Safeguarding Policy & Procedures 

Miracle Theatre Trust
Internal Reference Manual for Staff, Trustees & Volunteers 

1. Purpose

This policy sets out Miracle Theatre Trust’s commitment to safeguarding children and adults at risk. It provides clear procedures for identifying, responding to, and reporting concerns, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice. 

2. Scope

This policy applies to: 

• All staff (permanent and freelance) 

• All volunteers 

• All trustees 

• Any individual representing Miracle Theatre Trust in any capacity 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. 

3. Key Definitions

3.1 Child 

Anyone under the age of 18. 

3.2 Adult 

Anyone aged 18 or over. 

3.3 Adult at Risk 

An adult who: 

• Has care and support needs 

• Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect 

• Is unable to protect themselves as a result 

An adult may temporarily become an adult at risk (e.g., unconsciousness).  

3.4 Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk 

• This is the action we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from abuse, neglect and exploitation (WTSC, 2026)  

3.5 Safeguarding Adults 

• Safeguarding adults means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. (Care Act Guidance (14.7)  

3.6 Abuse 

Mistreatment that causes harm or risk of harm.
Abuse may be: 

• Physical 

• Emotional 

• Sexual 

• Neglect 

• Financial 

• Modern day slavery 

• Discriminatory 

• Organisational 

• Radicalisation and extremism 

• Online or technology‑facilitated 
• Perpetrated by adults or children 

3.7 Significant Harm 

Serious maltreatment or impairment of health or development.
May be a single traumatic event or cumulative incidents. 

4. Safeguarding Principles

• Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the organisation. 

• All concerns must be taken seriously and reported promptly. 

• No one should ever promise confidentiality. 

• All disclosures must be recorded accurately and factually. 

• Miracle will ensure safe recruitment, training, and supervision of all personnel. 

• Miracle will maintain appropriate DBS checks where required. 

• This policy is reviewed annually by the Trustees. 

5. Roles & Responsibilities

5.1 Trustees 

Responsible for ensuring: 

• A fit‑for‑purpose safeguarding policy is in place and reviewed annually 

• Safe recruitment procedures are followed 

• A named safeguarding trustee is appointed 

5.2 Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) 

Sally Crooks – Co‑Artistic Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07775 716972 

Responsible for: 

• Overseeing implementation of this policy 

• Maintaining safeguarding records 

• Making referrals to statutory agencies 

• Ensuring staff training is delivered 

• Producing an annual safeguarding report 

5.3 Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DDSO)  

Sarah Ferrie – Managing Director (maternity cover)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07779 634165 

5.4 Safeguarding Trustee 

Sarah Mottart – Trustee 

Email: [email protected]  

 

5.5 All Staff, Volunteers & Freelancers 

Must: 

• Report concerns immediately 

• Follow this policy and associated procedures 

• Attend safeguarding training 

• Maintain professional boundaries 

6. Safe Working Practices

6.1 Unsupervised Contact 

• Miracle aims to avoid unsupervised contact wherever possible. 

• If a private conversation is necessary, ensure visibility (e.g., open door). 

• Two adults should be present when working with children where possible. 

• Anyone requiring frequent or intensive unsupervised contact must have an Enhanced DBS check. 

6.2 Physical Contact 

• Only when necessary for the activity 

• Explain the purpose beforehand 

• Maintain appropriate boundaries 

6.3 Managing Sensitive Information 

• Parental consent is required for use of children’s images. 

• Digital content will be monitored for safeguarding risks. 

• Sensitive information must be stored securely and confidentially. 

7. Working with Children in Productions

7.1 Children as Performers 

Miracle will: 

• Obtain required performance licences 

• Conduct and monitor risk assessments 

• Appoint a designated safeguarding lead for the production 

• Ensure licensed chaperones are present in required ratios 

• Maintain contact with local authority social services 

• Obtain parental consent for photography 

7.2 Outreach & Workshops 

• School groups remain the responsibility of school staff 

• Out‑of‑school workshops follow Miracle Theatre safeguarding procedures 

• Community chorus or similar projects require appropriate chaperoning and DBS checks 

8. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

8.1 Immediate Priorities 

• Ensure the safety of the child/adult at risk 

• Call emergency services if there is immediate danger 

• Do not restrain or detain anyone 

8.2 When Someone Discloses Abuse 

You must: 

1. Listen calmly and take them seriously 

1. Reassure them they were right to tell you 

1. Explain what will happen next 

1. Never promise secrecy 

1. Avoid leading questions 

1. Record their words accurately 

1. Report immediately to the DSO/DDSO 

8.3 Reporting Procedure 

Depending on the level of concern: 

Significant Harm (evidence or immediate risk) 

• Keep the person safe 

• Inform DSO/DDSO 

• DSO contacts: 

• Multi‑Agency Referral Unit (MARU) – 0300 123 1116 

• Out of hours – 01208 251300 

• Police if appropriate 

• Record all actions taken 

Reasonable Cause to Suspect Harm 

• Inform DSO/DDSO 

• DSO decides whether to refer to MARU 

• Record all details 

General Concerns 

• Record 

• Report to DSO/DDSO 

9. Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers or Trustees

• Report immediately to the DSO 

• If the DSO is implicated, report to the DDSO or safeguarding trustee 

• Social Services will be contacted for advice 

• Suspension may be necessary 

• Internal disciplinary procedures will run alongside statutory investigations 

10. Preserving Evidence

Where possible: 

• Do not move or clean anything 

• Handle items minimally 

• Preserve clothing or objects in paper bags 

• Secure the area until police arrive 

• Avoid physical contact with victim or alleged perpetrator in sexual abuse cases 

11. External Contacts

Cornwall Council – Child Protection & Safeguarding 

Website: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/childrens-services/child-protection-and-safeguarding/ (cornwall.gov.uk in Bing)
MARU: 0300 123 1116
Out of hours: 01208 251300 

Adults at Risk 

0300 1234 101
Out of hours: 01208 251300 

Police 

Call 999 if there is immediate danger. 

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) 

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service (gov.uk in Bing) 

12. Record Keeping

• All safeguarding records must be factual, dated, timed, and signed 

• Records must be stored securely 

• Written referral forms must be submitted within 48 hours of verbal referrals 

13. Training & Supervision

The DSO ensures: 

• All staff receive safeguarding induction 

• Chaperones receive internal safeguarding training 

• Regular updates and refreshers are provided 

• Support and supervision are available