Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

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On The Mark Youth Theatre (OTMYT)
Last updated: May 2026

OTMYT is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all children and young people involved in our activities. We believe that every child has the right to participate in theatre and the performing arts free from harm, abuse or neglect.

The welfare of the child is paramount in all decisions and activities undertaken by OTMYT.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, freelance practitioners, chaperones and anyone working on behalf of OTMYT.

OTMYT is led by a Principal whose role is to oversee the welfare, safeguarding and smooth running of sessions and productions, while tuition and creative delivery are provided by a specialist production team. This structure ensures that a senior member of staff is always available during activities and performances.

All permanent staff and regular volunteers working with children are required to hold an appropriate Enhanced DBS check and are registered with the DBS Update Service to ensure checks remain current and regularly monitored. OTMYT is committed to safer recruitment practices and maintaining high safeguarding standards across all areas of the organisation.

In addition, all licensed chaperones working with children backstage during performances will hold the appropriate local authority licensing and safeguarding requirements.

OTMYT acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects current legislation, government guidance and best practice.

This policy has been developed with reference to the following legislation and guidance:

• Children Act 1989
• Children Act 2004
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) 2018
• Relevant government safeguarding guidance and local safeguarding procedures

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Janice Craine – Principal

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Simon Phillips – Artistic Director

OTMYT recognises that the welfare and interests of all children are paramount in all circumstances. We aim to ensure that every child and young person, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background:

• has a positive and enjoyable experience at OTMYT in a safe and child-centred environment.
• is protected from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation while participating in OTMYT activities.

OTMYT recognises that some children and young people may be more vulnerable due to additional needs, disabilities, communication differences or personal circumstances, and we are committed to making reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support their safe participation.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, OTMYT will:

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
• work in partnership with children, parents, carers and other agencies where appropriate.
• ensure staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• maintain safer recruitment procedures and appropriate DBS checking processes.
• ensure appropriate action is taken in response to concerns, allegations or disclosures.
• maintain confidential, accurate and secure safeguarding records.
• prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children and young people.
• ensure safeguarding procedures are regularly reviewed and updated.
• ensure staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding guidance and training relevant to their role. 

OTMYT recognises the importance of maintaining appropriate professional boundaries in all communication with children and young people.

Staff and volunteers must communicate with members only through approved organisational channels and in accordance with safeguarding best practice.

If a child or young person discloses information that raises a safeguarding concern, staff, volunteers or production team members should:

• remain calm and supportive.
• listen carefully without judgement.
• allow the child or young person to speak freely.
• avoid asking leading questions.
• not promise confidentiality.
• reassure the child or young person that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
• explain that the information may need to be shared with appropriate people who can help keep them safe.
• make a written record as soon as possible.
• pass the information immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL.

Staff and volunteers should never attempt to investigate safeguarding concerns themselves.

Safeguarding information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis and handled in accordance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation.

OTMYT will maintain confidential, accurate and secure records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken.

This policy applies to everyone involved in OTMYT. Failure to comply with safeguarding procedures or this policy may result in disciplinary action, removal from duties or exclusion from the organisation.

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated:

• annually,
• following significant changes in legislation or guidance,
• following safeguarding incidents or concerns,
• or where operational changes within OTMYT require it.

The most recent version of this policy will always be made available to staff, volunteers, parents and carers.