Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

Bedford Players Trust

1. Introduction – Commitment to Safeguarding

The Bedford Players Trust (BPT) acknowledges its legal and ethical responsibility to protect all children and vulnerable adults engaged in our activities. To guarantee the safety and well-being of these individuals, it is essential that all staff, artists, and volunteers comprehend and comply with the safeguarding guidelines outlined in this policy. Our goal is to foster safe working practices while nurturing a stimulating and creative environment for everyone involved.

2. Purpose of the Policy

  • To ensure the safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults participating in our programs and events.
  • To offer staff and volunteers the fundamental principles that shape our commitment to safeguarding.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is based on legislation, policy, and guidance including but not limited to:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
  • The Care Act 2014
  • The Equality Act 2010
  • SEND Code of Practice (2015)
  • Charity Commission safeguarding guidance
  • Bedford Borough Safeguarding Children Partnership

4. Scope
This policy applies to:

  • All employees, directors, trustees, volunteers, contractors, freelance artists and facilitators working on behalf of the BPT.

5. Definitions

Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
Young adult: Anyone aged 18–25, particularly where they have SEND and remain under the care of local authority or educational support.
Safeguarding: Protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect and ensuring their health and development is not impaired.

6. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Deborah Maggs
Email: deborahm@theplacebedford.org.uk
Phone: 07778424408
The DSL is responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns
  • Ensuring training is delivered
  • Liaising with external agencies
  • Keeping accurate records

6 (B). Deputy Safeguarding Leads (To be contacted if Designated SL is unavailable)

Name: Emily Alleyne
Email: ea@theplacebedford.org.uk
Phone: 07720980537

Name: Lissy Malt
Email: lm@theplacebedford.org.uk

Phone: 07966932757

7. Safer Recruitment

We follow safer recruitment practices to ensure that all staff:

  • Undergo an enhanced DBS check
  • Provide references
  • Complete induction training including safeguarding awareness
  • Understand and adhere to this policy

8. Training

All staff working with children, young people and vulnerable adults will:

  • Undertake annual safeguarding training
  • Complete specific training on working with SEND children and young people
  • Attend pre-event safeguarding briefings

9. Code of Conduct

All team trustees and staff will:

  • Treat all participants with respect and dignity
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Never be alone in a private space with a participant unless necessary
  • Never use demeaning, offensive, or suggestive language

10. Responding to Concerns or Disclosures

If a child or young person discloses:

  • Listen carefully, do not ask leading questions
  • Reassure them they were right to speak
  • Do not promise confidentiality; explain you will need to tell someone to help keep them safe
  • Record the disclosure immediately using the Safeguarding Incident Form
  • Report immediately to the DSL
  • Report to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – Bedford Borough: 01234 276693 or via secure email: Lado@bedford.gov.uk

11. Photography and Media

  • Consent will be obtained for the photography or filming of each participant
  • Those without consent will be made known to any staff working with children

12. Record Keeping

  • All safeguarding concerns will be recorded using our confidential safeguarding reporting system.
  • Access is limited to the DSL and Deputy DSL
  • Records will be retained in accordance with data protection laws.

13. Whistleblowing (Link to document)All team members are encouraged to report concerns about the conduct of staff, volunteers, or others involved in the organisation. Concerns should be directed to the DSL or, if appropriate (when it cannot be referred to the DSL), an external agency (e.g., NSPCC or local authority).

14. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or:

  • After a safeguarding incident
  • In response to changes in legislation
  • Following advice from statutory bodies

Next review date: January 2026


Deborah Maggs
Director / Designated Safeguarding Lead
22nd July 2025