Safeguarding policy

People are at the heart of what we do and safeguarding is of paramount importance wherever and whenever we work. This is our Safeguarding Policy, which is supported by our full Safeguarding Framework document.

What is Safeguarding?

We will actively promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk by working to the best possible safeguarding standards across all our services and activities. We are committed to ensuring that everyone, individuals and organisations, who are involved with us, are clear about their roles and responsibilities.

The aims of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children are to:

  • Protect children from maltreatment

  • Prevent impairment of children’s health or development

  • Ensure that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care

  • Take action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

The aims of adult safeguarding are to:

  • Prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs

  • Stop abuse or neglect where possible

  • Safeguard adults in a way that supports them in making choices and having control about how they want to live.

For the purpose of this policy, a child is any person under the age of 18 years, 16 in Scotland. An adult at risk is defined as having needs for care and support and experiencing, or being at risk of, abuse and neglect and as a result of those care needs, is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.

Our Code of Conduct

Everyone involved with Music in Hospitals & Care, including employees, volunteers and musicians, will adhere to the standards set out in the relevant Code of Conduct issued to them, which includes conduct in care settings such as schools, care facilities or hospitals. We require the highest standards of personal conduct and have a zero tolerance policy for any behaviour which falls below these.

Reporting concerns

Everyone involved with Music in Hospitals & Care should report any safeguarding concerns relating to children or adults at risk without delay to the Deputies for Safeguarding. This includes any concerns relating to inappropriate content on electronic communications.

If you have any questions, comments or would like to express a concern with regard to safeguarding practices within Music in Hospitals & Care, please contact our National Lead for Safeguarding, Barbara Osborne: barbara@mihc.org.uk.

Anyone can also refer directly to the police, Social Care Services or the Charity Commission (England & Wales) whistleblowing@charitycommission.gov.uk, or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) CandI@oscr.org.uk or other regulators.

Is a crime in progress or is anyone in immediate danger? Dial 999