The Source Studio Exeter Safeguarding Policy
www.thesourcestudioexeter.com/safeguarding-policy
Effective Date: 01/09/2025
Review Date: 01/0926 Policy Owner: David Knox. Fully DBS Checked & Studio Fully Insured.
Applies to: All staff, volunteers, freelancers, contractors, and visitors
Place of Work; The Source Studios, Concorde House, South St Exeter EX1 1EG
1 Working with Children and Young People
The Source Studio regularly works with:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Youth organisations
- Music groups
- Individual young musicians
- Community organisations
The welfare of every young person always takes priority over any recording activity.
2 Our Commitment
The Source Studio Exeter is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for every client. safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who engage with our services.
Safeguarding is a fundamental part of the way we operate and is particularly important when working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We believe that everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or identity, has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation. And to to enjoy music in an environment where they feel respected, supported and protected from harm.
We recognise our responsibility to promote safe practices and protect those in our care from harm. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and provides a clear framework for all individuals working in or with the studio. All staff and volunteers are expected to contribute to maintaining this safe environment.
3 Legal Framework
This policy is based on and adheres to the following UK legislation and guidance:
• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
• The Care Act 2014
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Equality Act 2010
• Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
4 Definitions
• Child / Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable Adult: An adult who is at risk of harm or exploitation due to age,
disability, illness, or personal circumstances.
• Abuse: A form of maltreatment, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation.
5 Scope of Policy
This policy applies to:
• Studio recording sessions
• Music lessons or tuition
• Workshops and outreach events
• Online communication and sessions
• Performances involving young or vulnerable individuals
6 Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Name: David Knox
• Contact: dave@thesourcestudioexeter.com
The DSL is fuily DBS Checked and can supply a copy of the DBS Certificate on request. The DSL is responsible for:
• Ensuring all safeguarding concerns are reported, recorded, and acted upon
• Liaising with local safeguarding agencies
• Recommending training to other studio users
All Staff and Volunteers
All personnel must:
• Act in the best interest of the individual
• Report concerns immediately to the DSL
• Adhere to the studio’s code of conduct
7 Code of Conduct
www.thesourcestudioexeter.com/code-of-conduct
All staff, volunteers, and visiting professionals must:
• Treat all children, adults and vulnerable adults with respect and dignity
• Avoid physical contact unless absolutely necessary and appropriate
• Never be alone in a private, closed space with a child or vulnerable adult where there
is unmonitored space – for example, where there is no CCTV in operation or sharing a vehicle
• Use appropriate language and avoid favouritism
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
8 Adult Supervision
For sessions involving anyone under the age of 18, The Source Studio requires that at least two responsible adults are present at all times.
This will normally be:
- A representative of The Source Studio; and
- The young person's parent or legal guardian.
Where sessions are arranged through a school, college, charity or other organisation, alternative supervision arrangements may be agreed in advance where they meet appropriate safeguarding standards.
No member of The Source Studio will knowingly conduct a one-to-one session with a child unless appropriate safeguarding procedures are already in place through the referring organisation.
9 Photography and Video
Photographs and short videos may occasionally be taken to celebrate a project or promote the work of The Source Studio.
However:
- Permission will always be requested first.
- We prefer written consent by email.
- Parents or guardians must provide consent for anyone under 18.
- Consent may be withdrawn for future use at any time.
No child will ever be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes without appropriate consent.
10 Confidentiality
Personal information relating to children and young people is treated confidentially.
Information will only be shared where:
- Required by law;
- Necessary to protect someone's safety; or
- Shared with the knowledge and agreement of the appropriate parent, guardian or referring organisation, where appropriate.
11 Safer Recruitment
The Source Studio Exeter will:
• Check the DBS status for all staff and volunteers working with children or vulnerable
adults – via the DBS update service or sight of physical copy of DBS
• Require proof of public liability
• Include safeguarding questions in interviews
12 Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If any member of The Source Studio becomes aware of a safeguarding concern, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with applicable safeguarding procedures and legal obligations.
Where necessary, concerns may be reported to the relevant safeguarding authority or emergency services.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Reporting Process
1. 2. 3. 4. Listen without judgment or interruption.
Record the disclosure using the studio’s safeguarding concern form.
Report immediately to the DSL.
The DSL will assess and escalate to local authorities if necessary.
Contact Information:
• Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 155 1071.
Mashsecure@devon.gov.uk
• LADO for DCC ladosecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
13. Online Safety
We recognise the increased use of digital tools and commit to:
• Using secure platforms for online sessions
• Ensuring a parent/guardian is aware of any online interaction with a minor
• Prohibiting private messaging between staff and minors without oversight
14 Data Protection and Confidentiality
All safeguarding records are stored securely and confidentially, in line with the UK GDPR.
Information will only be shared on a “need to know” basis and in accordance with statutory
guidance.
15 Whistleblowing
We encourage all individuals to report any concerns regarding the conduct of staff or
safeguarding procedures. R&K Studios will support and protect anyone who raises
concerns in good faith.
16 Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the studio management team and updated in line with
any legislative or procedural changes.
Last Reviewed: 01/01/2025
Next Review Due: 01/01/2026