Policy and Procedures

WEBSITE POLICIES & GOVERNANCE

(Grassroots Music CIC – Ages 16+)

Safeguarding Policy (16+ Music Participants)

We are committed to safeguarding all participants, artists, and audiences.

Although our programme is 16+, participants aged 16–17 are legally children. Full safeguarding procedures apply.

Our Safeguarding Commitments

  • A named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
  • Enhanced DBS checks for staff working directly with under-18s.
  • Clear supervision procedures during rehearsals, studio sessions and live showcases.
  • Safe backstage and green room management.
  • No private messaging between staff and under-18s outside official communication channels.

Music Industry–Specific Safeguards

  • No unsupervised 1:1 closed studio sessions with under-18s.
  • Clear boundaries regarding lyrics involving explicit content.
  • No alcohol permitted for under-18 participants.
  • Safe transport guidance after late rehearsals or showcases.
  • Photography and social media consent strictly managed.

Safeguarding concerns can be reported to:
[Ellese Elliott ]

Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practice (Music Sector)

Grassroots music spaces often attract individuals navigating:

  • Performance anxiety
  • Financial insecurity
  • Trauma histories
  • Mental health challenges
  • Industry exploitation concerns

We commit to trauma-informed, artist-centred practice.

Our Principles

1. Emotional Safety in Creative Spaces

  • Clear expectations at start of sessions.
  • No pressure to disclose personal experiences.
  • Respectful lyric development processes.
  • Opt-out options for sharing work publicly.

2. Power Awareness

The music industry can reinforce harmful power dynamics. We actively:

  • Maintain professional boundaries.
  • Avoid exploitative unpaid labour practices.
  • Use transparent agreements for collaborations.
  • Clearly outline ownership and copyright terms.

3. Performance & Exposure Support

Before live showcases:

  • Participants are briefed on audience expectations.
  • Wellbeing check-ins offered.
  • Quiet space available where possible.

4. Signposting, Not Therapy

We are not a clinical service.
If participants disclose mental health difficulties:

  • We listen without probing.
  • We do not attempt therapy.
  • We signpost to appropriate services.
  • Safeguarding procedures apply if risk is identified.

Equality, Diversity & Representation in Music

We recognise historic inequality within the music industry.

We actively promote:

  • Representation of underrepresented artists.
  • Anti-classist practice.
  • Anti-racist practice.
  • Gender equity in line-ups.
  • Accessibility for disabled musicians.
  • LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Harassment, discrimination or predatory behaviour is not tolerated.

Health & Safety in Rehearsal, Studio & Live Environments

Grassroots music environments present unique risks.

Risk Controls Include:

Noise & Hearing Protection

  • Monitoring sound levels.
  • Encouraging use of ear protection.
  • Breaks during high-volume rehearsals.

Equipment Safety

  • PAT-tested electrical equipment.
  • Secure cable management.
  • Trained supervision for technical equipment.

Live Events

  • Crowd capacity monitoring.
  • Clear stage access protocols.
  • Backstage safeguarding supervision.
  • Substance misuse policy enforced.

Late Sessions

  • Clear finish times.
  • Safe exit routes.
  • Under-18 departure safeguarding checks.

Data Protection & Artist Rights

We collect:

  • Registration information
  • Emergency contact details
  • Access requirements
  • Monitoring data required by funders

We also manage:

  • Music recordings
  • Promotional photography
  • Social media content

Intellectual Property

Participants retain rights to their original work unless otherwise agreed in writing.

We do not claim ownership of participant music.

Complaints & Reporting

We provide a confidential complaints pathway for:

  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Harassment or misconduct
  • Financial or contractual disputes
  • Discrimination

Written complaints can be sent to:
[thatisclasslondon@gmail.com]

All complaints are reviewed by CIC directors.

Governance & Community Interest Statement

As a Community Interest Company:

  • We operate for public benefit.
  • Profits are reinvested in grassroots music development.
  • Directors act in the community’s interest.
  • Assets are protected under the CIC asset lock.