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Child Safeguarding Statement Music West

Music West is an umbrella organisation for Mayo Concert Orchestra, Mayo Youth Orchestra, Castlebar Concert band and Castlebar Junior Band, High Flyers Community Orchestra and Music West Big Band. As such it provides music lessons (individual and group) for adults and for children and young people up to 18 years of age, located in Unit 19, Castlebar retail park, Breaffy road, F23F510. Music West is also responsible for the welfare of musicians up to 18 years of age who participate in Mayo Concert Orchestra, Mayo Youth Orchestra, Castlebar Concert band and Castlebar Junior Band and Community Orchestra activities as members. These activities include weekly rehearsals in the above location, performing at other locations within the country and participation in musical activities outside of the country. In line with our inclusive ethos, adults with specific vulnerabilities may also participate in classes and music groups under Music West.

  1. In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, and Túsla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the committee of Music West has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.The committee has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement.
  2. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Zane Kazotniece
  3. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Siobhán Gallagher                              

The committee recognises that child/vulnerable adult protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of the activities it provides to its members and must be reflected in all of the organisation’s policies, procedures, practices and activities. In its policies, procedures, practices and activities, Music West will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child/vulnerable adult protection and welfare:

Music West will:

  • recognise that the protection and welfare of children/vulnerable adults is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations;
  • fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and other relevant legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children;
  • fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters;
  • adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children/vulnerable adults and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect;
  • develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the musical activities of their children;
  • fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child/vulnerable adult protection matters.

The following procedures/measures are in place:

  • In relation to any member or personnel who is the subject of any investigation (howsoever described) in respect of any act, omission or circumstance in respect of a child/vulnerable adult attending Music West activities, the organisation adheres to the relevant procedures set out in the Children First National Guidance (2017) and to the relevant agreed disciplinary procedures for personnel which are published on the TUSLA website.
  • In relation to the selection or recruitment of personnel and their suitability to work with children/vulnerable adults, the organisation adheres to the statutory vetting requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and to the wider duty of care guidance set out in relevant Garda vetting and recruitment procedures.
  • In relation to the provision of information and, where necessary, instruction and training, to staff in respect of the identification of the occurrence of harm (as defined in the 2015 Act) the committee:
    • has provided each member of personnel with a copy of the organisation’s Child Safeguarding Statement
    • ensures all new personnel are provided with a copy of the organisation’s Child Safeguarding Statement
    • encourages personnel to avail of relevant training
    • encourages committee members to avail of relevant training
    • The committee maintains records of all personnel and committee member training
  • In relation to reporting of child protection concerns to Túsla, all personnel are required to adhere to the procedures set out in the Children First National Guidance 2017, under the Children First Act 2015.
  • In this organisation, the committee has appointed Zane Kazotniece as DLP, the ‘relevant person’ (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the child safeguarding statement.
  • In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, Music West committee and personnel have carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while attending Music West lessons or Mayo Youth Orchestra activities. A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified and the organisation’s procedures for managing those risks is attached as an appendix to this statement.
  • The various procedures referred to in this statement can be accessed through Music West.

This statement has been published on the organisation’s website and has been provided to all members of personnel and the Trustees.  It is readily accessible to parents and guardians on request. A copy of this statement will be made available to Túsla if requested. 

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed annually (in September) or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which this statement refers.