Safeguarding Policy
Splinters Theatre Group
Effective Date: 12th May 2025
Next Review Date: 11th May 2026
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1. Introduction
Splinters Theatre Group is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing
environment for all participants. While the majority of our members are aged between
14 and 30, we occasionally produce shows that involve members outside this age
range. Our safeguarding responsibilities extend to all members, volunteers, and
audiences, with particular regard for the protection and welfare of young people and
vulnerable adults.
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2. Purpose of This Policy
This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and the procedures in place to
protect all members, with a focus on those aged under 18 and vulnerable adults. It aims
to:
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of all members.
• Ensure safeguarding is a priority in all organisational activities.
• Set clear guidelines for volunteers and participants on acceptable behaviour and
reporting procedures.
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3. Scope
This policy applies to:
• All members aged 14–30.
• Participants outside the core age group occasionally involved in productions.
• Volunteers, trustees, Production Teams, and freelance professionals.
• Anyone involved in activities organised or endorsed by Splinters Theatre Group
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4. Legal and Policy Framework
This policy has been developed regarding:
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
• The Care Act 2014
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (as relevant to partnerships with schools)
• Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) guidelines
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5. Roles and Responsibilities
• Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Leah Rhodes-Burch
The DSL oversees safeguarding practices, handles disclosures, and ensures
policies are implemented and reviewed.
• Deputy DSO: Kate Parkin
Supports the DSL and acts in their absence.
• All volunteers must read and understand this policy, complete safeguarding
training (see Section 12 for details) and report concerns to the DSL or Deputy
DSL.
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6. Chaperone Licensing and Supervision
• 80% of our management team currently hold chaperone licences.
• Our aspiration is to reach 100% licensed coverage by the time of our next annual
safeguarding review – May 2026.
• Licensed chaperones will be present at all rehearsals, workshops, and
performances involving participants under 18.
• All volunteers working with young people are required to have an enhanced DBS
check. Where an enhanced DBS check is not yet available (e.g. for new
volunteers), appropriate safeguarding measures will be put in place, and a
licensed chaperone will be present in the room at all times.
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7. Code of Conduct
All members and volunteers must:
• Treat each other with respect, dignity, and fairness.
• Avoid being alone with a young person or vulnerable adult where possible.
• Refrain from any form of abusive behaviour, including verbal, physical,
emotional, or sexual abuse.
• Report all safeguarding concerns promptly to the DSL.
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8. Inclusion and Equality
We recognise the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our members. We are
committed to ensuring safeguarding practices are inclusive of all races, genders, sexual
orientations, abilities, and beliefs.
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9. Responding to Concerns and Disclosures
All concerns, disclosures, or allegations of abuse must be taken seriously. If a young
person or vulnerable adult makes a disclosure:
• Listen carefully and calmly.
• Reassure them they are being taken seriously.
• Do not promise confidentiality—explain you may need to share information to
keep them safe.
• Record the disclosure factually and report it to the DSL immediately.
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10. Online Safety
All online communications must follow the same safeguarding principles as in-person
contact. Group chats or social media groups should be moderated and, where involving
minors, overseen by safeguarding-trained volunteers.
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11. Safeguarding in Productions Involving 30+ Participants
Where productions include individuals over 30, safeguarding standards remain in
effect:
• Young people will always be appropriately supervised.
• Risk assessments will consider age-mixing dynamics.
• Safeguarding expectations will be clearly communicated to all cast and crew,
regardless of age.
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12. Training and Review
• All volunteers will undertake safeguarding training appropriate to their role,
updated at least every three years.
• All chaperone licences will be renewed at least three months before their expiry
date to ensure there are no gaps in cover.
• The safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes
in legislation or significant safeguarding incidents.
• Free online courses for volunteers: Free Online Safeguarding Children level 1 and
2 Child Protection Course | Care Learning UK
Policy Approved By: James Parkin & Trustees
Date Approved: 13th May 2025
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: Leah Rhodes-Burch
Email: splinterstg@gmail.com
Phone: 07583 260 784
Deputy Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Kate Parkin
Email: splinterstg@gmail.com
Phone: 07969 989 285