Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Policy owner: Live Wire Ensemble
Safeguarding Lead: Will Summers-Davies

Contact email: hello@livewire-ensemble.co.uk
Date adopted: 5/11/2026
Review date: 5/11/2027
Version: 1.0

1. Our commitment

Live Wire Ensemble is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, respectful and supportive musical community in which all members can participate, develop their musical skills and enjoy making music together.

Our ensemble welcomes musicians aged 16 and over, including young people aged 16–17 and adults aged 18 and over. We recognise that young people under 18 require additional safeguarding consideration, even when they participate alongside adult musicians in an ensemble environment.

We are committed to protecting children and young people from abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, discrimination and other forms of harm. We also recognise our responsibility to respond appropriately to concerns about adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All members, conductors, musical directors, committee members, volunteers, contractors and anyone representing Live Wire Ensemble are expected to follow this policy.

We aim to ensure that:

• Everyone is treated with dignity, kindness and respect.
• Young people can participate in mixed-age rehearsals and performances safely.
• Clear and appropriate professional boundaries are maintained between adults and young people.
• Safeguarding concerns are taken seriously, recorded appropriately and acted upon promptly.
• Discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation and abusive behaviour are not tolerated.
• Members understand how to report concerns and know where to seek support.

This policy will be applied fairly and proportionately, without unnecessarily restricting young people’s ability to participate in the musical and social life of the ensemble.

2. Scope of the policy

This policy applies to all activities organised, supervised or represented by Live Wire Ensemble, including:

• Rehearsals, sectionals and musical workshops.
• Concerts, public performances and other events.
• Festivals, competitions, tours and trips.
• Social activities organised by the ensemble.
• Ensemble-run online groups, social media pages and digital communications.
• Transport arrangements organised by the ensemble.
• Any activity in which a person represents Live Wire Ensemble.

The policy applies to all members regardless of age, experience, musical ability, position, background or length of membership.

For safeguarding purposes, anyone under the age of 18 is considered a child or young person. A member does not cease to require safeguarding consideration simply because they are 16 or 17, are musically experienced, or are treated as an adult in other areas of life.

3. Safeguarding responsibilities

3.1 Safeguarding Lead

Live Wire Ensemble will appoint a designated Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for coordinating safeguarding arrangements.

The Safeguarding Lead will:

• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Receive, record and assess concerns, taking appropriate advice and action.
• Contact the relevant local authority safeguarding services or police when necessary.
• Maintain confidential safeguarding records.
• Ensure members know how to raise concerns.
• Review safeguarding arrangements and promote appropriate training.
• Support the implementation of safer recruitment and risk-management procedures.

A Deputy Safeguarding Lead will be appointed wherever practicable to provide cover when the main contact is unavailable.

The Safeguarding Lead does not investigate suspected abuse independently or replace statutory safeguarding services.

3.2 Musical Director, committee and organisers

The Musical Director, committee members and event organisers are responsible for putting this policy into practice during rehearsals, performances and other activities.

They must:

• Promote respectful behaviour and challenge inappropriate conduct.
• Follow agreed supervision and communication arrangements.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Avoid promising absolute confidentiality.
• Cooperate with safeguarding procedures and reasonable protective measures.

3.3 All members

Every member must:

• Treat other musicians respectfully.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with younger members.
• Avoid bullying, harassment, sexualised behaviour or intimidation.
• Respect other members’ privacy and personal boundaries.
• Report concerns about possible abuse, harm or inappropriate conduct.
• Follow reasonable safeguarding instructions issued by the ensemble.

A member who raises a concern in good faith will be treated seriously and respectfully.

4. Code of conduct

Live Wire Ensemble expects everyone to contribute to a friendly, inclusive and professional environment.

Members must not:

• Engage in bullying, threats, humiliation, harassment or discriminatory behaviour.
• Make unwanted sexual comments, sexual advances or inappropriate remarks about another member’s body or appearance.
• Engage in sexualised communication with anyone under 18.
• Use their age, position, experience or influence to pressure, intimidate or exploit another member.
• Deliberately isolate a young person from the rest of the group.
• Share inappropriate, explicit or offensive material with young people.
• Photograph, film or record another member in a private or inappropriate context.
• Retaliate against anyone who reports a concern or participates in a safeguarding process.

Members should respect personal space, obtain consent before appropriate physical contact and avoid unnecessary touching. Physical contact required for musical instruction should be explained, appropriate, minimal and respectful, with a non-contact alternative offered wherever practicable.

Any concerns about conduct will be assessed according to their nature and seriousness. Appropriate action may include a discussion, formal warning, restrictions on participation, suspension or removal from the ensemble.

5. Working with members aged 16–17

Because Live Wire Ensemble includes both young people and adults, additional care will be taken to ensure that under-18s can participate safely without being excluded from normal ensemble activities.

5.1 Adult–young person boundaries

Adults must maintain appropriate boundaries with members under 18.

In particular:

• Adults must not use their position within the ensemble to establish inappropriate or exploitative relationships with young members.
• Private meetings between an adult representing the ensemble and a young person should be avoided where practicable. Where necessary, they should take place in an appropriate, observable setting.
• Adults should not invite young members to their homes or arrange private one-to-one social meetings through their ensemble role.
• Adults must not ask young people to keep inappropriate secrets or conceal communications, meetings or behaviour from parents, carers or the Safeguarding Lead.
• Any concerns about a relationship involving an adult and a young member must be reported and assessed appropriately, even if the young person appears comfortable with the arrangement.

Any sexual activity or sexualised conduct involving a person under 18 must be considered in light of the law and safeguarding circumstances. Apparent consent does not remove the need to act where there is exploitation, coercion, abuse of trust or another safeguarding concern.

5.2 Rehearsals and supervision

Live Wire Ensemble will take reasonable steps to ensure rehearsals and other activities are organised safely.

This includes:

• Using suitable rehearsal venues with appropriate access, facilities and emergency arrangements.
• Ensuring young members know who is responsible for the session and how to contact the Safeguarding Lead.
• Avoiding unnecessary isolated one-to-one situations between adults and young people.
• Making appropriate arrangements for sectionals, individual assistance and instrument tuition.
• Ensuring that young people are not left in the care of an unsuitable person.
• Planning appropriate arrangements for the end of rehearsals and performances.

Live Wire Ensemble is not automatically required to provide continuous individual supervision of every 16- or 17-year-old simply because they attend an ensemble. Supervision arrangements will be based on the nature of the activity, the age and needs of participants, the venue and any identified risks.

5.3 Parents and carers

For members under 18, Live Wire Ensemble will obtain appropriate emergency contact details and relevant consent information.

Parents or carers will be provided with relevant information about rehearsals, performances, trips and any special arrangements for young members.

The ensemble will communicate with parents or carers about significant safeguarding matters where appropriate and safe to do so. Where a parent or carer may be implicated in abuse, or contacting them could place the young person at further risk, advice will be sought from the appropriate safeguarding authority before doing so.

Young people should be encouraged to express their views and participate in decisions affecting their safety, taking their age, understanding and circumstances into account.

6. Communication and online safety

Ensemble-related communications must be appropriate, respectful and transparent.

The following arrangements apply:

• Official ensemble communication channels should be used wherever practicable for rehearsals, performances and organisational matters.
• Adults should avoid unnecessary private direct messaging with members under 18.
• Where individual communication with a young person is necessary, it should be limited to legitimate ensemble business and conducted transparently wherever practicable.
• Group messages should be used where suitable, with parents or carers included where appropriate.
• Personal contact details must not be shared without permission, except where necessary and lawful for safeguarding purposes.
• Members must not share explicit material, sexualised messages, humiliating images or threatening communications.
• Online bullying, grooming, harassment or inappropriate contact connected with the ensemble must be reported.

Members should be aware that conduct outside rehearsals can still raise safeguarding concerns if it affects the safety or wellbeing of another member or is connected to their participation in Live Wire Ensemble.

7. Photography, video and audio recordings

Live Wire Ensemble may take photographs, videos or audio recordings for legitimate purposes such as publicity, performance documentation, rehearsal review or promotion of the ensemble.

The ensemble will:

• Explain the intended use of recordings and images.
• Obtain appropriate consent and permissions before using identifiable images of under-18s for publicity.
• Respect any request not to be photographed or recorded, subject to clearly explained operational requirements.
• Avoid publishing personal information that could identify a young person’s location, routine or private circumstances.
• Store recordings securely and restrict access to authorised people.
• Obtain permission before sharing recordings or images with third parties, unless disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by law.
• Remove or stop using material where appropriate consent is withdrawn, subject to legal obligations and practical limitations.

Members must not take photographs or recordings in toilets, changing areas or other private spaces. Secret recording, inappropriate filming and the distribution of images without appropriate permission are prohibited.

Separate arrangements may be required for public performances, audience photography and professional recording. These should be communicated in advance.

8. Rehearsals, performances, trips and transport

Activities outside normal rehearsals require appropriate planning.

Before a trip, tour or other activity involving young members, the organiser should consider:

• The venue, travel arrangements and foreseeable risks.
• Emergency contacts and relevant medical or access information.
• Who is responsible for supervising the group.
• Arrival, departure, collection and late-running arrangements.
• Accommodation and room-sharing arrangements, if applicable.
• Toilets, changing facilities and privacy.
• Emergency procedures and arrangements for contacting parents or carers.

Young members must not be left without appropriate arrangements for their safety.

Where transport is organised by the ensemble, drivers must be suitable and appropriately insured, and vehicle arrangements must comply with applicable law. Consent should be obtained where appropriate. Wherever practicable, adults should avoid transporting a young person alone. Where unavoidable, the journey should be necessary, transparent and agreed in advance, with appropriate information provided to a parent or carer.

No member should feel pressured to accept a lift or participate in an activity that makes them uncomfortable.

Overnight stays require a separate risk assessment and clear arrangements for supervision, sleeping accommodation, privacy and emergency contact.

9. Safer recruitment and suitability

Live Wire Ensemble will take reasonable steps to ensure that people appointed to roles involving responsibility for young members are suitable for those roles.

Depending on the role, this may include:

• Checking identity, relevant experience and references.
• Discussing safeguarding responsibilities before an appointment.
• Providing safeguarding guidance or training.
• Assessing the risks associated with the role.
• Obtaining the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where the role is legally eligible.
• Reviewing any safeguarding concerns or allegations relating to a person appointed to a position of responsibility.

A DBS check will not be treated as a substitute for appropriate conduct, supervision, reporting arrangements or ongoing assessment.

The legal eligibility for DBS checks depends on the actual duties, frequency and circumstances of a role. Live Wire Ensemble will check the applicable requirements before requesting a check and will not assume that every adult musician requires an enhanced DBS check merely because under-18s are present.

Any person who is barred from undertaking relevant regulated activity must not be placed in a role that would breach the law.

10. Recognising abuse and harm

Abuse and harm may take different forms, including:

• Physical abuse: hitting, assault, inappropriate physical punishment or other deliberate physical harm.
• Emotional abuse: threats, humiliation, intimidation, persistent belittling or controlling behaviour.
• Sexual abuse: sexual assault, grooming, exploitation, sexualised communication or inappropriate sexual activity.
• Neglect: failure to provide necessary care or protection where a person has responsibility for doing so.
• Bullying and harassment: repeated or serious harmful behaviour, including cyberbullying and discriminatory abuse.
• Financial or material abuse: theft, fraud, coercion or exploitation involving money or possessions.
• Discriminatory abuse: harm or harassment related to disability, race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or another protected or personal characteristic.
• Online harm: grooming, threats, coercion, sharing intimate images or other harmful digital conduct.

A concern may arise from a disclosure, something witnessed directly, changes in behaviour, a message or image, or information provided by another person.

No member needs to prove that abuse has occurred before raising a concern.

11. Responding to a safeguarding concern or disclosure

If a member discloses abuse or harm, or a concern is identified, the person receiving the information must respond calmly and appropriately.

They should:

1. Listen carefully and take the concern seriously.
2. Reassure the person that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
3. Allow them to explain in their own words without asking leading questions.
4. Avoid promising secrecy. Explain that information may need to be shared with people who can help keep them safe.
5. Establish whether there is an immediate danger or urgent medical need.
6. Record the information as soon as possible, using the person’s own words where practicable.
7. Report the concern promptly to the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead.
8. Contact the relevant statutory safeguarding service or police directly where necessary, particularly if there is immediate danger or a risk of serious harm.

If someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent police or ambulance assistance, call 999.

If the concern involves the Safeguarding Lead, report it to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead or directly to the relevant local authority safeguarding service or police. If both designated contacts are implicated or unavailable, do not delay seeking external assistance.

Members must not conduct their own investigation, confront an alleged abuser in a way that could increase risk, or circulate allegations among other members.

The safety and wellbeing of the person at risk must take priority.

12. Recording, confidentiality and information sharing

All safeguarding concerns must be documented accurately, securely and as soon as reasonably possible.

Records should include, where known:

• The date, time and location of the concern.
• The name of the person raising the concern.
• The name of the person affected and any other relevant individuals.
• A factual account of what was observed, reported or disclosed.
• Any action already taken.
• Who was informed and when.
• Any advice received and further action required.

Records must distinguish facts from opinions or assumptions.

Safeguarding information will be shared only with those who need it to protect a person, respond to a concern or meet a legal obligation. Information will not be kept secret where doing so could leave someone at risk.

Records will be stored securely, with access restricted to authorised individuals, and retained in accordance with applicable legal requirements and an appropriate retention schedule.

13. Allegations or concerns about an adult representing the ensemble

Any allegation or concern that a Musical Director, committee member, volunteer, contractor or other adult has harmed, exploited, groomed or behaved inappropriately towards a young person must be taken seriously.

The concern must be referred promptly to the Safeguarding Lead, unless that person is implicated, in which case it must be referred to an appropriate alternative contact or statutory authority.

Live Wire Ensemble will:

• Prioritise the safety of the young person and anyone else potentially at risk.
• Seek advice from the relevant local authority safeguarding service or police where appropriate.
• Take proportionate interim steps to manage risk, which may include temporarily restricting duties or contact.
• Maintain confidentiality and accurate records.
• Avoid prejudging the outcome or conducting an investigation that could interfere with statutory enquiries.
• Cooperate with relevant authorities.
• Follow applicable legal requirements concerning referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service where the relevant conditions are met.

Any temporary restriction is a protective measure and does not, by itself, constitute a finding of wrongdoing.

14. Bullying, discrimination and complaints

Live Wire Ensemble will not tolerate bullying, harassment, victimisation or discrimination.

Concerns may be raised with the Safeguarding Lead, Musical Director or another designated committee member.

All concerns will be considered fairly and proportionately. Where the behaviour raises a safeguarding concern, the safeguarding procedure will take priority over the ordinary complaints process.

No member should be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

Where appropriate, the ensemble may use its disciplinary or membership procedures to address misconduct. Serious matters may be referred to external authorities.

15. Safeguarding adults at risk

Although this policy places particular emphasis on members under 18, Live Wire Ensemble also recognises its responsibilities towards adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

Concerns may involve coercion, exploitation, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, discriminatory treatment or financial abuse.

Such concerns should be reported to the Safeguarding Lead and, where appropriate, the relevant local authority adult safeguarding service or police.

Adults should be treated with dignity and respect, and their wishes and autonomy should be considered wherever possible. Any action must be proportionate to the circumstances and consistent with applicable law.

16. Training and awareness

Live Wire Ensemble will ensure that the Safeguarding Lead and anyone with specific safeguarding responsibilities have access to appropriate guidance and training.

Members will be informed of the policy, expected standards of behaviour and how to report concerns.

Safeguarding information should be made accessible to new members as part of joining the ensemble. Young members should be able to identify a trusted contact and understand how to seek help without fear of embarrassment, blame or retaliation.

17. Review and implementation

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner if there is a significant safeguarding incident, a change in the ensemble’s activities, a relevant change in law or guidance, or a recommendation from a safeguarding authority.

The policy will be made available to members and, where appropriate, parents and carers.

The committee or responsible management group will ensure that the policy is implemented, reviewed and supported by suitable practical arrangements.

18. External help and useful contacts

Emergency services: 999 where someone is in immediate danger or urgent assistance is required.

Police non-emergency: 101.

Local authority children’s safeguarding services: Contact the relevant council for the area where the child lives or where the concern arises. Use the council’s official website to find its current safeguarding contact details.

Local authority adult safeguarding services: Contact the relevant council if an adult may be experiencing abuse or neglect.

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000. For adults concerned about a child in the UK.

Childline: 0800 1111. For children and young people seeking confidential support.

Welsh Government safeguarding guidance: https://www.gov.wales/safeguarding-guidance

Wales Safeguarding Procedures: https://www.safeguarding.wales/

External services should be contacted directly where appropriate. A report to Live Wire Ensemble does not replace contacting the authorities when a referral is necessary.

Policy approval

This policy was approved by the responsible management or committee of Live Wire Ensemble on:

Date: 5/11/2026

Name and position:Will Summers-Davies, Musical Director 

Signature: WSD

Next review date: 5/11/27