Physical Safety:

• Maintain supervision ratios (1:8 for under 8s, 1:10 for 8-18s)

• Ensure clear sight lines in all spaces

• Provide separate changing facilities

• Risk assess all activities

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Photography/Filming:

• Obtain written parental consent

• Use images only for agreed purposes

• No individual identification without specific consent

• Store images securely

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Online Safety:

• All online communication should occur via official choir channels (e.g., group emails, approved choir WhatsApp groups, or managed social media accounts).

• Private or one-to-one online communication between staff/volunteers and members is highly discouraged.

• Exceptions may only be made where a safeguarding issue arises that cannot appropriately or safely be discussed within a group chat. In such cases:

  • The communication should be kept factual and brief;

  • The DSO and/or parent/carer should be informed as soon as possible; and

  • A record of the exchange should be retained in line with this policy’s recording procedures.

• Staff must not accept or initiate friend or follow requests from choir members on personal social media accounts.

• Any use of WhatsApp must be restricted to approved group chats that include at least one other adult (e.g., DSO, choir leader, or parent volunteer).

• Always maintain professionalism and uphold safeguarding principles in all online and digital interactions.

• Obtain consent for online activities

• Use waiting rooms for online sessions