Privacy Policy
1. Privacy Policy: Version 1.0 - 04/06/2021
1.1 AKASHA DANCE THEATRE LTD. (ADT) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy
1.2 This policy (along with other policies referred within) sets out the basis on which any personal data we may collect from you or that you provide to us, will be processed by us and how it will be secured, the conditions we may disclose that information, how we use it and your rights to be removed from our records. 1.3 For the purpose of this GDPR Data Protection Act 25th May 2018, the data controller is Chloe Akasha Carson Correspondence address: 84 King Street, Rampton, Cambridgeshire, CB248QD 1.4 This policy will be reviewed on the 04/06/22 or should the law around GDPR change. If this policy changes, it will be updated on this page and where appropriate, notified to you by email. 2. Information we may collect from you 2.1 Students will be required to complete a health and safety and media consent form when attending any of ADTs classes or workshops. This includes current contact details, phone numbers and email address, current address, emergency contact details and medical details. 2.2 This information will be updated every September. Should any information on that form change during the year, it is the students or students parent/carers responsibly to notify ADT. 2.3 Paper records are kept in a locked cabinet and records are destroyed after seven years. 2.4 No information on these form will be shared with any organisation, expect: 2.4a in the event of a breach of our child protection policy and then the correct authorities will be contacted and procedures followed. 2.5 Your email address will never be given or sold to any third party’s or passed on for any reason.2.5a emails will be sent to all participants of all ADT run classes, which will cover start times, term dates, show dates and other relevant information to the classes, performances, film screenings or workshops. This is to help reduce the impact of printing large quantities of letters. 2.5b marketing emails, you can choose to opt in or out of these emails by emailing akashadancetheatre@gmail.com. They will only ever be from ADT and be offering relevant classes, activities or performances, and be specific only to the event/s you have requested to hear about. 3. IP addresses 3.1 We may collect information about your computer, including where available your IP address, operating system and browser type. This is statistical data and is only used to help improve our website, and does not identify any individual. This is only when visiting our website and you agree to our cookie policy. 4. Cookies 4.1 Cookies are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more effectively, as well as provide information to the owners of the site. The information helps create a more effective website for you to use. 4.2 When you first access ADT website you will be asked if you agree to accepting cookies, by accepting you agree to our use of cookies. 4.3 On 26th May 2011, the rules about cookies on websites changed. This site uses cookies. You may delete/block all cookies from this and any site. But parts of our site may not work. 4.4 Please note links to other website will have their own policy on cookies, GDPR and the collection of information, we have no control over this. 4.5 You block cookies by activating the setting on your browser, which allows you to refuse the setting of all or some cookies. However, if you use your browser settings to block all cookies (including essential cookies) you may not be able to access all or parts of our site. Unless you have adjusted your browser setting so that it will refuse cookies, our system will issue cookies as soon as you visit our site. 5. Where we store your data 5.1 All written data is stored in secure cabinets at a secure building. 5.2 Data is securely locked behind a device password and a second password to access the secure email servers and spreadsheet with data on. 5.3 The transmission of information via the Internet is not completely secure. Although every effort is made to best protect your data, we cannot guarantee the security of your data you transmit to ADT. Once information is received it will be handled with our strict procedures and security features. 5.4 All mass emails that are sent out will be sent as BCC emails to protect all the identities of recipients. 5.5 Should a data breach ever happen, ADT will take all steps to rectify the situation as quickly as possible and notify all affected parties as quickly as possible. 6. Uses made of the information 6.1 ADT use information held about in the following ways 6.1a to ensure content on our website is presented in the most effective manner for you and your computer 6.1b to provide you with information on services, products, performances or classes/workshops you may be interested in, only where you have consented to be contacted.6.1c to carry out our obligations arising from any form of contracts entered into between you and us. 6.1d to notify you of any changes to our service 6.2 We will never give out any of your data unless outlined in section 2.4a and 2.4b 6.3 Your phone number is only ever used in emergency situations for example a medical emergency or a tutor becoming unable to attend a class at very short notice. 6.4 It is your responsibility to make sure you tick your preferences about communication methods on our consent forms. If at any point your preferences change you have the right to contact ADT and these preferences will be amended immediately. 7. Your rights 7.1 The right to be informed, should a data breach happen you will be contacted immediately. 7.2 The right to access, you are able to access the information that ADT holds on you 7.3 The right to rectification, you are able to contact ADT and have you information changed to reflect your current situation. 7.4 The right to erasure, you have the right to contact ADT at any point and be removed from any or all part of our records. 7.5 Our site may contain links to other websites. If you follow a link please note that these websites have their own privacy policy 8.Contact 8.1 Questions, comments and request regarding this privacy policy are welcomed and should be addressed to akashadancetheatre@gmail.com.
Safeguarding
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is aimed at protecting vulnerable children and adults from harm. Akasha Dance Theatre acknowledges our duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and best practice.
What we do at Akasha Dance Theatre
Have clear policies and procedures in place relation to safeguarding.
Have a designated Safeguarding Officer across all of ADT’s provision.
Support a culture of vigilance across Akasha Dance Theatre so all our staff, freelancers, volunteers, collaborators and participants feel supported in raising a concern.
Take all concerns seriously and act upon them in a timely and appropriate manner, referring to specialist services as appropriate and in accordance with our statutory responsibilities.
Have a thorough recruitment process, making sure staff are appropriate to work with our audiences, communities and diverse participants.
Reporting a concern
Akasha Dance Theatre are dedicated to Safeguarding all our participants, collaborators and staff.
If you have a Safeguarding query, are worried about yourself or someone you know, please contact our Safeguarding Officer, Chloe Carson, email akashadancetheatre@gmail.com.
Safeguarding & Remote Education
At Akasha Dance Theatre we have adjusted to working remotely. Our safeguarding procedures remain at the centre of our work and have been, and will continue to be, reviewed and adjusted to take into consideration the changing landscape of provision during Covid-19.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT
The purpose and scope of this policy document
The purpose of this policy statement is:
To protect children and young people who participate in Akasha Dance Theatre’s services from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services.
To provide staff and volunteers, as well as children and young people and their families, with the arching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Akasha Dance Theatre, including directors, managers, staff, collaborators and students.
Context & Legal framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation is available from nspcc.org.uk/learning.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is aimed at protecting vulnerable children and adults from harm. Akasha Dance Theatre acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.
As an Arts Council England funded organisation, Akasha Dance Theatre upholds Arts Council England’s mission of “Great art and culture for everyone” and their specific goal to promote opportunities for every child to experience the richness of the arts, museums and libraries. Akasha Dance Theatre shares Arts Council England’s belief of how essential it is that every effort is made to ensure that children and adults at risk of abuse can engage with the arts and culture safely, and that there are effective processes and procedures in place to respond to concerns should they arise. Akasha Dance Theatre’s Safeguarding policy is based upon the principles enshrined within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. What this means in practice is a commitment to ensure effective safeguarding arrangements as set out in the government guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children” (2015) and the Care Act (2014) where children and adults at risk of abuse are concerned.
Reporting a concern
Akasha Dance Theatre is dedicated to Safeguarding all our visitors, participants, collaborators and staff.
If you have a Safeguarding concern or query, or are worried about yourself, please contact our Safeguarding Officer, Chloe Carson, email @akashadancetheatre@gmail.com
Policy Statement
We believe that:
Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them
We recognise that:
The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take.
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
Valuing, listening to and respecting them.
We will give equal priority to keeping all children and young people safe regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Appointing a nominated child protection lead (Safeguarding Officer) for children and young people.
Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
Providing effective management for staff through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff know about and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently.
Recruiting and selecting staff safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made and that staff are appropriate to work with our audiences, visitors and participants.
Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance [more information about this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office: ico.org.uk/for-organisations]
Making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern.
Using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately.
Using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff appropriately.
Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise.
Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place.
Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people and staff, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.
Building a safeguarding culture where staff, children, young people and their families treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.
This safeguarding policy came into action in July 2017 and is reviewed and updated annually.
Signed: C. CARSON Date: 22/03/2024
Name: Chloe Carson Position in Organisation: Director and Safeguarding Officer
AKASHA DANCE THEATRE SAFEGUARDING POLICY
1. INTRODUCTION
This policy is aimed at all individuals who are involved or are present in the holding or teaching of any classes, sessions, workshops or events at or held by Akasha Dance Theatre.
The purpose of this policy is to set out ALL requirements for safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults from any forms of abuse and the expectations of Akasha Dance Theatre on all individuals who are involved in or are present at any classes, sessions, workshops or events at or held by Akasha Dance Theatre.
This policy will be subject to review and monitoring and if necessary, will be amended and updated following feedback from participants and teachers. All future versions of this policy will be posted on our website.
2. ISSUE & REVIEW
The date of issue of this policy is June 2017. This policy will be reviewed annually.
3. AKASHA DANCE THEATRE’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION
ADT recognises that we have an explicit duty to safeguard and protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from abuse as defined in the Children Act 2004, the Education Act 2002 and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
Everyone at ADT shares an objective to help keep children, young people and vulnerable adults safe by:
• Providing a safe environment for all classes, workshops, events and shows.
• Identifying and responding to children, young people and vulnerable adults in need of support and /or protection
• Supporting children and young people’s development in ways which will nurture a sense of self-esteem and independence
• Creating an environment in which all children and all adults feel valued and able to communicate their wishes and feelings in their preferred method of communication in an atmosphere of acceptance and trust.
Akasha Dance Theatre will endeavour to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm whilst they are taking classes or participating in any other sessions, workshops or events organised by Akasha Dance Theatre.
We will do this by:
• Making sure our staff are recruited with integrity
• Providing appropriate training for staff and examiners in issues of child and vulnerable adult protection
• Carrying out checks and monitoring of all staff which may require them to undergo an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure
• Establishing and maintaining an ethos where children and young people feel secure and are encouraged to talk, and are listened to without fear
• Taking all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of any child or vulnerable adult in contact with us
• Not physically, emotionally or sexually abusing any child or vulnerable adult in contact with us
• Taking all reasonable steps to prevent any staff member, persons working for us or member of the public from putting any child or vulnerable adult in a situation in which there is an unreasonable risk to their health and safety
• Taking all reasonable steps to prevent any staff member, persons working for us or member of the public from physically, emotionally or sexually abusing any child or vulnerable adult
• Reporting to the CEO or other Designated Safeguarding Officer any evidence or reasonable suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult has been physically, emotionally or sexually abused in contact with us or anyone in our organisation
• Referring to statutory authorities all incidents reported to the CEO/Designated Safeguarding Officer
• Implementing this policy in conjunction with all of our Health and Safety guidelines already in place
Everyone working or applying to work for Akasha Dance Theatre is to be made aware of our policy for children’s welfare. Furthermore, this document should be issued to all staff and other people who are likely to have contact with children as part of their work with us. Copies of the policy will be held by the CEO/Designated Safeguarding Officer.
4. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL AKASHA DANCE THEATRE STAFF IN SAFEGUARDING
In regard to the safety and welfare of children and similarly vulnerable people all staff are required to:
• Agree to ongoing monitoring of their suitability for a position working/volunteering with children and vulnerable adults which may include an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau/ Disclosure and Barring Service Disclosure
• Take all reasonable steps to protect children from hazards
• Strictly observe the code of behaviour in this document
• Take prompt and appropriate action if an accident occurs
• Take all reasonable steps to prevent abuse of children in contact with anyone within the organisation
• Report any incident or suspicion of abuse quickly and confidentially
• Safety of participants and staff is of prime consideration at all times
• All accidents involving anyone should be recorded in the organisation’s accident book or other formal recording system immediately or as soon as practicably possible
• Staff are responsible for familiarising themselves with building/facility safety issues, such as, fire procedures, location of emergency exits, location of emergency telephones and first aid equipment
• Staff are responsible for reporting suspected cases of child abuse to the named responsible person and/or agencies
• Appropriate staff only should have access to any parent consent/emergency consent forms for all children taking part in any activities [this information should be kept confidential].
• Staff should ensure that their classes/workshops/sessions/events start and end on time
• Staff are expected to promote, demonstrate and incorporate the values of fair play, trust and ethics throughout their activities
• Staff should ensure that they are adequately insured, to protect against claims of negligence, through their organisation or their own personal insurance if acting as a self-employed agent.
5. USE OF PERSONAL DATA
Where appropriate, personal data relating to students and dancers will be kept by ADT. This data will be subject to GDPR and data protection requirements and will only be used for the purposes of providing emergency information if needed.
6. CODE OF BEHAVIOUR FOR AKASHA DANCE THEATRE STAFF
People working with ADT must always observe the following requirements where children, young people or similarly vulnerable people are concerned.
Dos and Don’ts for Working with Children
DO:
• Behave professionally
• Listen to children
• Treat everyone with respect
• Communicate at an appropriate level
• Be aware of policy and procedures
• Report any suspicions of abuse/neglect outlined within our ADT guidelines
• Be aware, approachable and understanding
DO NOT:
• Harm a child or frighten a child
• Touch inappropriately
• Use inappropriate language
• Threaten, shout or be aggressive
• Force a child to do something they do not want to do
• Mistreat, demean, ignore, or make fun of any student
• Show favouritism to any one individual or groups of individuals
• Let a child expose him/herself to danger
• Make racist, sexist or any other remark which upset or humiliate
• Take photos of children without the permission of ADT and their parents/guardians.
Dos and Don’ts for Working with Vulnerable Adults
DO:
• Be respectful, responsible and professional
• Act in an appropriate manner
• Listen and communicate
• Use common sense; be caring, attentive and aware
• Be sympathetic to their needs
• Be aware of your responsibility and your duty of care
• Be aware of policy and procedures as outlined in this document
DO NOT:
• Treat vulnerable adults as children
• Engage in inappropriate behaviour
• Be aggressive or physically restrain
• Do anything of a personal nature they can do for themselves
• Place yourself in a vulnerable position
You have a strict duty never to subject any child to any form of harm or abuse. Failure to adhere to these procedures will be treated as gross misconduct.
7. PHOTOGRAPHING CHILDREN
Photographs of children should only be used if consent has been obtained from a parent, guardian upon giving permission of Photographic Indemnity upon registration, if referring to school groups, the relevant school authority. Permission should always be obtained firstly to take the photograph and secondly for permission from the parent if the photograph is to be reproduced.
8. WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS OR INJURY
After assessing the situation, go to the scene immediately if possible and/or summon First Aid assistance and/or contact the emergency services. In the case of children, it can be hard to assess whether they have been injured badly and the extent of the seriousness of an injury. If you have any doubt about this, you should err on the side of caution and contact the emergency services. All accidents should be reported in the Accident Book.
9. FIRST AID
Unless there is good reason, First Aid should not be administered without the permission of the child’s parent or accompanying adult. A child cannot give consent. If the parent is not at the premises, obtain their phone number and try to make contact. However, if a child is alone and seriously injured or unconscious, the situation will need to be dealt with immediately. If at all possible, treatment should only be given by a trained First Aider.
Provided this does not in itself put the child at risk, always try to administer First Aid with another adult present. Always tell the child exactly what you are doing and why.
Ask the child if they use medication (e.g., for asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy) or have any allergies. Some children have allergic reactions to stings.
For minor injuries, you may not offer any medication, including antiseptics or pills of any kind. If you have any doubts about helping someone to use their own medication, phone NHS 111 or 999 for the emergency services.
Any treatment should be as little as necessary without threatening the child’s wellbeing.
If a child comes to you for comfort because of a minor accident or fright, it is acceptable with the Code of Behaviour to hold their hand or put your arm around them. Just ensure:
• you know about any injury and do nothing to make it worse
• physical contact is what the child wants, and the kind of contact between you is appropriate.
• you do your best to stay in sight of other adults
If a child needs a doctor or hospital, call the emergency services.
It is nearly always best to stay with them and wait for the ambulance. You should only take the risk of bringing in the child yourself if the emergency services ask you to do so because of exceptional circumstances.
10. CHILD ABUSE GUIDELINES
The NSPCC has a written document which outlines the requirements for professionals reporting child abuse in the United Kingdom.
To read this information, please follow the link below:
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/england#heading-top
The Department of Health web-site www.doh.gov.uk contains a practical guide to the law relating to child protection, particularly The Protection of Children Act 1999. The site also provides a publication entitled: “What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused”. This publication has been developed to assist practitioners to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. It sets out the process for safeguarding children. It is aimed at those who come into contact with children and families in their everyday work.
11. THE ROLE OF THE CEO OR DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
The CEO is or appoints the Designated Officer for Child Protection.
Our organisation will promote awareness of the policy through the Induction Process.
The CEO/Designated Safeguarding Officer should ensure that they are knowledgeable about child protection and that they undertake any training considered necessary to keep updated on new developments.
The CEO/Designated Safeguarding Officer is the link between the members of the public, and staff.
The CEO/Designated Safeguarding Officer will have the following functions. Namely to:
• Be an advisor to all organisation and freelance staff on best practice in regard to the child protection policy
• Agree incident reporting procedures
• Keep records of incidents and reports, together with any other relevant information
• Report incidents to the Statutory Authorities and ensure that appropriate information is available at the time of referral and that the referral is confirmed in writing, under confidential cover;
• Ensure that individual case records are maintained of any compliant, injury or action taken by the organisation
12. ENHANCED DBS DISCLOSURE
All staff including contractors and administrational staff should undertake an Enhanced CR/DBSB disclosure where this is deemed to be appropriate and relevant. It is strongly recommended that this is kept up-to-date in order to be regularly checked. It is the CEO’s responsibility to view the contents of the Enhanced CRB/DBS disclosure and make a decision about whether that staff member should be excluded from working with young people within their organisation.
13. FURTHER INFORMATION
Statutory Guidance on inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children:
In England this is Working together to safeguard children, and the local safeguarding children board’s child protection procedures.
In Wales the All-Wales child protection procedures and Safeguarding children: working together under the Children Act 2004.
In Northern Ireland Cooperating to safeguard children and Area Child Protection Committees’ regional policy and procedures.
In Scotland the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland and the local Child Protection Committee’s guidance.
The NSPCC is a registered charity established to prevent cruelty to children. Helpline for concerns about a child’s welfare. 0808 800 5000 [24 hours], website
https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Akasha Dance Theatre
Equality, diversity and inclusion policy
Akasha Dance Theatre is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.
The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.
The organisation - in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities - is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.
Our policy’s purpose
This policy’s purpose is to:
1. Provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, and studying with our company, whether temporary, part-time or full-time
2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage or civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation
3. Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in:
Pay and benefits
Terms and conditions of employment
Dealing with grievances and discipline
Dismissal
Redundancy
Leave for parents
Requests for flexible working
Selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities
Our commitments
The organisation commits to:
1. Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense
2. Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
This commitment includes training managers and all other employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
All staff should understand they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public.
3. Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.
Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.
Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.
4. Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
5. Make decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).
6. Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.
7. Monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.
Agreement to follow this policy
The equality, diversity and inclusion policy is fully supported by senior management and has been agreed with trade unions and/or employee representatives of Akasha Dance Theatre.
Our disciplinary and grievance procedures
Details of the organisation’s grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures can be found on Akasha Dance Theatre’s online system. This includes with whom an employee should raise a grievance – usually their line manager.
Use of the organisation’s grievance or disciplinary procedures does not affect an employee’s right to make a claim to an employment tribunal within three months of the alleged discrimination.