Policies – Liverpool Theatre School

Equality and Diversity Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide diversity and equality to all in musical theatre training, irrespective of their gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, nationality, sexuality, religion or belief, marital status and social class. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

All students and teaching faculty members will be treated fairly and equally. Selection for promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. All students and tutors will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential.

Our commitment:

Every student/tutor is entitled to a working environment which, promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
The commitment to diversity and equality in the workplace is good management practice and makes sound business sense.
Breaches of our diversity and equality policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.
This policy is fully supported by the Principal.
The policy will be monitored and reviewed annually.

The Law

This policy will be implemented within the framework of the relevant legislation, which includes:

Equal Pay Act 1970 (Equal Value Amendment 1984)
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Gender Reassignment Regulations 1999)
Race Relations Act 1976
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
Race Relations Act 1976 (Amendment) Regulations 2003
Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
Disability Discrimination Act 2005
Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

Introduction

It is L.T.S. policy to ensure a safe working environment at all times during the delivery of programmes. L.T.S will ensure that teachers and students are kept up to date with health and safety issues.
L.T.S will be mindful of the following issues:
Working Environment – The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and other laws require organisations to provide high safety standards and for those working within these organisations to work at all times in a safe way.
Equipment, Materials and Safe Practice. – All L.T.S items will comply with current good practice and procedures.
Contractual Controls – Fire equipment, pest control and building signs will comply with relevant legislation and codes of practice.
Staff Competences – L.T.S will have an identified person responsible for H+S as part of the organisation. First aiders will also be professionally qualified. In addition the teaching faculty will have as part of its staff development process an awareness element built in for health and safety.
Job descriptions will include relevant reference to health and safety roles where applicable.
The Principal of L.T.S will be a member of Dance UK and the Dance UK Dancers’ Charter, warm up, cool down and stretch exercises will be made known to all students. Fact sheets are available from the library and nutrition and fitness sessions are held within the timetable.

Student training

Teachers will need to comply with good practice in performance training including the use of warm ups and cool downs in all relevant activities
Students must play their part, for accidents often occur simply because someone has taken health and safety too casually or made an unnecessary mistake.
Students are expected to exercise self responsibility for their own health and safety.

Reporting procedures, Monitoring

Reporting procedures will relate to accidents, fire and evacuation and management reviews. Fire and evacuation drills will be undertaken on an annual basis as a minimum

Legislation

L.T.S will comply with external agency requirements and with health and safety legislation where it impacts upon L.T.S.

Risk assessment

Risk Assessment will form part of the annual review of L.T.S management reviews and will be undertaken by the faculty (both teaching and administration). Traditionally health and safety has focused on internal work issues but both these and increasingly external factors are being brought to bear on health and safety.
L.T.S will strive to remain updated on risk and prevent management.

Management

The Principal is responsible for compliance with legislation, implementing relevant codes of practice and overall review.
Emergency management– The Principal will assume control of communications in the event of an emergency and this role will be undertaken by the Course Director in her absence

SAFEGUARDING POLICY AND GUIDANCE

Introduction

LTS has a designated Safeguarding lead, Patricia Allford, (PA) who has overall responsibility for the safeguarding of children and adults at risk at LTS. If they feel there is concern they will take it to the Principal and if necessary they will take it further and contact the local authority, (or LADO) and make a report. For less serious incidents the school may carry out their own internal investigation and apply their own behavioural policy. This can include applying disciplinary sanctions to the person who carried out the act.

There is statutory guidance available titled Keeping Children Safe in Education is on the staff and student google drive. (Appendix A) is for staff which includes a lengthy section on child-on-child sexual violence and sexual harassment which is also on the staff google drive and a copy will be sent to all staff. During recruitment this will be highlighted further.

The following advice applies to Liverpool Theatre School.

This information covers how we should work to prevent sexual harassment/violence and how to respond when incidents of sexual harassment/violence occur.

Definitions

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment refers to unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that can occur online and offline and both inside and outside of school. This includes:

Sexual comments

Sexual “jokes” or taunting

Physical behaviour

Online sexual harassment

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence refers to an act which would be considered a sexual offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. This includes:

Rape

Assault by Penetration

Sexual Assault

Causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent

School Duties

Schools have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Liverpool Theatre School must have regard to the government guidance on Working Together to Safeguard Children. Keeping Children Safe in Education

Anyone with concern about a child or an adult at risk should contact the designated safeguarding lead (PA) for advice.

Liverpool Theatre School acknowledges and accepts it has a duty of care for the wellbeing and safety of all teachers, children and adults at risk who are under the school’s care or using the school’s facilities whilst on a training course at LTS.

It is the duty of all adults working at the school to safeguard the welfare of children and adults at risk by creating an environment that protects them from harm.

The welfare of a child or adult at risk is paramount.

Definitions

A “child” is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

An “adult at risk” is defined as anyone aged 18 or over who is, or may be unable to take care of him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.

Aims and key principles

Aims

To safeguard all children and adults at risk who interact with LTS
To demonstrate best practice in the area of safeguarding children and adults at risk
To develop a positive and proactive welfare programme to enable all children and adults at risk to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment where they are respected and listened to.
To promote high ethical standards throughout the organisation
To promote British Values at every level, as referenced in Department for Education advice – Improving the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils.( November 2014).
To protect all our pupils from all forms of abuse.
To enable pupils to feel confident in all situations.
To enable pupils to approach adults about matters of concern to them.
To encourage open communication and good listening.
To prevent children and adults at risk from being drawn into terrorism related activity and ensure they are given guidance and support in line with “The Prevent Duty” as set out in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
To educate all about online safety as per our social media policy

Principles

The child and/or adults at risk welfare are, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
All children and adults at risk have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual identity
All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to efficiently and appropriately
To encourage parents and other members of the child and/or adults at risk family to be involved in a relationship with LTS
To ensure that any teachers, parents and other adults who come into contact with children and adults at risk provide good models of behaviour.
To educate students about British Values and The Prevent Duty

Safeguarding children and adults at risk

Recruitment

As part of LTS procedures anyone involved in working with children and/or adults at risk are subject to a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) disclosure and appropriate references.

Gifts

From time to time gifts may be given as tokens of appreciation to teachers. This is perfectly acceptable. Children and adults at risk who wish to give teachers more frequent gifts should be strongly discouraged from so doing by the safeguarding officer.

Similarly teachers should not give gifts to children or adults at risk as this may be perceived that a favour of some kind is expected in return.

Any rewards to children and adults at risk must be part of a structured open reward system and not based on favouritism.

Use of images

Children and adults at risk will not have their photograph taken without parental / guardian consent.

Children who are under a court order will not have their pictures published in any LTS document.

No images will be accompanied by personal details such as school or home address.

Storage of images will be with LTS or with LTS photographer.

LTS should obtain this consent at the start of the course/programme.

Transport

All teachers are strongly advised not to take children or adults at risk on journeys alone.

Medical

LTS has a qualified first aid person Patricia Allford on site during main working hours.

No students will be given medical treatment.

All students will be given information of where treatment is available.

Those requiring frequent medication will be able to self-medicate or LTS will have an agreed medication statement from parent /guardian.

Guidelines in the event of concern

Child abuse and neglect are generic terms encompassing all ill treatment of children and adults at risk as well as cases where the standard of care does not adequately support the individual’s health or development.

Children and adults at risk may be abused or suffer neglect through the infliction of harm, or through the failure to act to prevent harm. Abuse may occur in a family or an institutional or community setting.

The perpetrator may or may not be known to the child or adult at risk.

Recognition – signs of abuse

Should you have any concern please notify the designated Safeguarding Lead (PA)

Physical abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm.

It also includes feigning symptoms of, or deliberately causing ill health to a child or an adult at risk.

Physical abuse can be caused through omission or the failure to act to protect.

Sexual abuse

This involves forcing or enticing a child or adult at risk to take part in sexual activities whether or not the individual is aware of, or consents to, what is happening.

The activities any include physical contact, including penetrative acts such as rape, buggery or oral sex or non penetrative acts such as fondling.

Sexual abuse may also include non-contact activities, such as involving a child or adult at risk in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities or encouraging the child or adult at risk to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet basic physical and/or psychological needs. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, basic emotional needs.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment such as causing severe and persistent adverse effects of emotional development. It may involve making a child or adult at risk feel that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of the other person.

Bullying

Bullying may be physical, verbal and emotional.

Responding to a report or suspicion

Contact the safeguarding officer as early as possible or where immediate support and response is required use the following guidelines-

Do:

Treat any allegations extremely seriously and act at all times towards a child or adult at risk as if you believe what they are saying.
Tell the child/adult at risk they are right to tell you
Reassure them that they are not to blame
Be honest about your own position, who you have to tell and why
Tell the child/adult at risk what you are doing and when, and keep them up to date with what is happening
Take further action- you may be the only person in a position to prevent future abuse
Write down everything said and what was done
Seek medical attention if necessary
Inform parents/carers unless there is suspicion of their involvement

Don’t

Make promises you cannot keep
Interrogate the child/adult at risk- it is not your job to carry out an investigation-this will be up to the police and social services, organisations which have experience in this.
Cast doubt on what the child/ adult at risk has told you, don’t interrupt or change the subject
Say anything that makes the child/adult at risk feel responsible for the abuse.

Doing nothing is not an option; it is your responsibility to act

Recording allegations or suspicions

LTS safeguarding officer will contact the authorities (LADO or Children’s Services) to make a report if they feel a referral is necessary. The services will ask for a written factual statement from the person making the report.

If the report involves a serious allegation about someone working at LTS that person will also be asked to write a report by LADO

Any notes or reports for a child/adult at risk should be reported in their own words. Such reports should be confined to facts and should not include opinion, interpretation or judgement.

The two people who oversee and manage allegations in Liverpool are: Catherine Ballans, LADO & Risk Manager: Tel: 0771 670 2034, Pauline Trubshaw, LADO: Tel: 0784 172 7309 All referrals should be sent by email to the LADO at lado@liverpool.gov.uk

Confidentiality

There is no guarantee of confidentiality for a child/adult at risk but this does not mean that the parents have to be told. Such matters are confidential on a need to know basis.

A child/adult at risk should never be pressurised to give information or show physical marks unless they do so willingly.

If a child/adult at risk chooses to show markings to an individual two people should be present.

Laws related to Safeguarding

Children act 1989
Police act 1997
Data protection act 1998
Human rights act 1998 + UN convention on rights of the child
Protection of children act 1999
Criminal justice and court services act 2000
Learning and skills act 2000
Education act 2002
Sexual offences act 2003
Children act 2004
The police act 1997 Chapter V: Certification of Criminal records section 112 Code of practice
The police act (Criminal records) (Registration) Regulations 2005
POCA – Protection of children act 2001
POVA – Protection of Vulnerable Adults Act 2001
Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders Act 1974
Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders Act 1975 (Exempt questions)
Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Equal opportunities legislation

Prevent Policy

Prevent Lead – Adam Douglas

Preventing violent and non-violent extremism and radicalisation

The purpose of this policy is to:

Ensure an awareness of Prevent within LTS Keeping Children Safe in Education

Provide a clear framework to structure and inform our response to safeguarding concerns, including a supportive referral process for those who may be susceptible to the messages of extremism

Embed British Values into the curriculum and ways of working

Recognise current practice which contributes to the Prevent agenda.

Policy Summary

Our commitment to meeting the Prevent Duty can be summarised as follows:

P – Promotion of Equality and Diversity and positive relationships between staff and students

R – Referral of any concerns via Safeguarding staff to relevant authorities

E – Embedding British Values and education for students on all courses

V – Vetting guest speakers and removal of any posters or other materials of an extremist nature

E – Environment – a safe and secure site with CCTV, sufficient security procedures and online filters

N – News monitoring for any concerns in the locality

T – Training of staff to raise awareness of the signs and risks

Who does this policy apply to?

The Prevent Policy applies to everyone working at or attending Liverpool Theatre School. It confers responsibilities to, Teachers, students, visitors, consultants and those working under self-employed arrangements.

Policy Statement

The aim of the Prevent Policy is to create and maintain a safe, healthy and supportive learning and working environment for our students, teachers and visitors alike. We recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for students. We further recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views we are failing to protect our students from potential harm. As such the Prevent agenda, will be addressed as a safeguarding concern.

Liverpool Theatre School has adopted the Prevent Duty in accordance with legislative requirements. However, we will endeavour to incorporate the relevant duties so as not to:

(a) Stifle legitimate discussions, debate or student engagement activities in the local community; or

(b) Stereotype, label or single out individuals based on their origins, ethnicity, faith and beliefs or any other characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010.

Why do we need this policy?

Background information

Prevent is one of 4 strands of the Government’s counter terrorism strategy – CONTEST. The UK currently faces a range of terrorist threats. Terrorist groups who pose a threat to the UK seek to radicalise and recruit people to their cause. Therefore early intervention is at the heart of Prevent which aims to divert people away from being drawn into terrorist activity.

Prevent happens before any criminal activity takes place by recognising, supporting and protecting people who might be susceptible to radicalisation.

Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views.

Provide practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and violent extremism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support.

Work with a wide range of sectors where there are risks of radicalisation which needs to be addressed, including education, criminal justice, faith, the internet and health.

The Government has created a system of ‘threat level’ which represents the likelihood of a terrorist attack in the near future. The current threat level from international terrorism in the UK is severe, which means that a terrorist attack is highly likely.

Our Prevent Policy has five key objectives:

To promote and reinforce shared values, including British Values1; to create space for free and open debate; and to listen and support the learner voice.
To breakdown segregation among different student communities including by supporting inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue and understanding; and to engage all students in playing a full and active role in wider engagement in society.
To ensure student safety and that the College is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
To provide support for students who may be at risk of radicalisation, and appropriate sources of advice and guidance.
To ensure that students and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in preventing violent and non-violent extremism.

Definitions

The following are commonly agreed definitions within the Prevent agenda:

An ideology is a set of beliefs.
Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism that may lead to terrorism.
Safeguarding is the process of protecting vulnerable people, whether from crime, other forms of abuse or from being drawn into terrorism-related activity.
Terrorism is an action that endangers or causes serious violence, damage or disruption and is intended to influence the government or to intimidate the public and is made with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological.
Vulnerability describes factors and characteristics associated with being susceptible to radicalisation.
Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, Individual and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

1 British Values are detailed within the Prevent Duty and include democracy, the rule of law, Individual and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Aims

Leadership and Values

To create and maintain a College ethos that upholds core values of shared responsibility and wellbeing for all students, staff and visitors whilst promoting respect, equality and diversity and understanding.

This will be achieved through:

Promoting core values of respect, equality and diversity, democratic society, learner voice and participation.
Building teacher and student understanding of the issues and confidence to deal with them through mandatory staff training, specialist tutorials, awareness campaigns and community engagement activities.
Deepening engagement with local communities and faith groups.

Actively working with the North West Prevent Group which includes representation from Police, Local Authorities, Health, Education, Probation, and Fire & Rescue services.

Teaching and Learning

To provide a curriculum that promotes British Values, knowledge, skills and understanding, to build the resilience of students by undermining extremist ideology and supporting the learner voice.

This will be achieved through:

Embedding British Values, equality, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and community cohesion throughout the curriculum.
Promoting wider skills development such as social and emotional aspects of learning.

A curriculum adapted to recognise local needs, challenge extremist narratives and promote universal rights.

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies that explore controversial issues in a way that promotes critical analysis and pro-social values.
Use of external programmes or groups to support learning while ensuring that the input supports College goals and values.
Encouraging active citizenship and learner voice.

Student Support

To ensure that staff take preventative and responsive steps, working with partner professionals, families and communities.

This will be achieved through:

Strong, effective and responsive student support services.
Developing strong community links and being aware of what is happening in the locality, including within the College’s own community.
Implementing anti-bullying strategies and challenging discriminatory behaviour.
Recognising factors that may increase risk to a student, i.e. vulnerability, disadvantage or hardship, and implementing early risk management strategies.
Ensuring that students and staff know how to access support in College and/or via community partners.
Supporting students with problem solving and repair of harm.
Supporting ‘at risk’ students through safeguarding and crime prevention processes.

Focusing on narrowing the attainment gap between the different groups of students.

 Working collaboratively to promote support for students across all areas of the College, including those students in off-site provision.

Roles and responsibilities

Whilst this is a standalone policy, it is integral to our Safeguarding Policy and should be applied as an extension to the College’s current and established safeguarding procedures.

The Course Director has undertaken training in the Prevent Duty;
all College staff are aware of when it is appropriate to refer concerns about students, learners or colleagues to the Safeguarding Officer;
all College staff exemplify British Values into their values;
policies and procedures to implement the Prevent Duty are in place and acted on where appropriate.

Prevent Lead for the College

Our Course Director is the Prevent Lead, with responsibility for ensuring that our Prevent Strategy is implemented across the school and that any concerns are shared with the relevant organisations, in order to minimise the risk of our students becoming involved with terrorism.

All Staff

All staff at the College have a responsibility to:

create and support an ethos that upholds the College’s mission, vision and values including British Values, to create an environment of respect, equality and diversity and inclusion;
attend Prevent training in order to have the skills to recognise those who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, involved in violent or non-violent extremism, and to know the appropriate action to take if they have concerns;
report any concerns around extremism or radicalisation via the safeguarding reporting channels;
report and remove any literature displayed around the College that could cause offense or promote extremist views;

Managing Risks and Responding to Events

The College will ensure that it monitors risks and is ready to deal appropriately with issues which arise through the following:

Understanding the nature of threat from violent extremism and how this may impact directly and indirectly on the College.

Identifying, understanding and managing potential risks within the College from external influences.

Responding appropriately to events reported via local, national or international news that may impact on students and communities.

Ensuring plans are in place to minimise the potential for acts of violent or non-violent extremism within the College.

Ensuring measures are in place to respond appropriately to a threat or incident within the College.

Continuously developing effective ICT security and responsible user policies.

Ensuring compliance with related policies.

(SEE PREVENT RISK ASSESSMENT)

Who needs to understand this policy and how will they know about it?

Prevent awareness for all College staff, students is mandatory and will be delivered by the following methods:

Who?

How?

Students

Management Team

All Staff

Prevent awareness included in student induction sessions and in the Student Handbook. Information about Prevent delivered through tutorials and resources.

Updated February 2024

Review due July 2024

PASTORAL SUPPORT POLICY

Responsibilities

The Principal is responsible for allocating subject and personal tutors to the students on an annual basis. The allocation of tutors / students will take place before the start of the academic year. The schedule and frequency for review meetings rests with the Course Director.

Each student should be allocated one meeting per term as a minimum. Pastoral tutors should complete the relevant review sheet at review meetings with students.

The reviews and reports should be filed in the Course Director’s Office.

The range of activities within the pastoral framework is extensive and L.T.S tutors should at all times attempt to be sensitive the personal needs of the students and the communication pathways required to give support appropriately and timely.

Entitlement

All students studying full time at L.T.S are entitled to a personal tutor in addition to their range of subject specialist tutors. It may be the same person fulfilling both roles

Support

All personal tutors will be available to students upon request at mutually convenient times.

Confidentiality: Tutors and students exchange information that can often be extremely sensitive at the personal level. Such information must be handled sensitively and professionally.

Tutors should be aware that advice on medical matters, sexual relationships / activities and finance are all possibly subject to legal proceedings where advice is inappropriate.

Tutors are therefore advised to use extreme caution if involved in the above areas.

On no account is medication to be offered to students.

In the event of abuse disclosure / allegations tutors must not be judgemental. Listen and thereafter report to the authorities. This is a legal requirement, and written evidence may later be requested by the court for judicial purposes. All tutors are advised to be familiar and refer to the L.T.S Safeguarding Policy.

External Agency support

L.T.S will comply with external agency support systems and obligations where appropriate and support student applications for resources for disabilities.

Curriculum

All students will be reviewed termly to assess subject / skills based developments. Student progress will be monitored and tutors informed where relevant by the course managers on when and if further action / information is needed.

Emergency services

All students will be provided with the students support information details about emergency services in the area at induction.

Careers

In addition to the teaching faculty supporting students through their pastoral role students are also provided with curriculum time for personal and professional development issues.

Medical attention

Students requiring medical attention should be directed to the L.T.S First Aider, Miss P. Allford as soon as possible.

Students requiring medical aid beyond that offered within first aid should be referred to the student’s own doctor, physiotherapist/osteopathic consultants (via the Course Director) or to an appropriate medical service.

Emergency number / services are updated annually.

“WHISTLEBLOWING” POLICY (Making a Disclosure in the Public Interest)

Introduction

Liverpool Theatre School is committed to the highest standards of openness, probity and accountability.

An important aspect of accountability and transparency is a mechanism to enable teachers and students to voice concerns in a responsible and effective manner. It is a fundamental term that every teacher will not disclose confidential information about the Liverpool Theatre School. Nevertheless, where an individual discovers information which they believe shows serious malpractice or wrongdoing within the organisation then this information should be disclosed internally without fear of reprisal, and there should be arrangements to enable this to be done independently of line management (although in relatively minor instances the line manager would be the appropriate person to be told).

The Public Interest Disclosure Act, which came into effect in 1999, gives legal protection to employees against being dismissed or penalised by their employers as a result of publicly disclosing certain serious concerns. The company has endorsed the provisions set out below so as to ensure that no teacher should feel at a disadvantage in raising legitimate concerns.

It should be emphasised that this policy is intended to assist individuals who believe they have discovered malpractice or impropriety. It is not designed to question financial or business decisions taken by the Company nor should it be used to reconsider any matters, which have already been addressed under harassment, complaint, disciplinary or other procedures. Once the “whistleblowing” procedures are in place, it is reasonable to expect teachers to use them rather than air their complaints outside the company.

Scope of Policy

This policy is designed to enable teachers/students of Liverpool Theatre School to raise concerns internally and at a high level and to disclose information, which, the individual believes shows malpractice or impropriety. This policy is intended to cover concerns, which are in the public interest and may at least initially be investigated separately but might then lead to the invocation of other procedures e.g. disciplinary. These concerns could include

Financial malpractice or impropriety or fraud
Failure to comply with a legal obligation or statutes
Dangers to Health & Safety or the environment
Criminal activity
Improper conduct or unethical behaviour
Attempts to conceal any of these

Safeguards

i. Protection

This policy is designed to offer protection to teachers/students of Liverpool Theatre School who disclose such concerns provided the disclosure is made:

in good faith
in the reasonable belief of the individual making the disclosure that it tends to show malpractice or impropriety and if they make the disclosure to an appropriate person (see below). It is important to note that no protection from internal disciplinary procedures is offered to those who choose not to use the procedure. In an extreme case malicious or wild allegations could give rise to legal action on the part of the persons complained about.

Confidentiality
Liverpool Theatre School will treat all such disclosures in a confidential and sensitive manner. The identity of the individual making the allegation may be kept confidential so long as it does not hinder or frustrate any investigation. However, the investigation process may reveal the source of the information and the individual making the disclosure may need to provide a statement as part of the evidence required.

iii. Anonymous Allegations
This policy encourages individuals to put their name to any disclosures they make. Concerns expressed anonymously are much less credible, but they may be considered at the discretion of the Principal.

In exercising this discretion, the factors to be taken into account will include:

The seriousness of the issues raised
The credibility of the concern
The likelihood of confirming the allegation from attributable sources

Untrue Allegations

If an individual makes an allegation in good faith, which is not confirmed by subsequent investigation, no action will be taken against that individual. In making a disclosure the individual should exercise due care to ensure the accuracy of the information. If, however, an individual makes malicious or vexatious allegations, and particularly if he or she persists with making them, disciplinary action may be taken against that individual

Procedures for Making a Disclosure

On receipt of a complaint of malpractice, the teacher/student who receives and takes note of the complaint, must pass this information as soon as is reasonably possible, to the appropriate designated investigating officer as follows:

Complaints of malpractice will be investigated by the Course Director unless the complaint is against the Course Director or is in any way related to the actions of the Course Director. In such cases, the complaint should be passed to the Principal for referral.
In the case of a complaint, which is any way connected with but not against the Course Director, the Principal will nominate a Senior Manager to act as the alternative investigating officer.
Complaints against the Principal should be passed to the Course Director who will nominate an appropriate investigating officer.
The complainant has the right to bypass the line management structure and take their complaint direct to the Principal. The Principal has the right to refer the complaint back to management if he/she feels that the management without any conflict of interest can more appropriately investigate the complaint.

If there is evidence of criminal activity then the investigating officer should inform the police. The company will ensure that any internal investigation does not hinder a formal police investigation.

Timescales

Due to the varied nature of these sorts of complaints, which may involve internal investigators and / or the police, it is not possible to lay down precise timescales for such investigations. The investigating officer should ensure that the investigations are undertaken as quickly as possible without affecting the quality and depth of those investigations.

The investigating officer, should as soon as practically possible, send a written acknowledgement of the concern to the complainant and thereafter report back to them in writing the outcome of the investigation and on the action that is proposed. If the investigation is a prolonged one, the investigating officer should keep the complainant informed, in writing, as to the progress of the investigation and as to when it is likely to be concluded.

All responses to the complainant should be in writing and sent to their home address.

Investigating Procedure

The investigating officer should follow these steps:

Full details and clarifications of the complaint should be obtained.
The investigating officer should inform the teacher/student against whom the complaint is made as soon as is practically possible. The teacher/student will be informed of their right to be accompanied by a representative at any future interview or hearing held under the provision of these procedures.
The investigating officer should consider the involvement of the company auditors and the Police at this stage and should consult with the Principal
The allegations should be fully investigated by the investigating officer with the assistance where appropriate, of other individuals / bodies.
A judgement concerning the complaint and validity of the complaint will be made by the investigating officer. This judgement will be detailed in a written report containing the findings of the investigations and reasons for the judgement. The report will be passed to the Principal.
The Principal will decide what action to take. If the complaint is shown to be justified, then they will invoke the disciplinary or other appropriate company procedures.
The complainant should be kept informed of the progress of the investigations and, if appropriate, of the final outcome.
If appropriate, a copy of the outcomes will be passed to the company auditors to enable a review of the procedures.

If the complainant is not satisfied that their concern is being properly dealt with by the investigating officer, they have the right to raise it in confidence with the Principal, or one of the designated persons described above.

If the investigation finds the allegations unsubstantiated and all internal procedures have been exhausted, but the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation, Liverpool Theatre School recognises the lawful rights of teachers/students to make disclosures to prescribed persons (such as the Health and Safety Executive, the Audit Commission, or the EFA), or, where justified, elsewhere.

QUALITY ASSURANCE POLICY

As an organisation committed to reaching the highest standards of operation, Liverpool Theatre School and college’s policy is to implement a Quality Assurance Programme to underpin these processes.

The key areas of Quality Assurance are both internally and externally monitored: –

Students training programmes: –

External Monitoring
nationally accredited via the relevant awarding body

Internal Monitoring
Course review, student review, staff review

LTSC operations and systems:-

Internal monitoring
Both teaching and support services comply with external agency requirements and standards where such are defined
L.T.S sustains a maintenance and update of procedures in its processes which includes induction, teaching and lesson planning, business and management planning, health and safety, equal opportunities, student attainment levels and destinations

Staff Development: –

Internal monitoring
available to all staff. All staff have professional development meetings with their line manager

K. legislation and codes of practice:-

Internal monitoring
where applicable to education and training centres within the performing arts sector e.g auditions

External Inspection

Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) and Ofsted have both been involved in externally evaluating L.T.S

Quality assurance operation

Responsibility

The Principal is responsible for monitoring the QA operations within L.T.S

External Agencies

L.T.S will comply with all external agency requirements to deliver nationally funded programmes

Reviews

L.T.S will review all QA operations on an annual basis as a minimum
The QA Officer will consult with appropriate staff and students to update QA systems
Self assessment reviews will be conducted by the Course manager, Musical Theatre and the QA Officer throughout the year

QA Manual

A copy of the Quality assurance manual / documentation is available in the staff room at all times – staff are requested to return the copies to the manual should they require them for photocopying

Communications

The QA Officer and where appropriate the Course managers will report all QA update requirements to the Principal. Amendments to systems will be communicated via the Course Manager or QA Officer where appropriate to relevant staff

The above activities are designed to assist a continuous improvement in Liverpool Theatre School and College operations.

Quality

What is quality

Defined as “The degree to which we not only meet but also exceed the needs and expectations of our service users.”

In education service users may be interpreted to include employers, schools, parents and Government agencies, but for the most part it is students who are our main consideration.

Why do we need Quality assurance systems

Four main reasons

To assist and ensure that the learning experience of our students is effective and enjoyable

To ensure we meet targets and objectives.

To secure our future survival. L.T.S operates in a highly competitive and changing market. The success of L.T.S compared with another is based on the perceived quality of the services provided.

To secure future funding. Funding is dependent on evidence of an effective quality system and on the efficient development and use of resources.

Staff (teaching and support), students and management will have a view on their own personal priority.

L.T.S is now a member of the highest quality provision group in the public sector due to the contribution of all to the various above reasons.

L.T.S is now charged with the task of remaining in that group to allow the students to continue to benefit

Data Protection and Security Policy

Introduction

Liverpool Theatre School is required to maintain certain personal data about living individuals for the purposes of satisfying operational and legal obligations. Liverpool Theatre School recognises the importance of the correct and lawful treatment of personal data; it maintains confidence in the organisation and provides for successful operations.

The types of personal data that Liverpool Theatre School may require include information about current, past and prospective students and teachers; suppliers and others with whom it communicates. This personal data, whether it is held on paper, on computer or other media, will be subject to the appropriate legal safeguards as specified in the Data Protection Act 1998.

Liverpool Theatre School fully endorses and adheres to the eight principles of the Data Protection Act. These principles specify the legal conditions that must be satisfied in relation to obtaining, handling, processing, transportation and storage of personal data. Teachers and any others who obtain, handle, process, transport and store personal data for the company must adhere to these principles.

Principles

The principles require that personal data shall:

Be processed fairly and lawfully and shall not be processed unless certain conditions are met;

Be obtained for a specified and lawful purpose and shall not be processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose;

Be adequate, relevant and not excessive for those purposes;

Be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date;

Not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose;

Be processed in accordance with the data subject’s rights;

Be kept secure from unauthorised or unlawful processing and protected against accidental loss, destruction or damage by using the appropriate technical and organisational measures;

Not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area, unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal data.

Satisfaction of principles

In order to meet the requirements of the principles, Liverpool Theatre School will:

observe fully the conditions regarding the fair collection and use of personal data;

meet its obligations to specify the purposes for which personal data is used;

collect and process appropriate personal data only to the extent that it is needed to fulfil operational or any legal requirements;

ensure the quality of personal data used;

apply strict checks to determine the length of time personal data is held;

ensure that the rights of individuals about whom the personal data is held, can be fully exercised under the Act;

take the appropriate technical and organisational security measures to safeguard personal data;

ensure that personal data is not transferred abroad without suitable safeguards.

Liverpool Theatre School’s Designated Data Controller

The Principal is the Information Compliance Manager and responsible for ensuring the implementation and compliance with the Data Protection Act. Any questions or concerns about the interpretation or operation of this policy should be taken up in the first instance with the Principal.

Status of the Policy

This policy has been approved by the Principal and any breach will be taken seriously and may result in formal action.

Any student/teacher who considers that the policy has not been followed in respect of personal data about themselves should raise the matter with their head of department or the Principal.

Subject Access

All individuals who are the subject of personal data held by Liverpool Theatre School are entitled to:

ask what information the Company holds about them and why.
ask how to gain access to it.
be informed how to keep it up to date.
be informed what the Company is doing to comply with its obligations under the 1998 Data Protection Act.

Student/Teacher/Administration Responsibilities

All student/teachers/administration are responsible for:

Checking that any personal data that they provide to Liverpool Theatre School is accurate and up to date.

Informing Liverpool Theatre School of any changes to information which they have provided, e.g. changes of address.

Checking any information that Liverpool Theatre School may send out from time to time, giving details of information that is being kept and processed.

If, as part of their responsibilities, teachers collect information about students (e.g. about personal circumstances, or about other teachers in the company), they must comply with the policy.

Data Security

Liverpool Theatre School retains student/teacher data in a designated secure / locked area. The need to ensure that data is kept securely means that precautions must be taken against physical loss or damage, and that both access and disclosure must be restricted. Access is only available through the Course Director or Safeguarding Officer. All teachers are responsible for ensuring that:

Any personal data which they hold is kept securely

Personal information is not disclosed either orally or in writing or otherwise to any unauthorised third party.

Rights to Access Information

Students and teachers and other subjects of personal data held by Liverpool Theatre School have the right to access any personal data that is being kept about them on computer and also have access to paper-based data held in certain manual filing systems. This right is subject to certain exemptions which are set out in the Data Protection Act. Any person who wishes to exercise this right should make the request in writing to Liverpool Theatre School Information Compliance Manager. (Principal)

Liverpool Theatre School reserves the right to charge the maximum fee payable for each subject access request. If personal details are inaccurate, they can be amended upon request.

Liverpool Theatre School aims to comply with requests for access to personal information as quickly as possible, but will ensure that it is provided within 40 days of a written request, unless there is good reason for delay. In such cases, the reason for delay will be explained in writing to the individual making the request.

Publication of Company Information

Information that is already in the public domain is exempt from the 1998 Act. This would include, for example, information on staff contained within externally circulated publications such as the website and prospectus. Any individual who has good reason for wishing details in such publications to remain confidential should contact the Course Director.

Subject Consent

The need to process data for normal purposes has been communicated to all data subjects. In some cases, if the data is sensitive, for example information about health, race or gender, express consent to process the data must be obtained. Processing may be necessary to operate company policies, such as health and safety and equal opportunities.

Retention of Data

Liverpool Theatre School will keep some forms of information for longer than others. All teachers are responsible for ensuring that information is not kept for longer than necessary.