Safeguarding support
CONTEXT FOR SAFEGUARDING TRAINING & SUPPORT
As the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) of The Lowry Arts Centre for the past 10 years and having worked with children, young people & communities using Applied Theatre in a variety of settings for 20 years; Lynsey has developed an excellent understanding of Safeguarding practice which is informed by both training & experience.
At The Lowry, Lynsey was responsible for the overall Safeguarding policy & procedures of the large-scale Arts Centre; ensuring its compliance with legislation & safety for the 30,000 children, young people and communities it serves, under its charitable activity, in accordance with the Charity Commission guidelines.
Throughout her career, Lynsey has specialised in using theatre & the arts to work with vulnerable children including Young Carers, children in the care system, children living in sheltered or temporary accommodation, children missing in education as well as with vulnerable adults in a variety of contexts such as prisons, probation & areas of conflict internationally.
Lynsey also works in Education to support Governing boards in relation to Pupil welfare & Safeguarding.
Over the past few years, Lynsey’s consultancy offer has centred around Safeguarding support for various Arts & Culture organisations including Paraorchestra Bristol, HOME Arts Centre Manchester, Theatre Porto Ellesmere Port, Quarantine Manchester, Headlong London & The Edge Arts Centre Manchester.
Lynsey is Level 3 & Advanced (4) Safeguarding trained with an Enhanced DBS Check.
If you would like to discuss Safeguarding support for your organisation, including costs and availability, please email:
Lynsey@CulturalDemocracy.co.uk
“Lynsey seamlessly took Paraorchestra through a process of reviewing and re-writing its safeguarding policy with staff training, bringing it up to date and in line with the scale and requirements required. She quickly understood the nature of our work and worked brilliantly with all levels of the organisation’s staff - including our Trustees.
This project was delivered by Lynsey with care and with great flexibility. We all felt that Lynsey’s uniquely wide ranging work experience helped us to learn more as the project progressed.
”
SAFEGUARDING SUPPORT
It is important to note that as an individual, Lynsey is not an accredited Safeguarding training provider such as the NSPCC or Local Authority training. Accredited training such as these are important and are often required when meeting the requirements of specific funders. So, if these are what your organisation needs, you can find this information on your LA website or by visiting NSPCC.org.uk..
Lynsey’s offer can complement this accredited training, as it is specific to Creative and Cultural organisations.
Focussed on developing a strong Safeguarding Culture, it is tailored to each individual organisation but often includes:
General Safeguarding training in signs and types of abuse, how to handle concerns and disclosures (similar to LA training)
Safeguarding and creative/participatory practice
Child performance licensing
Image consent
Online and digital activity
DBS checks and safter recruitment
Backstage and rehearsals
Touring with children
The role of the Board & leadership
Organisations usually meet with Lynsey to discuss their needs and areas of development, in order to identify which elements are required whilst also ensuring organisations are compliant with legislation and in line with the Charity Commissions good practice guidelines.
Delivery usually includes:
Policy writing, or review
Staff training
Board training
Writing of procedures
“Lynsey’s vast experience in the creative sector alongside her deep understanding of good practice guidelines and legislation meant that we were left feeling confident that, as an organisation, we are well prepared and have all bases covered. Her approach was inclusive, supportive and collaborative, and all staff reported feeling more confident after the training”