Tyneside Fiddle Alliance

Safeguarding

Our safeguarding statement for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
– February 26th 2026

Tyneside Fiddle Alliance meets to play, practise and rehearse two or three times each month at St George’s Church Hall, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2TF. The group performs concerts in St George’s Church, and occasionally meets and performs at other venues. Members attend with varying frequency and regularity, as they choose.

Meetings are led by volunteer Leaders who are reimbursed for expenses but are not paid a fee. Usually two, three, or four leaders attend, although occasionally only one leader may be present. At least one Committee member will also be present.

Tyneside Fiddle Alliance welcomes fiddle, viola and cello players of all abilities. Children and young people under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (usually a parent or guardian). The responsible adult retains responsibility for the child or young person at all times during meetings, events or performances.

Attendance at meetings is recorded on a register. Where a person under 18 attends, their name and the name of the responsible adult accompanying them will be recorded on the register. Members are encouraged to inform Leaders or Committee members in advance if a vulnerable adult will be attending, so that appropriate safeguarding awareness and support can be maintained.

Tyneside Fiddle Alliance follows good practice guidance in relation to the safeguarding of children, young people (including those aged 16–17) and vulnerable adults. The Musical Director holds an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Leaders do not work directly with children or young people on an individual basis. All leadership and instruction are provided to the whole group present.

During meetings, events and performances, members of Tyneside Fiddle Alliance will promote an environment in which everyone feels safe, respected and supported. All members are expected to treat others with respect and dignity and to help ensure that no individual is subjected to physical, sexual or emotional harm.

Leaders and Committee members will endeavour to ensure that appropriate permission is obtained before any photographs are taken, particularly where children, young people or vulnerable adults may appear in images.

All members must respond promptly to any safeguarding concern or allegation and report it immediately to a Leader or Committee member. Members should not attempt to investigate concerns themselves.

To ensure clarity of action and accountability, any safeguarding concern or allegation will be reported to the Tyneside Fiddle Alliance Coordinator (fiddle.alliance@gmail.com), who will ensure that appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed.

If a safeguarding concern arises during, or in relation to, meetings or performances held at St George’s Church Hall or St George’s Church, the Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) for St George’s Church will be informed within 24 hours of any safeguarding concern or allegation, together with contact details for the individual within Tyneside Fiddle Alliance who is managing the matter.

The Parish Safeguarding Officer for St George’s Church is Dr Graham Rutt (07555 943390), and the Deputy Safeguarding Officer is Sophie Leach. They can also be contacted at safeguarding@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk

Tyneside Fiddle Alliance holds Public Liability Insurance covering all its activities, both at St George’s and at other venues.