City of Leeds Pipe Band
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk
(2026 Edition)

1. Purpose and Scope
   City of Leeds Pipe Band (CLPB) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk who engage with the band in any capacity. This policy applies to:
2. All band members
3. Trustees and committee members
4. Instructors and volunteers
5. Guest tutors
6. Anyone acting on behalf of CLPB

This policy aligns with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026, which states that safeguarding is a shared responsibility across all organisations working with children . It also reflects the RSPBA’s safeguarding principles, including the requirement to report concerns promptly and appropriately.

1. Definitions
   Children and Young People
   Anyone under the age of 18, in line with UK statutory guidance.

Adults at Risk
An adult aged 18 or over who:
- Is unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or interests
- Is at risk of harm
- May be affected by disability, mental disorder, illness, or physical/mental infirmity
- Is more vulnerable to harm than adults not so affected

1. Policy Principles
   CLPB adopts the following core principles, consistent with national guidance:
2. The welfare of the child or adult at risk is paramount.
3. All individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background, have the right to protection from abuse.
4. All concerns, suspicions, or allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly.
5. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility; all members must report concerns.
6. CLPB personnel are not responsible for investigating abuse—concerns must be referred to statutory agencies (Police or Social Care).

Information will be shared appropriately and lawfully, following the information‑sharing principles in Working Together 2026.

1. Types of Abuse
   Abuse may include, but is not limited to:
2. Physical abuse
3. Emotional/psychological abuse
4. Sexual abuse
5. Neglect
6. Bullying or cyberbullying
7. Discriminatory abuse
8. Financial abuse (for adults at risk)

9. Online harm or grooming
   These categories reflect national safeguarding frameworks used across health, education, and voluntary organisations .

10. Roles and Responsibilities
    Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
    CLPB will appoint a trained DSO responsible for:

11. Receiving safeguarding concerns
12. Liaising with statutory agencies
13. Maintaining secure safeguarding records
14. Ensuring policy compliance
15. Reporting serious concerns to the Police or Social Services immediately

Band Committee / Trustees Responsible for:
- Ensuring safeguarding arrangements are in place
- Supporting the DSO
- Ensuring safe recruitment practices
- Reviewing safeguarding incidents and learning points

All Members, Volunteers and Instructors Must:
- Report concerns immediately
- Follow this policy and safeguarding procedures
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Complete safeguarding training when required

1. Safe Recruitment and Training
   In line with RSPBA policy and UK safeguarding standards:

2. All instructors and volunteers working closely with children or adults at risk must hold an enhanced DBS check (England equivalent of PVG).

3. Recruitment will include:
   • Application and interview
   • Reference checks
   • Verification of identity
   • Assessment of suitability for working with vulnerable groups
4. DBS checks will be renewed every three years or sooner if concerns arise.
5. All personnel will receive safeguarding awareness training appropriate to their role.

6. The band will not permit anyone barred from regulated work to engage in teaching or supervisory roles, consistent with statutory requirements .

7. Code of Conduct for Working with Children and Adults at Risk
   All personnel must:

8. Treat all individuals with dignity and respect
9. Avoid one‑to‑one situations behind closed doors
10. Use appropriate language and behaviour
11. Avoid physical contact unless necessary for instruction and done with consent
12. Never share personal contact details with under‑18s
13. Never transport children alone without prior parental consent
14. Maintain professional boundaries at all times

15. Report any breaches of conduct immediately

16. Managing and Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
    Immediate Danger
    If a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger, call 999.

Reporting Procedure
Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.

The DSO will:
- Record the concern
- Assess urgency
- Refer to Police or Social Services where required

The DSO will inform the Band Chair if appropriate (unless doing so increases risk).

The band will not investigate allegations internally—this is the role of statutory agencies.

All records will be stored securely and retained according to data protection requirements.

Allegations Against Band Personnel
Any allegation against an instructor, volunteer, or committee member will be reported to statutory agencies immediately.

The individual may be suspended from duties pending investigation.

CLPB will cooperate fully with external investigations.

1. Information Sharing
   CLPB follows the information‑sharing principles in Working Together 2026, which emphasise:
2. Sharing information without delay when a child or adult is at risk
3. Using clear, factual, and timely records

4. Ensuring data protection legislation is followed

5. Online Safety
   CLPB will:

6. Ensure official communication with under‑18s goes through parents/carers
7. Monitor official social media channels
8. Remove inappropriate content immediately

9. Provide guidance to parents and young members on safe online behaviour

10. Photography, Video and Social Media
    Consent must be obtained from parents/carers before photographing or filming children.

Images will be used only for band‑related purposes.

Names will not be published alongside images of children.

Members may request removal of images at any time.

1. Transport and Events
   Parents/carers are responsible for transport unless explicitly arranged otherwise.

Any band‑organised transport must include two adults present.

Risk assessments will be completed for all events involving children.

1. Record Keeping
   The DSO will maintain:
2. Concern reports
3. Referral records
4. Communications with statutory agencies
5. Training records

6. DBS check records
   Records will be stored securely and retained according to legal requirements.

7. Policy Review
   This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

8. Legislation changes
9. National guidance is updated

10. A safeguarding incident requires policy revision

11. Adoption of Policy
    This policy was adopted by the City of Leeds Pipe Band Committee on:

Date:
Chairperson:
Signature:
Designated Safeguarding Officer:
Signature: