved, what action was taken, any further action to be take.
Needs to be signed and dated
Contact details
The names and contact numbers of the Child Protection Leads are as follows:
Karoline Rowlands mobile number: 07812448005
Nicky Buckley mobile number: 07966432420
Nikki Kenna mobile number: 07920714844
Contact details for Bristol organisation in the case of a serious concern involving a child or young person
First response Bristol team 0117 9036444
Confidentiality
BMYP is committed to confidentiality and will only share personal information on a need to know basis. It is important however to stress if you have a concern share it appropriately and not keep it to yourself.
Issue of this guidance
To be issued to all cast members, parents/parents/guardians/carers, committee members and official helpers.
- Child Protection Policy
- Annual parents/guardians/carers contract agreement which contains contact details, health and safety guidance, terms of membership, taking of photographs for promotional purposes details of the officers of BMYP plus responsibilities of BMYP and that of the cast members and their parents/guardians and carers.
- Code of practice on the responsibility to collect or arrange collection of their Children/Young person after rehearsals or performances.
Circulation list
BMYP committee members
Official helpers
Cast members and their families
To be reissued following any changes in requirements/updates
Date of issue: November 2023
To be reissued following any changes in requirements/updates
Last reviewed September 2025
To be reviewed annually with date of next review September 2026.