Background and history to the organisation
BasementArtsProject was founded by Bruce Davies in April 2011 as a vehicle for providing a rent free site for exhibitions, events and projects, facilitating and promoting the activities of artists locally, within the city of Leeds, nationally and internationally.
Our current activity is based around a series of frequent events taking place throughout the year whilst we seek funding to convert the space into a fully operational studio / residency project / gallery venue with its own access and facilities.
BasementArtsProject seeks to
assist with the Cultivation and Development of the practice of emerging artists to a high artistic standard
create an artist-led and ideologically neutral space that gives artists control over how their work is viewed
provide an engaging and informative programme of exhibitions and events with an emphasis on quality
create an atmosphere conducive to the creation and appreciation of artworks across many styles and forms
provide a focal point for consistent and continuous artistic activity in LS11
provide a gallery and project space that is free to artists and the visiting public alike
create links and opportunities with, and for, artists at a national and international level whilst maintaining a focus on projects located at BasementArtsProject in Leeds
provide an arterial connection between the inhabitants of the South Leeds environ and the larger Leeds art scene; and vice versa
increase the feeling of mutual respect and support between members of the art community
BasementArtsProject is working towards a sustainable future through
the architectural re-development of the basement into a self-sufficient space
permanent opening hours and four residency projects per year (based on 1)
Curatorial Statement
BasementArtsProject’s curatorial approach is to address how and where people experience art, and how factors surrounding the subject of environment can affect how they perceive the work both positively and negatively. Our intention is to present art of a high artistic calibre with an emphasis on audience engagement, challenging preconceived notions about ways in which people feel they must approach the subject of art.
We seek to engage artists both emergent and establishment, from Leeds, UK and other parts of the world by placing them on an equal platform. In doing this we aim to create strong networks between artists, organisations and their audiences.
2. Introduction: BasementArtsProject’s policies relating to engagement with young people and vulnerable adults.
BasementArtsProject’s ethos is based on engagement, learning and appreciation of contemporary art and creativity.
BasementArtsProject recognises the enormous value that can be gained from engaging with people in cultural and creative activity. BasementArtsProject does not develop activities specifically for children, young people or vulnerable adults without a third agency involved (Local Authority, Partner Organisation, Education Agency etc . . .) We support a wide range of projects and the work by artists that bring children, young people and vulnerable adults into contact with a wide range of arts activities.
We believe that:
The welfare of the child, young person, vulnerable adult is paramount
All children, young people, vulnerable adults whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, and / or sexual identity have the right to be protected from abuse
All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and be responded to in a swift and informed manner
Staff and volunteers should be clear on how to respond appropriately
The aim of BasementArtsProject Safeguarding Policy is to promote good practice by:
Providing children, young people, vulnerable adults with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of BasementArtsProject
Allowing all Management Committee members, commissioned artists and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to safeguarding issues
Responsible Officer
Chair of the BasementArtsProject Management Committee will act as the Responsible Officer (RO) for all aspects of safeguarding awareness and implementation of this policy.
Responsible Officer Contact Details:
Bruce Davies
Chair / Curator BasementArtsProject
Tel: 0750 672 1504
E-mail: basementartsproject@gmail.com
The RO will be responsible for:
Ensuring that this policy is implemented throughout the project’s activities
Ensuring that all necessary safeguarding related enquiries, procedures and investigations are carried out
Reporting results of screening enquiries and for preserving a ‘need to know’ level of confidentiality and access to secure records
Ensuring documents pertaining to safeguarding matters are kept secure and confidential
Liaison with the members of the Management Committee and visiting artists to ensure implementation of the policy
Liaison with Social Services at a formal and informal level on safeguarding matters, likewise with the police
The reporting to all meetings of the management on the implementation of this policy
The reporting of allegations and suspicion of abuse to the appropriate authorities
Ensuring there is adequate induction and training relating to safeguarding matters
Ensuring that each activity carried out by BasementArtsProject is sound in terms of safeguarding as regarding personnel, practices and premises
Checking all incident reports made by staff and volunteers, countersigning them and making such reference to authority as is appropriate, after consultation with the senior member of staff etc. (As detailed below . . . )
For any off-site activities that directly involve children, young people and / or vulnerable adults the RO will:
Prior to any activity/site/programme being commenced, ensure that adequate safeguarding procedures are in place
Ensure a sit audit is undertaken to ascertain the layout of the premises/site, helpers and supervision required to achieve adequate personal safety of children, young people, vulnerable adults and staff. The audit shall be undertaken with a view to recognising any problems in terms of supervision of helpers, extended sites creating communications concerns or any other such problem as may be identified in due course
As a basic principle, no helper should work with less than 3 children or young people on their own for any period longer than 10mins, and where possible each room should have more than 2 helpers and / or regular visits at regular intervals of no less than 5mins. The. Projects regulations as regards helper: child, young person, vulnerable adult ratios shall be observed
The members of the management Committee shall ensure active compliance with this policy, and shall work closely with the RO to ensure this, affording the RO every assistance to this end. All other visiting artists, volunteers will actively endeavour to implement this
3. Protection of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
Awareness and Prevention
All BasementArtsProject Committee members have been made aware of the Safeguarding Policy and procedure for working with children & young people. All visiting artist’s volunteers and temporary staff will be made aware of this at the point of engagement on a project
Through awareness and good practice, BasementArtsProject committee members, artists, volunteers and temporary staff can minimise the risk of abuse to children and also protect themselves against false allegations of abuse.
BasementArtsProject is committed to working with partners to carefully plan appropriate activities that children and young people could engage with, in order to minimise situations where abuse could occur.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of child abuse
Management Committee members, artists and volunteers working for BasementArtsProject recognise that there are four main types of abuse suffered by children and young people. These are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
Physical abuse: May involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent/carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child.
Emotional abuse: Is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or “making fun” of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying, (including cyber- bullying) causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Sexual abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing They may include non- contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual online images, watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
Neglect: Is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
Possible signs of abuse include:
Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the
body not normally prone to such injuries or the explanation of the cause of the injury is does not seem
right.
The child discloses abuse, or describes what appears to be an abusive act.
Someone else (child or adult) expresses concern about the welfare of another child.
Unexplained change in behaviour such as withdrawal or sudden outbursts of temper.
Inappropriate sexual awareness or sexually explicit behaviour.
Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected.
Difficulty in making friends.
Eating disorders, depression, self harm or suicide attempts.
Good practice and guidance in working with children and young people
BasementArtsProject management Committee members, artists, volunteers and freelance contractors will ensure the following when working for the organisation in relation to children and young people:
Work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open
communication).Treat all children and young people equally, and with respect and dignity.
Always put the welfare of each child and young person first, before winning or achieving goals.
Children admitted to the BasementArtsProject venue must be accompanied by a responsible parent or
guardian at any timeMaintain a safe and appropriate distance with children and young people.
Build balanced relationships based on mutual trust, which empowers children and young people to share
in the decision-making process.Make creativity fun, enjoyable and engaging.
Ensure that children, young people and their parents or teachers are always consulted and their
agreement gained.Be an excellent role model.
Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback where appropriate, rather than negative criticism.
Recognise the developmental needs and capacity of children and young people.
Secure parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to administer emergency first
aid and/or other medical treatment.Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.
BasementArtsProject believes that the following should be avoided except in emergencies. If cases arise where these situations are unavoidable it should be with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge of the project or the child or young person’s parents.
Avoid:
Spending time alone with children away from others.
Taking or dropping off a child to an event or activity.
Engagement in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay.
Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching.
Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun.
Reduce a child to tears as a form of control.
Fail to act upon and record any allegations made by a child.
Do things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves.
Invite or allow children to stay with you at your home unsupervised.
N.B: It may sometimes be necessary for staff or volunteers to do things of a personal nature for children, particularly if they are very young or are disabled. These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of parents. There is a need to be responsive to a person’s reactions. If a person is fully dependent on you, talk with him/her about what you are doing and give choices where possible. This is particularly so if there is physical contact, lifting or assisting a child to carry out particular activities.Avoid taking on the responsibility for tasks for which you are not appropriately trained.
Reporting procedure
Those working on Project activities have a duty to ensure that any suspicion, incident, allegation or other manifestation relating to safeguarding is reported as outlined below.
Disclosure or evidence for concern may occur in any number of ways. This may be by what a child says, about itself or another child or children. It may be through interception of a written item, or through observation of activity or behaviour giving cause for concern. It may be through changes in behaviour or attitude. There may be physical, emotional pointers such as bruising, staining, inappropriate behaviour or knowledge. These and many other signs can be picked up by workers involved in projects.
It is vital that all incidents, observations and concerns are logged on the appropriate form and the Responsible Officer (RO) informed as soon as possible.
Step 1. The observing worker will make a verbal report to the Project leader and RO.
Step 2. The observing worker will also make a written report outlining in adequate detail what was heard, seen, reported, alleged etc. Verbatim quotes from a child are important, as is the retention of anything that gave cause for concern such as a drawing, painting, writing etc. The worker will sign and date the report.
Step 3. The Project leader and RO will countersign the report and at the end of the session or, at the latest, the next working morning. See Appendix 1 for Incident Report Form.
The RO will afford worker[s] opportunity to discuss the matter and will note any matters, which should be taken forward from the discussion. Workers should not feel constrained in expressing their concerns on any such matter in such a discussion.
Many reports will be purely minor in nature. However, it is important to treat them with due seriousness in case there already exists information within the Project concerning a child or e.g. a related child.
Step 4. The RO will keep records in such a way as will enable appropriate cross-referencing of reports. The object is that any persistent pattern is identified as soon as possible.
Step 5. Where the matter is deemed serious enough, the RO will make arrangements to meet the relevant people as soon as possible. The RO MUST attend if there is a serious level of allegation or evidence of abuse which may endanger a child or children.
At such a meeting, which the RO will chair, the evidence and concerns will be reviewed and the RO will consult in making a decision on what action is to be taken. Any previous relevant records will be also consulted by the RO. The RO will record his/her decision, copy to relevant individuals, and file in the appropriate restricted files.
Step 6. Following the meeting, the RO will take an appropriate course of action as follows:
Immediate Report to Social Services and/or Police: this covers any situation where, in the judgement of the RO, after due consultation with workers involved, Project leader and other relevant individuals, there is perceived to be an immediate danger to a child or detection of criminal offences against a child or other form of obvious, ongoing/future/recent serious harm.
Where the Duty Social Worker cannot be located, the Police should be informed and told of this problem in locating the Social Services officer. Where a child seems at imminent harm of danger/ injury or worse, then the RO is authorised to make a complaint to the Police in order to secure immediate action and protection of a child.
NO PROTOCOL SHOULD EVER INHIBIT THIS COURSE OF ACTION IF IT IS TRULY WARRANTED.
To report concerns about a child, young person, vulnerable adult in Leeds call:
Social Care Duty Team (Office Hours) 0113 222 4403
Emergency Duty Team (Out-of-Hours) 0113 240 9536
For urgent action call the police 999
To report a crime 101
For other areas, contact numbers can be sought by looking up the relevant local authority’s Safeguarding Children Board online
Advice and Support
If you need further advice or support to decide what to do about a safeguarding children concern/allegation you can contact the NSPCC 24-hour Hotline on 0808 800 5000
4. Protection of Vulnerable Adults
Introduction
The characteristics of adult abuse can take a number of forms and cause victims to suffer pain, fear and distress reaching well beyond the time of the actual incident(s). Victims may be too afraid or embarrassed to raise any complaint. They may be reluctant to discuss their concerns with other people or unsure who to trust or approach with their worries.
There may be some situations where victims are unaware that they are being abused or have difficulty in communicating this information to others.
Aim of Policy
The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety of vulnerable adults by outlining clear procedures and ensuring that all staff members are clear about their responsibilities.
This policy covers only those events and projects where vulnerable adults are an intended part of the project as participants or volunteers.
An additional policy may be necessary to cover integrated settings where vulnerable adults are potential but not specific participants or audience members
Definition
A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.
This may include a person who:
Is elderly and frail
Has a mental illness including dementia
Has a physical or sensory disability
Has a learning disability
Has a severe physical illness
Is a substance misuser
Is homeless
Recognising the signs and symptoms of adult abuse
Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It can take a number of forms:
Physical abuse e.g. hitting, pushing, shaking, inappropriate restraint, force-feeding, forcible administration of medication, neglect or abandonment.
Sexual abuse e.g. involvement in any sexual activity against his/her will, exposure to pornography, voyeurism and exhibitionism.
Emotional/psychological abuse e.g. intimidation or humiliation.
Financial abuse e.g. theft or exerting improper pressure to sign over money from pensions or savings
etc.Neglect or acts of omission e.g. being left in wet or soiled clothing, or malnutrition.
Discriminatory abuse e.g. racial, sexual or religious harassment.
Personal exploitation involves denying an individual his/her rights or forcing him/her to perform tasks
that are against his/her will.Violation of rights e.g. preventing an individual speaking his/her thoughts and opinions.
Institutional abuse e.g. failure to provide a choice of meals or failure to ensure privacy or dignity.
Reporting Procedure
Those working on Project activities have a duty to ensure that any suspicion, incident, allegation or other manifestation relating to safeguarding is reported as outlined below.
It is vital that all incidents, observations and concerns are logged on the appropriate form and the Responsible Officer (RO) informed as soon as possible.
Step 1. The observing worker, paid and voluntary, will make a verbal report to the Project leader and RO.
Step 2. The observing worker will also make a written report outlining in adequate detail what was heard, seen, reported, alleged etc. The worker will sign and date the report.
Step 3. The Project leader or Responsible Officer will countersign the report at the end of the session or, at the latest, the next working morning. See [Appendix 1] for Incident Report Form.
If an allegation of abuse has been made in confidence, staff/volunteers should attempt to gain the consent of the person involved to make a referral to another agency. However, the gaining of the consent is not essential in order for information to be passed on. It may be necessary to inform the adult that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
Consideration needs to be given to:
The scale of the abuse
The risk of harm to others
The capacity of the volunteer to understand the issues of abuse and consent
Step 4. If there is any doubt about whether or not to report an issue to Social Services then it should be reported.
In emergency situations (e.g. where there is the risk of occurrence or severe physical injury), where immediate action is needed to safeguard the health or safety of the individual or anyone else who may be at risk, the emergency services must be contacted.
Where a crime is taking place, has just occurred or is suspected, the police must be contacted immediately.
To make a safeguarding adult alert in Leeds call:
Monday – Friday 8:00 – 18:00
Contact Centre: 0113 222 4401
(Textphone for deaf and hard of hearing people: 0113 222 4410)
Weekend, Bank Holidays and all other times
Emergency Duty Team: 0113 240 9536
For urgent action call the police 999 To report a crime to the police 101
Advice and support
If you need advice or support to decide what to do about a safeguarding adult concern/allegation you can contact the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Support Unit Advice Line.
Tel: 0113 224 3511
Open 9:00 – 17:00 Monday – Thursday and 9:00 – 16:30 on Friday
For other areas, contact numbers can be sought by looking up the relevant local authority’s Safeguarding Adult Board online.
Responsibilities
All members of the Management Committee and artists, volunteers and freelance contractors of BasementArtsProject have a responsibility to be aware of this policy and to report any suspicions that they might have concerning adult abuse.
Training
All artists, committee members, volunteers and freelance contractors will be informed of the policies laid out within this document and will be assisted with the tasks of
Analysing their own practice against established good practice, and to ensure their practice is not likely to result in allegations being made.
Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice or possible abuse.
Respond to concerns expressed by a child or young person.
Work safely effectively with children and young people.
Allegations against members of staff, trustees, freelance contractors, members, visitors or other young people/adults.
If an allegation is made to BasementArtsProject against any person associated with the Project as listed above, the following procedure will come into force. This process applies to staff members observing the practice of a colleague that gives them cause for concern. Incident reports will be made at all stages as appropriate:
Step 1. The person receiving the complaint will contact the RO who will at once contact the Chair or Vice Chair. If appropriate, the RO will contact Social Services to seek further advice. If there is a criminal allegation, the RO will report the allegation to the duty social worker and also to the police.
Step 2. The Chair/Vice Chair will inform the person against whom an allegation has been made as soon as possible UNLESS THERE APPEARS TO BE A CASE THAT THIS MIGHT PREJUDICE A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION. This will require consultation with the police to ascertain this.
Step 3. The course of action to be taken from thereon will be decided by the nature of the allegation(s) and will be dependent on advice and support from external agencies.
a) If a criminal allegation e.g. of sexual abuse and impropriety is made, or physical assault, or inappropriate behaviour, the Chair/Vice Chair will activate the Disciplinary Procedure and suspend the person from any activity in the Project under the heading of alleged Gross Misconduct. The matter must then be reported to the police and duty social worker. The suspension will remain in force unless and until the police and/or social services confirm there was no substance to the report. An incident report will be made and treated as confidential.
b) If there is no criminal allegation the RO will gather as much detail from available sources of information as possible, by way of investigation, but not including seeking to interview any child, young person or vulnerable adult if there is a criminal allegation (which is a matter for the authorities). The RO should examine to see if there is any company report relating to a safeguarding matter concerning any involved child/young person/vulnerable adult. This is most important. Where appropriate, the RO should consider whether suspension of the worker is advisable and recommend accordingly to the Chair/Vice Chair. This may include a situation, which, though non-criminal, could lead to a decision of gross misconduct.
Step 4. The RO will report to the Chair/Vice Chair on the outcome of such an investigation and will recommend whether the circumstances constitute grounds either:
To treat the matter as a disciplinary issue, either as misconduct or gross misconduct, with associated rights of appeal.
To dismiss the allegations as unfounded, or to make such other non-disciplinary recommendations as are appropriate. The Chair/Vice Chair shall consider such recommendations and report to the next meeting of the Management of action taken.
The person against whom such non-criminal allegations are made should have opportunity to give an explanation or answer to any allegation at an interview conducted by the RO and the course of such an interview should be minuted by a third party.
In the case of a suspension, this will remain in force on completion of the RO's enquiries if the Chair/Vice Chair is of the view that the misconduct is so serious as to constitute grounds for termination of employment or voluntary service until the dismissal procedure has been implemented. The person suspended should be advised by the Chair/Vice Chair of a person in the Project with whom s/he can communicate during the period of suspension on matters relating to their employment, and the person so appointed should be told clearly, as should the person suspended the address to which any communication should be made, whether or not communication includes personal contact, and the hours/times of contact.
In the situation that legal proceedings result in the conviction of the person for a serious offence involving a child, the Chair/Vice Chair shall consider any report or information from the police and /or social services and shall recommend to the trustees the appropriate course of action up to and including instant dismissal. If the proceedings do not result in a conviction but there is evidence to suggest misconduct, the disciplinary procedure may be invoked.
In this situation the Chair/Vice Chair shall write to the person concerned to inform them of the outcome of the investigation and will inform the person of any decision to terminate employment or of the date and conditions, if any, of a return to duties, where a disciplinary offence has been committed but is not of a nature as to warrant immediate dismissal.
Other issues
Use of photographic/filming equipment at art events
There is evidence that some people have used public events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled people in vulnerable positions. BasementArtsProject will be vigilant and any concerns will be reported to the Responsible Officer.
Where documentation is needed for the monitoring, evaluation and archiving of projects BasementArtsProject will seek all permissions and make people aware of the purpose for which documentation is being gathered
Legislation
This policy is informed by, and adheres to, the following legislation laid out by:
NHS and Community Care Act 1990
Mental Health Act 1983
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
Care Standards Act 2000