Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Moving Memory Dance Theatre Company is a company of older women who make visually-striking performances and deliver workshops, bespoke participatory projects and training. The company’s distinctive, peer-led creative practice enables people to tell the stories they want to tell and express their individual identity in a way that can result in improved health and wellbeing.

Moving Memory uses movement, music and spoken word to celebrate the vitality of participants, draw out the stuff of life and challenge assumptions about ageing. Our vision is for a society where people of all ages live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives because they participate in artistic, creative and physical activities.

The ethos of the company is based on sharing skills, facilitating others and including participants of all ages as collaborators and co-authors. We treat and care for others as equals. This extends to all staff, volunteers, participants, partners, audiences and people we encounter in the course of our work –  especially older adults, children, young people, and adults at risk.

Moving Memory is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk in line with national legislation and relevant local guidance. We will safeguard people by ensuring that our activities are delivered in a way that keeps everyone safe. We are committed to creating a culture of zero tolerance to harm, abuse, exploitation or neglect.

Policy Statement

Moving Memory believes 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, or social class.

Moving Memory is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.

Moving Memory acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to preventing abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all participants and people connected with our work.

We recognise our responsibilities under the Children Acts 1989 & 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and the Care Act 2014 for safeguarding adults at risk.

Actions taken by Moving Memory will be consistent with the principles of safeguarding, ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate, and respectful of the rights and wishes of the individual.

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, Moving Memory adopts the following definitions:

  • Child / Children – Anyone under the age of 18 as defined in the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2018.
  • Young Person – A person aged 16–17. Although legally still a child, some legislation and practice distinguishes between younger children and older teenagers. Safeguarding duties apply equally.
  • Adult at Risk – As defined by the Care Act 2014, an adult aged 18 or over who:
    • Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting those needs).
    • Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and
    • As a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect or the risk of it.
  • Safeguarding – Protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from abuse, harm, neglect and exploitation while promoting their wellbeing and life opportunities.
  • Abuse – A violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person(s). Abuse may be:
    • Physical – e.g. hitting, shaking, inappropriate restraint.
    • Emotional/Psychological – e.g. threats, humiliation, coercion.
    • Sexual – e.g. sexual activity without consent, exploitation, grooming.
    • Neglect/Acts of Omission – e.g. ignoring medical, emotional, or physical care needs.
    • Financial/Material – e.g. theft, fraud, exploitation.
    • Discriminatory – e.g. harassment or ill-treatment based on race, gender, disability, faith, sexual orientation or age.
    • Organisational/Institutional – e.g. poor care standards, rigid routines.
    • Digital/Online Abuse – e.g. cyberbullying, grooming, online exploitation.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – The named individual within Moving Memory responsible for coordinating safeguarding concerns and acting as the first point of contact for external agencies.
Commitments

In order to implement this policy, Moving Memory will ensure that:

  • Everyone involved with Moving Memory is aware of the safeguarding procedures and knows what to do and who to contact if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of a child, young person, or adult at risk.
  • Any concern is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and followed up in line with our Safeguarding Procedures.
  • The well-being of those at risk of harm will be put first, and they will be actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they would like to achieve.
  • Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.
  • Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with our Data Protection Policy.
  • Moving Memory acts in accordance with best practice advice, for example, from People Dancing, One Dance UK, Age UK, NSPCC, Ann Craft Trust, Kent County Council, National Governing Bodies, and other statutory partners.
  • We will cooperate with the Police and relevant Local Authorities in taking action to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk.
  • All Board members, staff, facilitators and volunteers understand their role and responsibility for safeguarding and complete training appropriate to their role.
  • Moving Memory uses safe recruitment practices, including DBS checks, references and ongoing suitability assessments (appraisals).
  • Moving Memory shares information with appropriate statutory bodies (e.g. DBS, Police, Local Authority) when a person is found to pose a safeguarding risk.
  • All activities and events include a safeguarding risk assessment and a designated safeguarding lead is present.
  • The Board and senior management review safeguarding practice and policy annually.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks
  • All staff and freelance facilitators who work directly with children, young people, or adults at risk must undergo a basic DBS check and where deemed necessary an enhanced DBS check before taking up their role.
  • DBS checks are renewed every three years, or earlier where required.
  • Roles not involving direct contact may not require DBS clearance, but all staff/volunteers undergo safe recruitment checks, including references.
  • A central record of DBS checks and renewal dates is maintained by the Safeguarding Lead.
Safeguarding Training and Awareness
  • Induction Training – All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding induction when they start in their role.
  • Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Training – Required for all staff, facilitators, artists and volunteers working directly with participants. Refreshed every 3 years.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead Training – For the Safeguarding Lead. Refreshed every 2 years.
  • Annual Refresher Sessions – Internal updates to maintain awareness of policies, procedures and any legal changes.
Internal and External Reporting Procedures
Internal Reporting

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. The Safeguarding Lead for Moving Memory is:

If the concern involves the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), report it to the Trustee Safeguarding Lead via the Health and Wellbeing Sub-Committee. To receive the contact details for the Trustee Safeguarding Lead, please contact in the first instance:

The Board holds collective responsibility for safeguarding and will ensure the concern is addressed appropriately and in confidence, in line with the organisation’s policies and statutory guidance.

Step-by-Step Process
  1. Recognise – Identify signs, disclosures or suspicions of abuse or neglect.
  2. Respond – Reassure, listen carefully, do not promise confidentiality.
  3. Report Internally – Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible. Complete a safeguarding concern form within 24 hours.
  4. Safeguarding Lead reports to the Safeguarding Trustee and Health and Well-being sub-committee (HWSC).
  5. Record – The Safeguarding Lead will keep a confidential, secure record.
  6. Refer Externally if required – The Safeguarding Lead will make referrals to statutory services  (listed below) if deemed necessary by the HWSC.
External Contact Details
Safeguarding Quick Reference Guide

If you have a concern about a child, young person, or adult at risk:

1. Recognise

  • Notice signs of abuse, neglect, or risk.
  • Types include: physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, discriminatory, online, organisational.

2. Respond

  • Stay calm and listen.
  • Reassure the person they did the right thing.
  • Do NOT promise confidentiality.
  • Do NOT investigate.

3. Report

  • Immediately inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • If someone is in immediate danger → CALL 999.

4. Record

  • Write down what happened within 24 hours.
  • Record facts only (not opinions).
  • Sign, date, and pass to the DSL.

5. Refer

  • The DSL will decide whether to:
    • Monitor the situation
    • Seek advice from professionals
    • Make a referral to Social Services / Police

Always act immediately. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Key Contacts
  • Safeguarding Lead : Sian Stevenson: 01304 800300
  • Social Services: Kent County Council: 03000 41 41 41
  • Police (non-emergency): 101

This policy was agreed by Trustees 18 September 2025.