Riviera Singers’ Safeguarding Policy

Effective from 14 February 2026

Safeguarding Policy for Vulnerable Adults

Any organisation working with vulnerable adults must take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of harm to their welfare. Where concerns arise, these should be shared with relevant agencies as appropriate.

Role of Riviera Singers

Riviera Singers acknowledges that it is not responsible for determining whether a vulnerable adult has been abused or neglected. That responsibility rests with the local authority, which has the legal duty to investigate any concerns. However suspicions should be acted upon.

Definition of Adult Safeguarding

For the purposes of this policy, adult safeguarding applies to any individual who:

  • Has needs for care and support, regardless of whether the local authority is involved in meeting those needs.
  • Is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect.
  • Is unable, as a result of those care and support needs, to protect themselves from the risk or experience of abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Members

While Riviera Singers is generally made up of independent adults, there are occasions when vulnerable adults may join and participate in rehearsals or performances. The committee recognises the importance of safeguarding these individuals and has adopted the following safeguarding policy.

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

The committee will appoint either a committee member or a co-opted choir member to act as the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO). The DSO is the primary point of contact for members who have concerns or questions about safeguarding.

Supervision of Vulnerable Adults

Whenever vulnerable adults are required to rehearse or perform with Riviera Singers, a minimum of two appointed adults must take responsibility for them throughout the rehearsal and performance periods. No choir member should be alone with a vulnerable adult.

Reporting Concerns

Any concerns regarding any adult associated with the choir should be reported immediately to the DSO. If the DSO is unavailable, concerns should be reported to the Chair or Deputy Chair of the Committee. These individuals will take the lead in responding to safeguarding issues.

Safeguarding Procedures

Responsibilities in the event of a safeguarding concern include:

  1. Receiving and documenting information from the person expressing the concern.
  2. Assessing and clarifying the information received.
  3. Consulting with, and informing, the Chair of the Committee.
  4. Making referrals to statutory organisations, which may involve:
  • Calling Torbay Safeguarding Adults Single Point of Contact Team at 01803 219700 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00)
  • Contacting the Emergency Duty Service on 0300 4564 876 (outside regular hours, weekends, and bank holidays)
  • Emailing tsdft.safeguardingalert@nhs.net
  • Dialling 999 if an adult is in immediate danger

Record Keeping and Confidentiality

Records must be stored and retained according to legal requirements.

Adults at risk have a right to expect confidentiality and this should be maintained. This means information may only be shared with those who need to know in the interests of the person at risk’s wellbeing.

Seeking Advice

If in any doubt, the DSO or any person acting in their place should seek advice from: Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership: safeguardingadultsboardsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk or other relevant agencies.