Montgomery Hall Theatre Safeguarding Policy

Policy Version: 1.0

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1. Policy Statement

Montgomery Hall Theatre is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who visits, performs, volunteers or works at our venue.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and are committed to ensuring that they are protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm whilst attending or participating in activities at our theatre.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff, volunteers, contractors, visiting companies and anyone representing Montgomery Hall Theatre are expected to share this commitment.

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2. Purpose

This policy explains how Montgomery Hall Theatre aims to:

• Protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.

• Promote a safe environment for all visitors.

• Ensure concerns are reported appropriately.

• Meet our legal and moral safeguarding responsibilities.

• Provide guidance to staff, volunteers and visiting organisations.

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3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Theatre employees

• Volunteers

• Trustees or committee members (where applicable)

• Visiting performers

• Production companies

• Contractors working on site

• Workshop leaders

• Schools and educational groups

• Audience members attending events

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4. Definitions

Child

Anyone under the age of 18.

Vulnerable Adult

Any adult who may require additional support because of age, disability, illness, mental health, learning disability or other circumstances that may make them more vulnerable to abuse or exploitation.

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5. Our Commitment

Montgomery Hall Theatre is committed to:

• Treating everyone with dignity and respect.

• Creating a culture where safeguarding is taken seriously.

• Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

• Working with statutory agencies where necessary.

• Encouraging everyone to report concerns.

• Maintaining appropriate standards of behaviour.

We believe everyone has the right to enjoy theatre in a safe environment free from abuse, harassment, discrimination or exploitation.

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6. Responsibilities

Montgomery Hall Theatre will:

• Promote safeguarding awareness.

• Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.

• Record safeguarding incidents appropriately.

• Work with police, local authorities and safeguarding agencies where required.

• Review safeguarding procedures regularly.

• Encourage safe working practices.

Where roles involve regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, appropriate recruitment checks, including DBS checks where legally required, will be undertaken.

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7. Code of Conduct

Everyone working at or representing Montgomery Hall Theatre should:

• Treat everyone fairly and respectfully.

• Maintain professional boundaries.

• Listen to concerns without judgement.

• Report safeguarding concerns immediately.

• Respect confidentiality.

• Follow theatre procedures at all times.

They must not:

• Behave in a way that could place someone at risk.

• Engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment.

• Use inappropriate language.

• Make inappropriate physical contact.

• Exchange personal contact details with children unless authorised.

• Communicate privately with children through personal social media accounts.

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8. Children Attending Performances

Children attending performances remain the responsibility of their parent, guardian, teacher or supervising adult unless they are participating in an organised activity where responsibility has been formally agreed.

Parents and guardians should ensure children are supervised at all times within the venue.

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9. Youth Performances and Workshops

Where Montgomery Hall Theatre hosts youth productions, workshops or educational activities:

• Adequate adult supervision must be provided.

• Emergency contact details should be available.

• Attendance registers should be maintained where appropriate.

• Any accidents or incidents must be reported promptly.

• Appropriate safeguarding measures must be followed.

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10. Visiting Schools and Organisations

Schools, colleges, youth groups and visiting organisations remain responsible for supervising their own participants throughout their visit unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in writing.

Visiting organisations are expected to have their own safeguarding policies and procedures.

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11. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms including:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Financial abuse

• Domestic abuse

• Online abuse

• Bullying

• Grooming

• Exploitation

Safeguarding concerns may arise from something that is seen, heard, disclosed or suspected.

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12. Reporting Concerns

Anyone with a safeguarding concern should report it immediately to the Duty Manager or the designated safeguarding lead.

If a child or vulnerable adult is believed to be in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted by dialling 999.

Do not:

• Investigate concerns yourself.

• Promise confidentiality.

• Delay reporting.

Always:

• Listen carefully.

• Record factual information.

• Report concerns promptly.

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13. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect an individual or where required by law.

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14. Recruitment

Where Montgomery Hall Theatre recruits staff or volunteers for roles involving children or vulnerable adults, we aim to:

• Recruit fairly.

• Obtain references where appropriate.

• Carry out DBS checks where legally required.

• Provide safeguarding guidance.

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15. Photography and Filming

Photography and filming involving children should only take place with appropriate consent where required.

Images should never place a child or vulnerable person at risk.

Montgomery Hall Theatre reserves the right to prohibit photography where safeguarding concerns exist.

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16. Online Safety

Where activities involve online communication:

• Appropriate safeguarding measures will be followed.

• Personal contact information will not be shared unnecessarily.

• Communication with children should take place through authorised channels wherever possible.

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17. Equality and Inclusion

Safeguarding applies equally to everyone regardless of:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender

• Gender identity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sexual orientation

• Ethnicity

• Socio-economic background

Montgomery Hall Theatre is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.

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18. Reporting Concerns

Safeguarding concerns can be reported to:

Montgomery Hall Theatre

Address: Church Street, Wath Upon Dearne, Rotherham, S63 7RD.

Telephone: 01709 513160.

Email: mhetheatre@gmail.com.

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If someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services by calling 999.

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19. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes.

• Best practice guidance changes.

• Significant safeguarding incidents occur.

• Operational requirements change.

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