Policies and Health and Safety

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Axminster Musical Theatre recognises 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 Company recognises that abuse can take many forms, whether it be physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. The Company is committed to practice which protects children from harm. All members of the Company accept and recognise their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues which cause children harm.

The Company believes that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.

• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• All members and employees of the Company should be clear on how to respond appropriately.

The Company will ensure that:

• All children will be treated equally and with respect and dignity.

• The duty of care to children will always be put first.

• A balanced relationship based on mutual trust will be built which empowers the children to share in the decision making process.

• Enthusiastic and constructive feedback will be given rather than negative criticism.

• Bullying will not be accepted or condoned.

• All adult members of the Company provide a positive role model for dealing with other people.

• Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.

• It will keep up-to-date with health & safety legislation.

• It will keep informed of changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children.

• It will undertake relevant development and training.

• It will hold a register of every child involved with the Company and will retain a contact name and number close at hand in case of emergencies.

PRIVACY POLICY 

Axminster Musical Theatre is committed to protecting personal information. This Privacy Policy relates to our use of any  personal information we collect from you when you contact us, book tickets for our productions, or otherwise provide us with your information enabling us to add this join our publicity mailing list. 

The information we collet 

The information we collect we will only ever collect basic personal details from you such as your name, address, e-mail address and telephone number unless you give us express permission to do otherwise. 

How we will use your information 

We will use your information to tell you about our forthcoming shows and similar events that are likely to Be of interest to you. This is called “Legitimate Interest”

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may amend this Privacy Policy from time to time; for example, to keep it up to date or to comply with legal requirements. If there will be any significant changes made to the use of your personal information in a manner different from that stated, we will seek your permission first.

Security

We put in place reasonable security measures to protect against any unauthorised access or damage to, or disclosure or loss of your information.

Equal Opportunities Policy 

Axminster  Musical Theatre is  committed  to  equal  opportunities  in  all  its  activities  and  projects.  It  is  intend  that  all  involved  with  Axminster  Musical Theatre activities  and projects should receive equal treatment irrespective of:

• Political or religious belief
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Disability (having regard for any boundaries imposed by virtue of safety or suitability of performance/activity being undertaken)
• Race
• Ethnic 
• origin
• Social backgroundArrangements

The  organisation  will  investigate  any  allegations  of  breach  of  this  policy  and  may  exclude  anyone from its activities and projects found to be in breach or inciting breach. 

An investigation team will be convened comprising of:

• A committee member
• Secretary of Axminster Musical Theatre
• An independent person appointed by the President of Axminster Musical Theatre Confidential  reports  of  investigation  will  be  created  and  made  available  to  those  with  reasonable  grounds  for  gaining  access  to  the  information  contained  therein.  

The  decision  of  the investigating team will be final.