Gigs On The Green: Next Up Policy

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Flight & Green

Gigs on the Green: Next Up

Safeguarding Policy

Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: July 2026
Review Date: July 2027

1. Purpose

Flight & Green is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all young people participating in Gigs on the Green: Next Up.

This policy outlines how we will safeguard children and young people attending, performing or volunteering at our monthly music sessions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Flight & Green staff.
• Volunteers assisting with the event.
• Guest performers and mentors.
• Parents and carers attending with young people.
• Anyone working on behalf of Flight & Green during the event.

3. Age Range

Gigs on the Green: Next Up is intended for young musicians Under the age of 18.

Participants under the age of 18 remain the responsibility of their parent or legal guardian unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4. Safeguarding Commitment

Flight & Green will:

• Treat every young person with dignity and respect.
• Promote an environment free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.
• Encourage confidence, creativity and personal development.
• Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.
• Act promptly where there are concerns about a young person’s welfare.

5. Supervision

• The event runs on one Sunday each month between 12:00pm and 7:00pm.
• A responsible adult from Flight & Green will oversee the event at all times.
• Parents and carers are required to remain throughout the event.
• Young people under 16 should be collected promptly at the end of the session unless alternative arrangements have been agreed.

6. Behaviour Expectations

Everyone attending must:

• Treat others respectfully.
• Follow staff instructions.
• Avoid abusive, threatening or discriminatory behaviour.
• Respect equipment and the venue.
• Report concerns to a member of staff.

Any behaviour that places others at risk may result in removal from the session.

7. Alcohol and Smoking

Although Flight & Green is a licensed venue:

• No alcohol will be sold or supplied to anyone under 18.
• Staff will operate Challenge 25 throughout the venue.
• Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated external areas and are prohibited for anyone under the legal age.
• Staff will actively monitor public areas during youth sessions.

8. Photography and Social Media

Flight & Green may photograph or film performances for promotional purposes.

Permission will be obtained from participants aged 18 and over, or from a parent or legal guardian for participants under 18.

No images or videos will be used in a way that may place a young person at risk.

9. One-to-One Contact

Staff and volunteers should:

• Avoid being alone with a young person wherever possible.
• Hold conversations in open, visible areas.
• Avoid private messaging young people under 18. Communication should take place through parents, carers or official Flight & Green channels where appropriate.

10. Reporting Concerns

Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of a child or young person should immediately inform the Event Lead.

Where there is an immediate risk of harm:

• Contact emergency services by calling 999.
• Follow any advice provided by the police or relevant safeguarding authority.
• Record the concern as soon as possible, including the date, time and details of what was observed or reported.

All safeguarding concerns will be treated confidentially and handled appropriately.

11. Equality and Inclusion

Flight & Green welcomes participants from all backgrounds and is committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Everyone has the right to enjoy music in a safe and respectful environment.

12. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation, guidance or operational requirements change.