INK Safeguarding Policy ‍ ‍

INK is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Registered Charity 1175770).

INK is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone we work with. As a theatre company engaging children, young people, and vulnerable adults in creative activity, we recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote their welfare.

We believe theatre should be a space for expression, growth, and collaboration free from harm, abuse, discrimination, or exploitation. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, freelancers, artists, volunteers, trustees, and partners working with INK Theatre are expected to uphold this policy and act in the best interests of those in our care.

This policy is informed by:

·       Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)

·       The Children Act 1989 & 2004

·       The Care Act 2014

·       NSPCC safeguarding guidance

The welfare of the individual is paramount.

1. Scope‍ ‍

This policy applies to:

·       All staff, trustees, volunteers, freelancers, and visiting artists

·       Anyone acting on behalf of INK

·       All rehearsals, performances, workshops, tours, events, and digital activity

  It covers safeguarding for:

·       Children and young people (under 18)

·       Adults at risk (as defined by the Care Act 2014)

2. Key Principles‍ ‍

INK will:

·       Provide safe, welcoming, and inclusive creative spaces

·       Protect children, young people, and adults at risk from harm

·       Take all safeguarding concerns seriously

·       Listen to and respect participants’ voices

·       Act promptly and appropriately on concerns

·       Share information responsibly

·       Review this policy regularly

3. Code of Conduct

Everyone working with INK must:

·       Treat all participants with dignity and respect

·       Maintain clear professional boundaries

·       Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk wherever possible

·       Never engage in abusive, exploitative, or discriminatory behaviour

·       Never form inappropriate personal or online relationships with participants

·       Use appropriate and inclusive language

·       Avoid unnecessary physical contact; any contact must be appropriate, consensual, and explained

·       Never shame, humiliate, or coerce participants in a creative process

·       Be mindful of power dynamics in rehearsal and performance spaces

·       Report any safeguarding concerns immediately

4. Safeguarding in Creative Practice‍ ‍

INK recognises that theatre work may involve emotional vulnerability, physical movement, and sensitive material. We will:

·       Use age-appropriate material and rehearsal methods

·       Gain informed consent for scenes involving touch, intimacy, or distressing themes

·       Provide content warnings where appropriate

·       Allow participants to opt out of activities without penalty

·       Ensure changing areas and backstage spaces are safe and supervised

·       Avoid one-to-one closed-door sessions with minors

·       Ensure tours, trips, and performances have clear supervision arrangements

5. Online & Digital Safety‍ ‍

INK will:

·       Set clear boundaries for online communication

·       Never engage in private one-to-one messaging with minors

·       Moderate online rehearsal and project spaces

·       Obtain informed written consent for photography, filming, and recording, and using images on social media and in festival programmes and marketing publications

·       Store digital media securely

·       Act swiftly on harmful or inappropriate content

6. Recognising Abuse‍ ‍

Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, or involve neglect, bullying, exploitation, or online harm. Possible indicators include:

·       Changes in behaviour or mood

·       Withdrawal, anxiety, or fearfulness

·       Unexplained injuries

·       Reluctance to attend rehearsals or workshops

·       Age-inappropriate sexual language or behaviour

·       Direct disclosure of harm

·       Abuse may be carried out by adults, peers, or through digital platforms

7. Responding to a Disclosure‍ ‍

If someone tells you they are being harmed or feel unsafe:

·       Stay calm and listen

·       Take them seriously

·       Do not promise confidentiality

·       Reassure them they have done the right thing

·       Do not investigate or ask leading questions

·       Record what was said using their own words

·       Report it immediately to the Safeguarding Lead

8. Reporting Procedure‍ ‍

INK will appoint a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Present DSL – Tor Stewart tor@inkfestival.org  Tel: 07786 302761

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible.

If the concern involves the DSL, it should be reported to a trustee or senior manager.

The DSL will:

·       Assess risk and urgency

·       Keep secure written records

·       Decide next steps

·       Contact the appropriate Local Authority Safeguarding Team where required

·       Refer to the police if a crime may have been committed

·       Take action to ensure the individual’s safety

In an emergency, call 999.‍ ‍

For advice, the DSL may contact:

·       Local Authority Children’s or Adult Safeguarding Team on 101

·       NSPCC HelpLine: 0808 800 5000

·       NSPCC E-Mail: help@nspc.org‍ ‍

·       Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 0345 6061499

9. Recruitment & Training‍ ‍

INK will:

·       Use safe recruitment practices

·       Carry out appropriate DBS checks where roles involve regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults

·       Provide safeguarding guidance to all staff and artists

·       Ensure everyone understands their responsibilities

10. Confidentiality & Data Protection‍ ‍

Safeguarding information will be:

·       Stored securely

·       Shared only on a need-to-know basis

·       Handled in line with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

Confidentiality will be respected, but never at the expense of safety.

‍ ‍

11. Review‍ ‍

This policy will be reviewed annually, or following any safeguarding incident, to ensure it remains effective and compliant with UK guidance.

Reviewed: 1st March 2026

Signed:  Heather Newill - Chair