Safeguarding Policy for Musings Darkroom

Policy Owner:Naroa Perez

Date Approved: 16th July 2026

Review Date: 16th July 2027

1. Our Commitment

Musings Darkroom is a Community Interest Company (CIC) established in August 2022 with a strong feminist ethos. Our primary aim is to provide a safe, welcoming, and empowering space where photographers of all levels can learn and create.

We believe that everyone – regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation – has the right to protection from harm. As a feminist organisation, we actively promote openness, inclusivity, intergenerational dialogue, and collaboration, while standing firmly against racism, misogyny, colonialism, and any form of discrimination.

We are committed to:

  • Safeguarding and protecting children, young people, and adults at risk of abuse

  • Developing a safeguarding culture across all our activities

  • Taking all concerns seriously and responding swiftly and appropriately

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, volunteers, trustees, and contractors working for or on behalf of Lakeside Darkroom

  • All activities, workshops, and events delivered by Musings Darkroom

  • All participants, visitors, and beneficiaries of Musings Darkroom's programmes

For the purposes of this policy:

  • A child is defined as anyone who has not yet reached the age of 18

  • An adult at risk of abuse is defined by the Care Act 2014 as someone aged 18 and over who is experiencing or at risk of abuse and has needs for care and support which mean they are unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect

3. Named Safeguarding Lead

Musings Darkroom has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead who has the knowledge and skills to promote safe environments and respond to concerns and disclosures.

Role

Name

Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Naroa Perez

info@musingsdarkroom.com

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:

  • Ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed annually

  • Responding to any safeguarding concerns or disclosures

  • Ensuring appropriate training is provided to all staff and volunteers

  • Reporting serious concerns to relevant external agencies and, where required, to Arts Council England

4. Our Values and Approach

Musings Darkroom operates through a horizontal, community-centred pedagogy. We reject the "guru" or "elite" status often found in the arts. Instead, we act as guides who provide resources and create conditions for discovery.

What this means for safeguarding:

  • We create spaces where learning feels empowering, not intimidating

  • We work at a gentle, spacious pace, allowing time for questions, reflection, and shared learning

  • We build environments where community and skill go hand in hand

  • We recognise that access to knowledge is part of creative safety

5. Risk Assessment

We carry out robust risk assessments for all activities and events to help ensure a safe and inclusive environment.

Our approach to risk assessment includes:

  • Assessing the nature and duration of activities

  • Considering the age, gender, behaviour, and abilities of participants

  • Evaluating the competence and experience of staff involved

  • Identifying any special medical needs or support requirements

Before any workshop or event, we complete a risk assessment form that considers:

  • Physical safety (chemicals, equipment, emergency exits, first aid)

  • Safeguarding risks (appropriate supervision, lone working, access)

  • Environmental factors (lighting, accessibility, fire safety)

6. Safe Recruitment and DBS Checks

Musings Darkroom is committed to safe recruitment practices.

We ensure that:

  • All staff, volunteers, and contractors who work directly with children or adults at risk have appropriate background checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

  • All roles are clearly defined, with responsibilities understood

  • Staff or volunteers who have not had required checks are not left in sole charge of children or adults at risk

7. Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, trustees, and contractors are expected to adhere to a Code of Conduct that sets out expectations for behaviour.

Our Code of Conduct includes:

  • Treating all participants with respect and dignity

  • Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

  • Not being left alone with children or adults at risk

  • Reporting any concerns about a participant's welfare immediately

  • Following health and safety procedures at all times

8. Procedures for Responding to Concerns

Any allegation or concern that an employee, volunteer, or participant has behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child or adult at risk must be taken seriously and dealt with sensitively and promptly.

If you have a concern:

  1. Listen carefully to the person making the disclosure

  2. Reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up

  3. Do not investigate – your role is to listen and report

  4. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

  5. Document what has been said in writing as soon as possible

Escalation:

  • If a child is at risk, contact the NSPCC (0808 800 5000) or the local authority children's services

  • If an adult at risk is involved, contact Adult Social Care

  • In an emergency, contact the police (999)

  • If the concern relates to serious safeguarding issues in an Arts Council England-funded project, report to Arts Council England in line with grant conditions

Useful contacts:

Organisation

Contact

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000

ChildLine

0800 1111

Local Authority Children's Services

[Insert details]

Local Authority Adult Social Care

[Insert details]

Police (emergency)

999

9. Photography and Image Use

Musings Darkroom uses photography to document and publicise its activities.

Our approach to photography includes:

  • Obtaining explicit, informed consent from participants before taking photographs or recordings

  • Ensuring participants understand how images will be used and stored

  • Respecting the right to refuse photography without any negative consequences

  • Storing images securely and not sharing beyond agreed purposes

10. Health and Safety

Musings Darkroom follows health and safety legislation and guidance, including procedures for:

  • Fire safety – clear evacuation procedures and fire extinguisher training

  • First aid – trained first aider present during all activities

  • Chemical safety – appropriate handling, storage, and disposal of darkroom chemicals

  • Emergency situations – clear procedures for accidents or incidents

Darkroom-specific safety measures include:

  • Regular cleaning and housekeeping to prevent dust and chemical hazards

  • Appropriate ventilation to reduce chemical fumes

  • Clear emergency exits visible in the darkroom

  • Gloves and tongs provided for handling chemicals

11. Online Safety

If Musings Darkroom delivers any activities online or uses social media to engage with participants, we ensure:

  • Clear boundaries between professional and personal online contact

  • Appropriate privacy settings on social media platforms

  • No one-to-one online contact with children or adults at risk without appropriate safeguards

  • Compliance with the Online Safety Act 2023 where relevant

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

  • Annually, or more frequently if required

  • When there are changes to legislation or statutory guidance

  • Following any safeguarding incident or concern

Next review date: 16th July 2027

13. Accessibility and Transparency

This safeguarding policy is publicly available on the Musings Darkroom website. Participants, parents/carers, and beneficiaries are made aware of it and given opportunities to provide feedback on our safeguarding procedures.

14. Related Policies

This safeguarding policy should be read alongside:

  • Health and Safety Policy

  • Code of Conduct

  • Equal Opportunities Policy

  • Complaints Policy

  • Data Protection and Privacy Policy

Approved by: Naroa Perez

Date: 16th July 2026