CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

The British Theatre Academy (BTA) is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people associated with BTA. It recognises its responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation. BTA acknowledges its duty to act appropriately to any allegations, reports or suspicions of abuse. Paid staff and volunteers will endeavour to work together to encourage the development of an ethos which embraces difference and diversity and respects the rights of children, young people and adults.

BTA recognises its duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, the Children Act 1989 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (in Scotland Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003). Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013

BTA believes that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• All members and employees of the organisation should be clear on how to respond appropriately.

BTA will ensure that:

• All children will be treated equally and with respect and dignity.
• The welfare of each child will always be put first.
• A balanced relationship based on mutual trust will be built which empowers the children to share in the decision-making process.
• Enthusiastic and constructive feedback will be given rather than negative criticism.
• Bullying will not be accepted or condoned.
• All adult members of the organisation provide a positive role model for dealing with other people.
• Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.
• It will keep up to date with health & safety legislation;
• It will keep informed of changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children.
• It will undertake relevant development and training.
• It will hold a register of every child involved with the organisation and will retain a contact name and number close at hand in case of emergencies.

BTA also has a Safeguarding procedures document and Equal Opportunities Policy. These documents are available upon request to the Safeguarding team at [email protected]

The organisation has a dedicated Child Protection/Welfare Officer, who oversees the child protection policy and makes sure the Safeguarding procedures are adhered to.

Mrs Heard our safeguarding officer can be contacted on [email protected]

In implementing this child protection policy BTA will:

• Communicate to all workers and members their legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation
• Communicate to all workers, members, volunteers and members their responsibility to work to the standards that are detailed in the Surrey Safeguarding Children Board and the need to work at all times towards maintaining high standards of practice in protection of children
• Ensure that all workers and members understand their duty to report concerns that arise about a child or young person, or a worker’s conduct towards a child/young person, to the organisation’s named person for child protection
• Ensure that the organisation’s named person for child protection understands her responsibility to refer any child protection concerns to the statutory child protection agencies (i.e. Police and/or Children’s Social Care)
• Ensure that any procedures relating to the conduct of workers and members are implemented in a consistent and equitable manner
• Facilitate opportunities for children and young people to express their ideas and views on a wide range of issues in connection with the service they are provided with and to have access to the organisation’s Complaints Procedure.
• Facilitate involvement of parents or carers in the work of the organisation and to make Safeguarding procedures available to them. 
• This policy will be regularly monitored by the Executive Committee of the organisation and will be subject to annual review.

Date: 4th July 2023