Safeguarding Policy

Tarang Art & Wellbeing Association of Scotland (TAWAS)
Scottish Charity Number: SC052836

1. Policy Statement

The Tarang Art & Wellbeing Association of Scotland (TAWAS) is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.

We recognize our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children, young people, and protected adults who participate in our activities. We are committed to preventing abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm and to responding appropriately if concerns arise.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All trustees, volunteers, staff, and sessional workers are expected to promote the safety and wellbeing of those taking part in TAWAS activities.

2. Purpose

This policy aims to:

• Protect children, young people and protected adults from harm.

• Promote safe and respectful practice in all TAWAS activities.

• Provide guidance on recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.

• Ensure concerns are reported promptly and appropriately.

• Support a culture of openness, respect and accountability.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Trustees

• Volunteers

• Employees (where applicable)

• Freelance artists and facilitators

• Students and work placements

• Participants

• Anyone representing TAWAS

4. Our Commitment

TAWAS will:

• Provide a safe environment for everyone attending our activities.

• Treat all participants equally, fairly, and with respect.

• Promote inclusion regardless of age, disability, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or background.

• Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.

• Respond quickly and appropriately to concerns or disclosures.

• Work with relevant statutory agencies where necessary.

• Ensure volunteers and staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

• Carry out appropriate PVG checks where roles require them in accordance with Scottish legislation.

5. Good Practice

Everyone working on behalf of TAWAS should:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

• Listen to participants and take their concerns seriously.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

• Use respectful and appropriate language.

• Obtain consent before taking photographs or videos.

• Ensure activities are inclusive and accessible.

• Work in open environments wherever possible.

• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

6. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviors are not acceptable:

• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

• Neglect.

• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation.

• Discrimination.

• Inappropriate physical contact.

• Using offensive or abusive language.

• Developing inappropriate relationships with participants.

• Sharing confidential information without a legitimate safeguarding reason.

7. Responding to Concerns

If someone discloses abuse or you have concerns about their safety:

• Stay calm and listen carefully.

• Do not promise to keep the information secret.

• Reassure the person that they have done the right thing by speaking up.

• Record what was said as accurately as possible.

• Report the concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a trustee.

• If someone is in immediate danger, contact Police Scotland on 999 without delay.

TAWAS will treat all safeguarding concerns confidentially and share information only where necessary to protect individuals.

8. Recruitment and Training

TAWAS is committed to safe recruitment by the following:

• Selecting suitable trustees, volunteers, and staff.

• Providing safeguarding information during induction.

• Ensuring relevant safeguarding training is available.

• Completing PVG scheme checks where legally required.

9. Photography and Social Media

TAWAS will:

• Obtain appropriate permission before taking or using photographs or videos.

• Respect the wishes of participants who do not wish to be photographed.

• Never publish images that could place a child or vulnerable person at risk.

• Use photographs responsibly and only for legitimate organizational purposes.

10. Confidentiality

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect the individual or where required by law.

11. Responsibilities

The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed.

All trustees, staff, volunteers, and facilitators are responsible for the following:

• Following this policy.

• Promoting a safe environment.

• Reporting concerns immediately.

• Completing relevant safeguarding training where required.

12. Designated Safeguarding Lead

TAWAS will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who

• Receive safeguarding concerns.

• Maintain confidential records.

• Liaise with statutory agencies where appropriate.

• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: ______________________

Deputy Safeguarding Lead (if applicable): ______________________

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or organizational circumstances change.

Approved by: Board of Trustees

Organisation: Tarang Art & Wellbeing Association of Scotland (TAWAS)

Scottish Charity Number: SC052836

Date Approved: July 2026

Review Date: July 2027