Haarlem Artspace Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Statement

Haarlem Artspace is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults participating in our activities.

We believe that everyone has the right to take part in creative activity free from harm, intimidation, discrimination or abuse. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and are committed to promoting wellbeing, respect and safe working practices across all programmes, workshops and events.

This policy applies to all staff, freelancers, artists, volunteers and facilitators working on behalf of Haarlem Artspace.

Our Commitment

Haarlem Artspace will:

• Provide a safe and supportive environment for participants
• Treat all children, young people and vulnerable adults with respect
• Promote inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice
• Take all safeguarding concerns seriously
• Ensure appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed
• Ensure adults working directly with children hold appropriate enhanced DBS checks where required
• Respond appropriately to concerns, disclosures or allegations
• Review safeguarding practices regularly

Working with Children

Children attending Haarlem Artspace activities remain the responsibility of their parent, carer or guardian unless otherwise clearly stated in advance.

For family workshops such as Seedlings, parents or carers are expected to remain present unless the session has been explicitly advertised as a drop-off session.

All workshop leaders and facilitators are expected to:

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Use respectful and appropriate language
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible
• Follow agreed safeguarding procedures
• Report concerns promptly

DBS Checks

Haarlem Artspace requires enhanced DBS checks for staff or freelancers leading regular activities for children or vulnerable adults where appropriate under UK safeguarding guidance.

DBS checks form part of our safeguarding practice but do not replace safe working procedures, supervision and good judgement.

Responding to Concerns

Any safeguarding concern, disclosure or allegation should be taken seriously.

Staff, artists and volunteers should:

• Listen calmly and respectfully
• Avoid promising confidentiality
• Record concerns accurately
• Report concerns to the designated safeguarding lead as soon as possible

If a child or vulnerable adult is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Online and Photography Guidance

Photographs or video recordings of children will only be taken with appropriate parental or guardian consent.

Haarlem Artspace will:

• Respect requests not to photograph participants
• Avoid identifying children by full name online
• Use images appropriately and sensitively

Health and Safety

We are committed to maintaining safe workshop and gallery environments, including:

• Safe use of art materials and tools
• Clear access and evacuation routes
• Appropriate supervision levels
• Risk assessment for activities where necessary

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

Last updated: May 2026