Safeguarding Policy Procedures 

 

The Safeguarding Team 

 

Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs)	Esther Trienekens (HOPP) Email: Esther@darbar.org Mobile Number: 07760 803 592    Manjit Singh (HR Manager) Email: Manjit@darbar.org Mobile Number: 07570 766 785
Designated Safeguarding Event Leads (DSELs)	Simi Lall (Events Manager, London) Email: Simi@darbar.org  Moblie Number: 07983 593 123    Depesh Patel (Events Manager, Leicester) Email: Depesh@darbar.org  Moblie Number: 07805 372497
Safeguarding Board Member	Sabine Kindel  Email: sabinekindel@hotmail.com Mobile Number: 07850 760 006

 

 

1. Introduction 

Darbar seeks to bring the finest audio-visual experience in Indian classical music to the global audience. We believe in the power of Indian arts to stir, thrill and inspire. We achieve this through three core objectives of our delivery, which includes live, digital and educational projects. The cornerstone of our work is the internationally respected Darbar Festival. Darbar provides a platform for emerging as well as established artists, both locally within the UK and globally. Since 2006, the annual Darbar Festival has hosted over 400 artists, and Darbar regularly conducts wellness festivals, concerts and educational livestreams. It provides a premium Darbar Concert Hall app and recently launched the Darbar Academy, an online music learning platform aimed at beginners to professionals. Darbar also hosts free content on both its YouTube channel and website. Darbar is privileged to work with world class venues such as the Barbican Centre, Southbank, Sadlers Wells and The Curve Theatre and media partners Sky Arts. 

 

2. Policy Statement 

 

The following has been agreed as Darbar's organisational statement of its commitment. 

At Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust we take safeguarding seriously and believe that everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status. We recognise that protecting people from harm is everyone’s responsibility and this policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust. 

Our activities aim to promote the health and wellbeing of all those involved and maintain a safe and positive environment and open channels of communication in which people can express themselves and share concerns without fear. 

In this policy, we describe: 

• Our commitment to safeguarding 

• Responsibilities and accountabilities for safeguarding 

• The procedures for responding to, recording and reporting concerns. 

 

The organisation aims to provide a framework for the protection of those with whom Darbar trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters come into contact with, either directly or indirectly in the activities they undertake for Darbar. 

The terms staff and workforce are used to include Darbar trustees, staff, volunteers and contractors and anyone working on behalf of Darbar. 

 

3. The Legal Context 

 

This policy has been developed within the context of English legislation and guidance. A summary of the key legislation can be found here by visiting the trusted sites below: 

Children https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/england Adults https://www.anncrafttrust.org/resources/safeguarding-adults-legislation/ 

A child is ‘anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday’ (from Working together to safeguard children published by HM Government, Dec 2023) 

The Care Act 2014 places a duty on all organisations to ensure the welfare of all adults and understand when safeguarding procedures should be implemented. Safeguarding duties apply to and adult who: 

 

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and; 

• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect and; 

• As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect. 

 

4. Supporting Documents 

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following: 

 

• Recruitment and HR policies 

• Data protection, record keeping and privacy policies 

• Health and Safety policy 

• Whistleblowing policy 

• Staff handbook and Code of Conduct. 

 

5. Safeguarding Responsibilities and Accountability 

 

Everyone at Darbar has a legal and moral obligation to respond to cases of harm and abuse when these are identified through our engagement with children, young people and adults at risk and are expected to maintain vigilance around this issue at all times. Everyone should encourage a climate of openness which enables staff to pass on concerns, whilst recognising that clear channels for raising concerns need to be in place and understood by staff, including the principle of confidentiality. 

The persons with overarching responsibility for safeguarding within Darbar are called the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), alongside two event leads. One of the trustees holds responsibility for oversight of safeguarding issues. These are all named at the top of this document. 

 

All staff and trustees are expected to: 

• Complete the mandatory safeguarding training and attend refresher sessions 

• Read the and adhere to this policy and the Code of Conduct (Staff required to Sign) 

• Contribute to creating an environment that promotes wellbeing and reduces the risk of harm 

• Value, listen and respect everyone they come in to contact with 

• Understand that a failure to report incidents or safeguarding concerns may lead to disciplinary action 

• Follow our safeguarding procedures and maintain appropriate boundaries. 

 

The Board of Trustees is accountable for ensuring that the organisation has appropriate processes, and resources in place to ensure safeguarding is central to everything it does. The board also monitors compliance as part of managing risks. The trustees, led by the Safeguarding Board Member, should set the culture that promotes safeguarding so that staff feel safe in reporting incidents and concerns with the assurances that these will be handled properly. 

The Safeguarding Board Member is expected to: 

• Support the leadership team and the Safeguarding Team with any concerns or investigations which may affect the reputation of the organisation 

• Act as a point of contact for fellow trustees/board members issues relating to safeguarding 

• Report any safeguarding incidents involving Darbar staff or others to the Charity Commission UK or any other relevant body or authority if appropriate 

 

The Designated Safeguarding Officer(s) support the workforce to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns by; 

 

• Developing, promoting and implementing the safeguarding policy and procedures (including reporting) 

• Providing support to staff on safeguarding issues 

• Ensuring suitable training is offered to all 

• Maintaining appropriate records and taking necessary action to address concerns 

• Discussing safeguarding issues or concerns with the Safeguarding Trustee 

• Ensuring safeguarding is embedded into the culture of the organisation 

• Investigate any allegations of abuse quickly and thoroughly 

• Implement improvements to procedures if an investigation reveals deficiencies in the way in which Darbar operates 

• Collaborate with other relevant agencies in improving safeguarding and combating abuse. 

 

Safeguarding Event Leads are responsible for: 

 

• Promoting Safeguarding and implementing policy at events 

• Ensuring all concerns are reported and documented correctly on the Incident Report Form (appendix 1) 

• Reporting issues or concerns to the DSO. 

 

The Senior Leadership Team are to ensure that good safeguarding practices are implemented strategically and operationally across Darbar. 

 

6. Safer Recruitment 

 

Darbar recognises its duty to ensure that staff working with children and adults at risk are suitable for the role and will make its commitment to safeguarding clear throughout the recruitment process. Darbar uses a range of measures to gather information which will then inform a risk assessment and ascertain a candidate’s suitability for the role including (but not limited to): 

 

• A full job history including an explanation of any gaps 

• Two references 

• An interview, during which we will explore the candidate’s understanding of safeguarding, abuse, power and the potential to abuse power 

• A DBS check at the appropriate level as determined by HM Government DBS Eligibility Tool https://www.gov.uk/find-out-dbs-check. 

 

7. Dissemination and Training 

All staff will be given a copy of the Safeguarding Policy during their induction and are oriented on this policy and related procedures, including staff behaviour code of conduct. An up-to-date 

copy of the policy is available for all staff to access at any time on Charlie HR, and the website. All staff will be informed when the policy is revised (normally annually). 

Staff will be provided with safeguarding training at a level appropriate to their role and will be given relevant information on risk management and incident reporting procedures. Staff will be made aware of the main indicators of child abuse and understand their duties and obligations in complying with any investigations. 

 

8. Code of Conduct 

 

Darbar staff are expected to: 

• Refrain from any abusive action, treat everyone with respect and never act in a way which could shame, humiliate or degrade. 

• Never hit or physically chastise another (including using physical restraint to contain behaviour). 

• Never give assistance in aspects of personal care (e.g. dressing, bathing etc.). 

• If physical contact is necessary, ensure that the person is aware of what is happening and has consented to it. 

• Never show favouritism or spend excessive time with one individual. 

• Avoid one to one work, always ensure that you can be seen or heard by others. 

• Be conscious of how your actions may be mis/interpreted. 

• Never develop physical/sexual relationships with children. 

• Do not engage in or allow sexually provocative games or behave in a manner which might be considered inappropriate or sexually provocative. 

• Contribute to building an environment where everyone is encouraged to discuss their concerns and needs. 

• Always ask permission before taking photographs or videos and ensure that the proper consent for further usage is obtained. 

• Never ask for or accept personal contact details (this includes email, phone numbers, etc.) from anyone under 18 associated with Darbar’s work. Never share personal details about yourself (your hotel, home address or contact details) or agree to connect with anyone under the age of 18 on social media. When connecting with anyone on social media ensure that you have considered their privacy and competency and maintain professional boundaries online. 

• Never directly post images or stories about anyone under the age of 18 who are engaged with Darbar on your personal social media accounts. Consent is given to Darbar as an organisation and not to the individual for personal use. Do not accept contact requests or engage with under 18s you have met through Darbar via personal social media. 

 

Raising Concerns 

Darbar has a clear method for reporting and responding to witnessed, suspected or alleged safeguarding concerns. This process supports, and should be understood by, all staff and associates, as well as all those with whom Darbar and its partners engage. Everyone at Darbar has a legal and moral obligation to respond to safeguarding concerns, however, no one should initiate intervention or give advice that goes beyond their training. 

 

Reporting concerns 

 

• All safeguarding concerns should be reported to the DSO as soon as possible. 

• If the concern arises at an event, it should be reported to the DSEL at that event as soon as possible. 

• If it would be inappropriate to report to the DSO or DSEL (e.g. the concern involves them) you should report to the Safeguarding Board Member. 

• If it would be inappropriate to contact someone within Darbar or attempts to contact them are unsuccessful you should contact the local authority Children’s / Adult Social Work team. 

• If you have a concern that someone is at immediate risk of significant harm you should call the police on 999. 

• If you are working within a partner organisation, you should follow that organisations safeguarding procedures alongside those of Darbar. 

 

Dealing with Disclosure 

If someone discloses a safeguarding concern to you, you should: 

• Listen, be attentive and supportive but do not question, do not complete sentences on their behalf. 

• Write down what was said, in their words, as soon as possible. Sign and date this. 

• Do not promise to keep secrets and inform the person that you are going to pass this information on to the appropriate person. 

 

What to do next? 

Upon contacting the DSO, you may be asked to complete an Incident Report Form (appendix 1) which should be done as soon as possible and forwarded to the DSO. You must comply with any requests for further information and/or any investigations that are carried out either internally or externally. 

 

What Happens Now? 

The DSO will assess the information and decide if any further action is required in line with the Safeguarding Reporting and Investigation Procedure. This may include an internal investigation, an investigation with involving partners and/or contacting other agencies such as social services or the police. If appropriate the HR Manager will be involved and disciplinary procedures will be followed. 

 

Confidentiality 

You must maintain confidentiality of any report including the nature of any allegations and all individuals involved. Darbar will keep all information confidential in line with the Darbar’s policies. 

It should be noted that in English law, GDPR, data protections and human rights laws are not barriers to justified information sharing but provide a framework for sharing appropriately. See Information Sharing published by HM Government (2018) for further details. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/623c57d28fa8f540eea34c27/Information_sh aring_advice_practitioners_safeguarding_services.pdf 

Darbar will do all it can to protect witnesses and complainants and to promote their safety and wellbeing. All individuals concerned including the alleged perpetrator have the right to be treated with respect and dignity and to be kept informed of the progress of the investigation. 

 

Glossary of Terms 

Safeguarding means protecting peoples’ health, wellbeing and human rights. It enables people to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Safeguarding means taking all reasonable steps to prevent harm or abuse occurring. To protect from that harm. And respond appropriately when harm does occur. 

Discrimination is treating one person less favourably than another because of their status, sex or gender identity, class, caste, ethnicity, disability etc. 

Disability is when children or adults have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantive, long-term effect on their day-to-day activities. Disability can increase the vulnerability of the individual. 

Abuse is behaviour towards a person that deliberately or unintentionally causes harm. Abuse may take many forms and may consist of single or repeated acts, or failure to act. Further descriptions of types of abuse can be found below. 

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the UK government service that provides police record checks to help employers make recruitment decisions. There are different levels of check depending upon the nature of the role, any role involving ‘regulated activity’ will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Information on the types of check and regulated activity can be found on the UK government website. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about 

 

Types of Abuse 

Below is a brief description of the types of abuse that staff should be aware of. For further information please visit the NSPCC and the Ann Craft Trust websites: 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/ https://www.anncrafttrust.org/resources/types-of-harm/ 

Psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks. 

Physical abuse is when someone hurts or harms someone else on purpose including hitting, kicking, poisoning, burning and drowning. 

Neglect is when someone’s basic needs are continually not being met and includes (but is not limited to) being left hungry, dirty or without proper shelter or clothing. It is the most common form of child abuse but within adults can more complex as it has to be balanced against someone’s right to choose how they live (Protection of Freedoms Act 2012). 

Historical Abuse is abuse that happened earlier in their lives, often manifested as an adult disclosing something that happened to them as a child. 

Financial or material abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. 

Grooming and Exploitation is when someone builds a relationship, trust and connection with another in order to manipulate and exploit them for criminal or sexual acts. This type of abuse is often (but not always) related 

to criminal gangs, trafficking, county lines, intimidation and neglect. People who do not have many protective factors in their lives (i.e. those living alone) are more vulnerable to grooming. 

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a term that includes any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and that is based on socially ascribed (i.e. gender) differences between males and females. It includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other deprivations of liberty. Common forms of GBV include sexual violence (rape, attempted rape, unwanted touching, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment), intimate partner violence (also called domestic violence and includes physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse), forced and early marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. These acts can occur in public or in private–such as in the household. 

 

Domestic abuse based on UK context is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people who are or have been in a relationship. It can also happen between adults who are related to one another. Children who are exposed to domestic abuse are recognised in law as victims. 

Honour Based Violence is a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community'. 

Online or digital safety - specific risk areas for both children and adults are varied and evolving and includes (but is not limited to) online child sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, cyber-bullying (bullying using digital technology), sexting and online radicalisation as well as invasion of privacy, identity theft and avoiding harmful or illegal content. 

Modern slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.