Safeguarding Procedure for Presenters on Blackpool Community Radio (BCR) — designed to ensure that all presenters, volunteers, and staff operate safely, responsibly, and in accordance with legal and ethical safeguarding standards.
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Blackpool Community Radio – Safeguarding Procedure for Presenters
1. Purpose
This procedure ensures that all presenters, volunteers, and staff at Blackpool Community Radio (BCR) maintain a safe and respectful environment for listeners, guests, and colleagues, with particular protection for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
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2. Scope
This policy applies to:
All BCR presenters (live and pre-recorded)
Production team members
Volunteers and visiting guests
Anyone representing BCR in person or online (including at events or on social media)
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3. Safeguarding Principles
BCR is committed to:
Promoting the welfare of all listeners, staff, and contributors.
Preventing harm, abuse, or exploitation.
Responding quickly and appropriately to any safeguarding concern.
Ensuring all staff and presenters understand their responsibilities.
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4. Key Safeguarding Roles
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Sean Ryan – Director, Blackpool Community Radio
Email: sean@blackpoolcommunityradio.com
Deputy DSL: G Moore
Appointed senior team member in Sean’s absence.
All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL immediately.
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5. Code of Conduct for Presenters
All presenters must:
Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Never engage in behaviour that could be seen as bullying, harassment, discrimination, or grooming.
Maintain professional boundaries with guests and listeners, particularly minors.
Avoid private or inappropriate contact with under-18s (e.g., via social media, messaging apps).
Ensure that all interviews with children or vulnerable adults have parental/guardian consent and are supervised.
Avoid using language or content that could cause distress, promote hate, or encourage unsafe behaviour.
Refrain from sharing personal details of listeners or guests on air without consent.
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6. Recruitment and Vetting
All new presenters, volunteers, and staff must complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check where applicable.
Presenters working directly with children or young people (e.g., youth shows) must hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
References will be checked for all new team members before they begin broadcasting.
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7. Training
All presenters will receive safeguarding awareness training during induction.
Annual refresher sessions will cover topics like online safety, appropriate communication, and recognising signs of abuse.
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8. Managing Safeguarding Concerns
If a presenter becomes aware of a safeguarding concern:
1. Record details immediately (time, date, individuals involved, what was said or seen).
2. Report it directly to the DSL or Deputy DSL.
3. Do not confront or accuse the individual concerned.
4. Do not promise confidentiality — safeguarding concerns must be shared with the DSL.
5. The DSL will assess the concern and take appropriate action, which may include:
Informing the police or local safeguarding authority.
Contacting parents/guardians (if appropriate).
Reviewing internal practices or suspending the presenter pending investigation.
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9. Safeguarding in On-Air and Online Activity
All content must comply with Ofcom Broadcasting Code standards.
No personal data or location details of under-18s or vulnerable persons should be aired.
Presenters must use official BCR accounts for communication with listeners, not personal accounts.
Comments or messages from listeners that raise safeguarding concerns should be captured and reported to the DSL.
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10. Safeguarding at Events and Outside Broadcasts
Presenters attending live events or public shows must:
Wear official BCR identification.
Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult.
Ensure all youth participation has written consent from parents/guardians.
Report any incidents or concerns directly to the on-site safeguarding contact or DSL.
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11. Breaches of the Safeguarding Procedure
Breaches will be treated as a disciplinary matter and may result in:
Suspension from broadcasting duties.
Termination of volunteering or employment.
Referral to relevant authorities.
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12. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
There are changes in safeguarding legislation.
A safeguarding incident occurs that prompts revision.