Safeguarding

We work with children, young people and adults-at-risk across our education and community programmes, within our offices, at LSO St Luke’s and in rehearsals and performances, including work with child performers. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing and safety of everyone we work with. Our Safeguarding Policy sets out the principles that underpin our approach and is supported by Good Practice Guidelines covering all areas of the Orchestra’s work.

In all our work with children and adults-at-risk, we adhere to the following principles:

• The wellbeing and safety of every child and adult-at-risk is our primary concern.
• We respect the rights and dignity of every child and adult-at-risk we work with.
• Children and adult-at-risks are treated equitably and sensitively, regardless of disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age, in line with the LSO’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Professional relationships between LSO players and workers and the children and adults-at-risk they work with are based on mutual trust and respect.
• LSO players and workers seek to balance artistic outcomes with the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of the children and adults-at-risk we work with.
• The feelings and concerns of any child, adult-at-risk, or their parent/carer are listened to and acted upon.
• All LSO players and workers who work with children and adults-at-risk have a responsibility to prevent physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect. Any suspicions or allegations of abuse are taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• Staff recruitment and selection for roles involving work with children and adults-at-risk will incorporate key elements of safer recruitment, including:
  • Safeguarding-focused questions during interviews to assess candidates’ attitudes and understanding of Safeguarding.
  • Specific questioning of referees regarding the candidate’s suitability to work with children and adults-at-risk.
  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
  • Safeguarding induction for all new staff.
  • Monitoring during the probationary period.
  • Ongoing Safeguarding Training.
• DBS checks will also be carried out for any LSO players, animateurs, chaperones, and extras engaged in regulated activity or substantial unsupervised contact with children or adults-at-risk.
• Where public performances are aimed at children or adults-at-risk but parents/carers are always present, LSO players do not require a DBS check in these circumstances.

If you have any questions about our Safeguarding Policy or would like to request a copy of the full policy, please don’t hesitate to contact Stephanie Hutchinson, Head of LSO Discovery: stephanie.hutchinson@lso.co.uk