By Raymond Simonson, JW3
Although we pride ourselves at JW3 as having built in excellent safeguarding policies, procedures and training from even before we opened our doors for the first time four years ago, we’re always striving for continual improvement in this area, and to demonstrate “best practice” as much as possible. During 2017 we have carried out a full review of both our child/young person policies, and our vulnerable adult policies, and have upgraded and amended them based on professional advice from senior safeguarding expert advisors.
We have ensured that every single member of the JW3 staff – whether they be part of the Senior Leadership Team, Finance Team, Box Office or Programmers – participates in a basic training session conducted by our Safeguarding Lead at least once a year; and have recently conducted a full day of more intensive training for 10 staff across our Programming Team, Box Office/Front of House, Duty Managers, and even one of our Trustees who has a particular responsibility towards one of our young people projects. And for the first time we have begun to report regularly to our Board of Trustees on any safeguarding issues or concerns, so that they are kept in the loop and understand the importance of this topic. Over the coming year we will continue to prioritise this area of JW3’s practices as we aim to keep moving from good to great.