ISM child protection policy

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (‘the Society’) is a not-for-profit professional association promoting the art of music and serving the interests of its members and the music profession. This policy is specifically focused on children but we have also given consideration to the protection of vulnerable adults. Members requiring further guidance in relation to vulnerable adults are advised to contact ISM Head Office. This policy applies to all full members and staff of the Society.

The Society is committed to practices which protect children from harm. In particular:

1. The Society recognises that good child protection policies and procedures are of benefit to everyone involved with the Society’s work, including staff and members.

2. Effective support for staff and Council members in relation to good practice in child protection will be provided through training.

3. The Society has put in place child protection procedures for both full members and staff. These procedures will be regularly reviewed. Full members and staff must adhere to the child protection policy and related procedures.

4. All those applying to be a full member of the ISM will be informed of the Society’s commitment to child protection and advised that concerns in relation to a member’s professional misconduct involving a child or children will be acted on by the Society. This could lead to membership being suspended or terminated where misconduct is proven or there is a risk of serious damage to the reputation of the Society. Any such suspension or termination of membership will be considered in accordance with the Society’s complaints and disciplinary procedure. Other penalties could be imposed such as removal from a Section or from the ISM Register of Professional Private Music Teachers (‘RPT’).

5. While the Society is committed to practices which protect children from harm, it is also committed to supporting members who become the subject of unfounded allegations in relation to professional conduct with children.

6. It should be noted that it will be necessary for the Society to record information relating to any allegation or disclosure regarding possible misconduct with children and where appropriate, the Society may be required to report concerns to the authorities in accordance with its child protection procedures and the current legal requirements.

7. The Society reserves the right to change, adapt or modify its child protection policy and related procedures including the criteria for membership of the Society, the Sections or the RPT.