The Bristol and District Organists’ Association (B&DOA) will work with children, parents and our members and service users to ensure we support the rights of children and vulnerable adults and create and maintain the safest possible environment for children and vulnerable adults.
We do this by:
- Recognising that all children and vulnerable adults have the right to freedom from abuse and harm;
- Promoting joint working with parents/carers in the interests of the welfare of children and vulnerable adults;
- Ensuring that our volunteers are aware of and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children & vulnerable adults;
- Designating a Safeguarding Officer who takes specific responsibility for the protection, safety & well-being of children & vulnerable adults;
- Supporting all our volunteers in bringing concerns to the designated Safeguarding Officer;
- Responding quickly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse;
- Providing parents/carers, children and vulnerable adults with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have;
- Adopting positive behaviour management strategies which are non-violent and do not impose humiliation;
- Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
Any member who has a concern regarding safeguarding should bring it to the attention of the B&DOA Safeguarding Officer, Eric Tyson, using the email address safeguardingbdoa@gmail.com or a committee member. Concerns shall then immediately be referred to the committee and, when appropriate, to the police. If there is an immediate risk of harm the member should report it as an emergency to the police using 999.
With reference to public recitals, concerts and other events organised or promoted by the B&DOA, we welcome children under the age of 18 years if accompanied by a parent, carer or other responsible adult acceptable to the parent/carer and the B&DOA. We regret that unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years will not be admitted to our public events.
It is suggested that members do not drive a young person to a B&DOA meeting unless they are closely related to the young person, or unless an adult, not related to the driver, is present in the vehicle. In any case it is good practice for the young person to sit in a back seat of the vehicle.
Parental consent must be obtained in writing if a young person is to be shown in any photographs that are taken at a meeting and intended for publication in printed form or online.
This document is available for download (PDF) if required.
Approved by the Committee May 2026 and subject to annual review