THE DEESIDE CELLO PROJECT (DCP)
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Version 4 – June 2026, to be reviewed at least every 12 months
The purpose and scope of this policy statement
In the UK, safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights, and
enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. In our sector, we understand it to
mean protecting people, including children and ‘at risk’ (or ‘vulnerable’) adults*, from harm that
arises from coming into contact with our staff, volunteers, tutors, programmes and activities.
This document is in place to protect the safety and wellbeing of all participants in DCP
activities, including summer schools, workshops, performances, residential activities and
online engagement, and to provide guidance and signposting for all those involved.
This policy addresses the following areas of safeguarding: child safeguarding, adult
safeguarding, protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, online safety, and safer
recruitment.
*At risk/vulnerable adult: a person who is or may be in need of care by reason of mental or
other disability, age or illness, and who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect
themselves from significant harm or exploitation.
DCP safeguarding vision
The DCP commits to addressing safeguarding throughout its work through the three pillars of
prevention, reporting and response.
We believe that:
- all persons should never experience abuse of any kind
- everyone has the right to participate in music and educational activities in a safe, respectful
and supportive environment - safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
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We recognise that: - all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or
sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from harm - some individuals are additionally vulnerable because of disability, communication needs,
mental health concerns, previous experiences of trauma, family circumstances or dependence
on others - safeguarding risks can occur both in person and online
The purpose of this policy is: - to protect children and young people from harm whilst participating in DCP activities,
including summer schools and residential programmes - to provide trustees, tutors, accompanists, volunteers, students and families with the principles
that guide our safeguarding practice - to ensure that concerns are recognised, reported and responded to appropriately
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of the DCP, including organisers, trustees,
tutors, accompanists, volunteers, contractors, consultants, programme visitors, guest artists,
journalists, celebrities, politicians and students.
Legal framework
This policy is informed by current safeguarding legislation and guidance in Scotland and the
wider UK, including: - Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Children (Scotland) Act 1995
- Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024
Supporting documents
This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies, procedures,
guidance and other related documents, all available on request from our Designated
Safeguarding Office Ms Helen Foster: - Safeguarding workshop pack for tutors and adult supervisors
- Information pack for parents and families
- Health and Safety Policy
- Recruitment, induction, training and supervision procedures
- Dealing with disclosures and concerns
- Managing complaints and allegations
- Recording concerns and information sharing
- Photography, filming and social media guidance
- Residential and trip supervision guidance
Prevention
The DCP will: - review this policy annually and following any significant safeguarding incident
- ensure all personnel understand their safeguarding responsibilities
- undertake appropriate safeguarding risk assessments for activities, including summer
schools, residential events and performances - implement safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate DBS/PVG checks where
required - ensure staff, tutors and volunteers receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role
- provide clear supervision arrangements for children and young people
- maintain safe procedures for online communication and use of social media
- work with parents, carers and relevant agencies where safeguarding concerns arise
- follow statutory guidance on information sharing where a child or vulnerable person may be
at risk of harm
Code of Practice for DCP Personnel
DCP tutors, volunteers and associated personnel will not: - engage in sexual activity with anyone under 18 years of age
- subject any child or vulnerable adult to physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse,
neglect or exploitation - engage in child labour, trafficking or any form of exploitation
- communicate with children through personal social media accounts or private messaging
platforms except where authorised by DCP procedures - transport children alone in private vehicles unless specifically authorised and risk assessed
Additionally, all DCP personnel will: - contribute to a culture that promotes safeguarding and welfare
- treat all participants with dignity and respect
- maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- challenge inappropriate behaviour and report concerns
- be alert to indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation, peer-on-peer abuse, harmful sexual
behaviour, online grooming, radicalisation, criminal exploitation and mental health concerns
Reporting and Response
All safeguarding concerns, disclosures or allegations must be reported immediately to the
Designated Safeguarding Officer or, in their absence, a nominated deputy.
The DCP will ensure safe, accessible and confidential reporting procedures for participants,
parents, volunteers and staff.
All concerns will be taken seriously and responded to promptly in line with Scottish legal and
statutory requirements. Where necessary, concerns will be shared with relevant safeguarding
agencies and authorities.
Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action and, where appropriate, referral to
statutory agencies.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality will be maintained wherever possible. However, information will be shared on a
need-to-know basis where necessary to protect a child, young person or vulnerable adult from
harm.
Records relating to safeguarding concerns will be kept securely and handled in accordance
with data protection requirements.
Useful links
NSPCC Learning – Safeguarding and Child Protection
Working Together to Safeguard Children (GOV.UK)
Keeping Children Safe in Education (GOV.UK)
Version 4 Drawn up on 15/6/2026 by Joshua Lynch on behalf of the Deeside Cello Project
(DCP)