- Yes. Has the band’s safeguarding section/page been reviewed recently to ensure they are current? Refer to BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more information on this section.
- No. Please include a safeguarding section in the band’s constitution and a page on your website (if you have one) to show the band’s commitment to safeguarding. Have a read through BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more guidance on this section.
- Yes. Has this been reviewed recently? Is all the contact information still current? Refer to BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more information on this section.
- No. A safeguarding document with clear guidance will ensure that your band can support its members in a way that is safe and legal. Have a read through BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more guidance on this section.
Supporting information: Your band’s safeguarding document should provide adequate guidance on the roles and responsibilities of all members, together with a role description for the named safeguarding person. Make sure that all information (including contact details) are current and updated if/when any changes occur. Ensure all band members are aware of the policy and where to access it, and add it to the safeguarding section of your website (if you have one).
- Yes. Does this include the elements listed below? For example a committee member who acts as a safeguarding lead, annual sign off of the safeguarding document after each review and at least annual attendance at a committee meeting? Refer to BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more information.
- No. Involving your committee in your band’s safeguarding work is important to ensure you embed a safe culture in your band. Refer to BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more information.
Supporting information: It’s important to create a strong link between your band’s governance system and its commitment to safeguarding. This helps to embed a safe culture in your band. You can do this by appointing a lead member for safeguarding within the committee (in addition to the band’s named safeguarding contact), presenting your safeguarding document to the committee for sign off on an annual basis after each review, and ensuring that safeguarding is given space on your committee meeting agenda at least annually. Conduct these meetings with the band’s named safeguarding contact in order to present a report on the ways in which you, as a band, have demonstrated your commitment to safeguarding throughout the year.
- Yes. Has this been reviewed recently? Are all members aware of the policy and where to access it? Refer to BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more information on this section.
- No. Having a clearly defined process for reporting and dealing with incidents of bullying, both face-to-face or online, can ensure that incidents are dealt with efficiently and reduce harm to band members. Have a read through the relevant section of BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for guidance.
- Yes. Are these guidelines clearly communicated to all band members? Refer to BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more information on this section.
- No. A set of guidelines for the use of social media within the band can help deliver a positive image of the band to the wider community. Have a read through the relevant section of BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for guidance.
Supporting information: Social media is an opportunity for your band to share your work, celebrate success, reach new audiences and deliver a positive public image. However, it’s important to provide clear boundaries for band members on what is considered acceptable content and engagement, particularly with young members and adults at risk. Ensure that any band social media sites are regularly managed, monitored and any inappropriate content removed.
- Yes. Are these guidelines communicated to all band members with any concerns referred to the named person for safeguarding? Refer to BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for more information on this section.
- No. A set of guidelines that covers the use of online spaces for meeting and running events can ensure that the same high safeguarding standards that exist when face-to-face contact takes place, also follow through into the online world. Have a read through the relevant section of BandSafe 5: Safeguarding for guidance.
Supporting information: These guidelines should share examples of the risks that band members may encounter when meeting online. For example, an unauthorised person trying to access an online meeting or workshop. Then, information on how to mitigate the risk and escalate concerns to the named safeguarding contact.
- Yes. How is this procedure currently communicated to existing and new members? Can it be improved? See BandSafe 10: Whistle-blowing policy.
- No. A whistle-blowing procedure provides members of the band with clear guidance on how they can report any concerns they may have without fear of negative repercussions on themselves. See BandSafe 10: Whistle-blowing policy.
- Yes. How often do you check-and-challenge the safeguarding processes you have in place to ensure they are being used correctly? Are they fit for purpose?
- No. By performing a routine check-and-challenge on the policies the band has in place, you are ensuring that these policies are current, fit for purpose and being used correctly.
- Yes. Do you keep a record of who has attended this training so you can follow up with anyone yet to do so?
- No. Providing access to safeguarding training is essential to make sure members in key roles are supported, with the right skills and knowledge to take action in relation to safeguarding.
Supporting information: Source your safeguarding training (such as BBE’s BandSafe training) from a reputable provider to ensure that the programme is appropriate to the safeguarding responsibilities of those attending. Also consider how you can make the training accessible for band members with busy lives and/or access requirements. Follow up with members after the training to check that the training gives them the information and support needed to meet their safeguarding responsibilities.
Set your expectations as a band about who needs to attend and how often. Keep a record of who has attended and the date, so you can track the need for additional training and/or refresher courses.