Safeguarding Policy
This safeguarding policy outlines the measures in place to ensure the safety, well-being, and protection of all members of Huddersfield Art Society Ltd and visitors.
Huddersfield Art Society Ltd is composed of adult members attending various groups in different locations. There may also be visitors to the groups either those demonstrating or giving a talk, potential members who want to try a session before joining, or models paid to sit for a group.
Day to day management of the society is undertaken the Management Committee. This Management Committee is comprised of the Board who are volunteer members who have been nominated and voted to serve as Directors. The Board delegates some of the management activities and tasks to the Group Leaders and other members who agree to run or co-ordinate short-term activities or events. Together the Board and the Group Leaders make up the Management Committee.
The Society does not actively promote itself as an activity suitable for Children or Vulnerable Adults*. However, there are occasions when Children or Vulnerable Adults participate in group activities (e.g. as a model for the portrait group). On these occasions, Children and Vulnerable Adults must be supervised at all times by the member who has brought them to the activity (nominated as their guardian) or by their parent / guardian who is attending with them.
If the person is attending as a model for the Portrait Group, the parent or guardian must complete the ‘HAS Portrait Model Parental / Guardian Consent and Release Form’ before the sitting – this form gives consent for the Child or Vulnerable Adult to model and outlines the permissions granted in relation to any publications of name and images (photos or paintings) on social media. The completed permission form must be given to the Group Leader who will pass the form to the Board for retention. The parent or guardian may also want to keep a copy for their record.
Children and Vulnerable Adults may not attend the Life Drawing Group which includes the presence of nude models.
The society recognises the need to safeguard any Child or Vulnerable Adult who may attend group sessions and any members who may be classed as Vulnerable Adults.
We will
SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURE
The Designated Safeguarding Officer for Huddersfield Art Society is Mary McKenzie.
Any safeguarding concerns can be raised with the Board of Directors:
Jo Sykes 07841826332
Mary McKenzie 07919457222
Britta Atkinson 07778396994
Overall responsibility for this policy and its implementation lies with the Committee of Huddersfield Art Society Ltd overseen by the Board of Directors.
* Children or Vulnerable Adults are defined as individuals under 18 years old or over 18 years old who have care and support needs, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect as a result of their care and support needs or is unable to protect himself or herself against abuse or neglect or the risk of such actions.
*The HAS Portrait Model Parental / Guardian Consent and Release Form is available on request from the Portrait Group Leader or any member of the Board.
Published December 2025 Reviewed Annually.
This safeguarding policy outlines the measures in place to ensure the safety, well-being, and protection of all members of Huddersfield Art Society Ltd and visitors.
Huddersfield Art Society Ltd is composed of adult members attending various groups in different locations. There may also be visitors to the groups either those demonstrating or giving a talk, potential members who want to try a session before joining, or models paid to sit for a group.
Day to day management of the society is undertaken the Management Committee. This Management Committee is comprised of the Board who are volunteer members who have been nominated and voted to serve as Directors. The Board delegates some of the management activities and tasks to the Group Leaders and other members who agree to run or co-ordinate short-term activities or events. Together the Board and the Group Leaders make up the Management Committee.
The Society does not actively promote itself as an activity suitable for Children or Vulnerable Adults*. However, there are occasions when Children or Vulnerable Adults participate in group activities (e.g. as a model for the portrait group). On these occasions, Children and Vulnerable Adults must be supervised at all times by the member who has brought them to the activity (nominated as their guardian) or by their parent / guardian who is attending with them.
If the person is attending as a model for the Portrait Group, the parent or guardian must complete the ‘HAS Portrait Model Parental / Guardian Consent and Release Form’ before the sitting – this form gives consent for the Child or Vulnerable Adult to model and outlines the permissions granted in relation to any publications of name and images (photos or paintings) on social media. The completed permission form must be given to the Group Leader who will pass the form to the Board for retention. The parent or guardian may also want to keep a copy for their record.
Children and Vulnerable Adults may not attend the Life Drawing Group which includes the presence of nude models.
The society recognises the need to safeguard any Child or Vulnerable Adult who may attend group sessions and any members who may be classed as Vulnerable Adults.
We will
- create a safe and respectful environment where every member, in every group feels valued and secure.
- implement procedures to protect members and visitors from harm, abuse or exploitation
- ensure any personal information held by the Society is handled in confidence and in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR ) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
- ensure that any person under 18 years old who attends a group is supervised by a parent / guardian or nominated responsible adult acting on their behalf at all times.
- appoint a Designated Safeguarding Officer who will act as the main point of contact for any safeguarding concerns, ensure that any safeguarding complaints or concerns are addressed promptly and effectively, if necessary, in liaison with external agencies
- encourage all members to familiarise themselves with this document and to actively contribute to the safety and well-being of our Society community.
SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURE
- All members and visitors are expected to treat all persons associated with Huddersfield Art Society Ltd with respect, to maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as abusive or discriminatory.
- Members should be aware of the signs of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Any concerns or allegations must be taken seriously and reported immediately.
- Any member having a safeguarding concern should contact the designated safeguarding officer directly, giving as much information about the situation as possible.
- The designated safeguarding officer will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action, if necessary contacting Kirklees Safeguarding Board or social services for advice.
- The designated safeguarding officer will document the concern and actions taken as a confidential report to the committee.
The Designated Safeguarding Officer for Huddersfield Art Society is Mary McKenzie.
Any safeguarding concerns can be raised with the Board of Directors:
Jo Sykes 07841826332
Mary McKenzie 07919457222
Britta Atkinson 07778396994
Overall responsibility for this policy and its implementation lies with the Committee of Huddersfield Art Society Ltd overseen by the Board of Directors.
* Children or Vulnerable Adults are defined as individuals under 18 years old or over 18 years old who have care and support needs, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect as a result of their care and support needs or is unable to protect himself or herself against abuse or neglect or the risk of such actions.
*The HAS Portrait Model Parental / Guardian Consent and Release Form is available on request from the Portrait Group Leader or any member of the Board.
Published December 2025 Reviewed Annually.