1. Policy Statement
Skipton Live is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone attending, performing at, or volunteering at the music festival. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, to protect them from harm, abuse, or exploitation.
This policy applies to all the committee, volunteers, organisers, contractors, performers, and partner organisations involved in the festival.
2. Definitions
Child / Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
Adult at Risk: A person aged 18 or over who may be vulnerable due to disability, illness, mental health needs, age, or circumstances.
Safeguarding: Protecting people’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
3. Scope of the Policy
This policy covers all the music festival activity including live music performances, workshops, food and bar areas, traders, entry and exit points, and any online activity related to the festival.
4. Safeguarding Principles
We will put the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk first; listen to and take concerns seriously; act promptly on safeguarding concerns; ensure safer recruitment and conduct of volunteers; and work in partnership with local safeguarding agencies where required.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
A Safeguarding Lead will be appointed for the festival.
Safeguarding Lead: Sarah Poole
Contact during event: 07843 262699
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Megan Roe
Contact during event: 07474 727026
The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns, liaising with emergency services, ensuring volunteers understand safeguarding procedures, and keeping records secure.
6. Safer Working Practices
All volunteers and staff must treat everyone with respect, avoid being alone with children or adults at risk where possible, avoid inappropriate physical contact, never engage in abusive behaviour, never provide alcohol or drugs to under 18s, and report all safeguarding concerns immediately.
7. Children and Young People
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult unless part of a supervised activity. Lost child procedures will be in place, and any activity involving children will be risk assessed.
8. Adults at Risk
Any concerns regarding an adult at risk should be taken seriously and reported to the Safeguarding Lead, who will decide on the appropriate action.
9. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible. Volunteers should listen, record facts, and not promise confidentiality.
10. Recording and Data Protection
All safeguarding records will be factual, dated, stored securely, and shared only on a need-to-know basis in line with current data protection laws.
11. Volunteer Recruitment and Briefing
Volunteers will receive safeguarding information prior to the event. DBS checks will be required where volunteers are in regulated activity.
12. Alcohol, Drugs, and Welfare
Responsible alcohol policies will be followed. Welfare and first aid facilities will be available during the event.
13. Reporting Concerns After the Event
Safeguarding concerns can be reported after the festival via skiptonlive@gmail.com.
14. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or after any safeguarding incident.
15. Policy Approval
Approved by: Skipton Live
Date: May 2026
Next Review Date: May 2026