The Haslemere Players, referred to as “the society” for the remainder of this document, is an amateur operatic society which operates under a constitution which was adopted on 1st April 1982, as amended on 25th June 1996 and 17th June 1997. The Society was registered as a charity on 27th October, 1983. The Society is not incorporated.

The society recognizes its duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Child (performances) Regulations 1968, the Protection of Children Act 1999 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (in Scotland change to Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003).

The society recognizes that abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. The society is committed to maintaining practices which protect children from harm. All members of the society are required to uphold this commitment by being aware of situations which may cause children harm and by taking responsibility and appropriate action to eliminate these.

The society believes that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children, regardless of age, gender, culture, race, language, religion or disability should be free from discrimination and harassment and they have the right to protection from all forms of abuse.
• All indications, suggestions or allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and acted upon promptly and appropriately.
• All members and employees of the society should be clear on procedures for taking appropriate action.

The society’s policy states that:

• All children will be treated with respect and dignity and in a manner appropriate to their needs.
• The welfare of each child will always take priority over other considerations.
• All comment and criticism of a child's behaviour or performance will be phrased in positive and constructive terms.
• Bullying, harassment and discrimination will not be accepted or condoned.
• Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour by any member of the society.
• The society will keep up-to-date with health & safety legislation and maintain policies and procedures to ensure strict adherence to its statutory obligations.
• The Society will keep up-to-date with equality and diversity legislation, including the Government’s Every Child Matters strategies, and policies for the protection of children.
• The society will undertake relevant development and training of its members.
• The society will hold a current register of every child involved with the society and will provide a readily accessible list of contact names and numbers in case of emergencies, on all occasions children are involved in rehearsals and performances.

The society has child protection procedures which accompany this policy.

The society has a dedicated Child Protection Officer who assumes joint responsibility, together with the society’s president and chairman, to ensure adherence to the child protection policy and procedures for all the society’s activities and by all members and associates of the society involved in those activities.