Safeguarding at the RAD NZ
Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and to keep them safe. At the RAD, we are committed to safeguarding all our students, teachers and staff.
We are committed to putting the wellbeing of our staff, teachers and students first. Safeguarding children and young people (anyone under the age of 18) and vulnerable or ‘at risk’ adults is central to that commitment.
The Oranga Tamariki Act or Children’s and Young People’s Well-being Act 1989 and the Children’s Act 2014 provide the legislative framework for child protection in New Zealand. The key principle of these Acts is that the well-being and best interests of tamariki are always the paramount consideration.
All organisations that work with or come into contact with children should have safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that every child, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has a right to equal protection from harm. At its headquarters in London the RAD has three Senior Safeguarding Officers, a Safeguarding Committee and a Safeguarding Policy and set of procedures.
The RAD does not have the authority to investigate allegations of abuse or other safeguarding concerns. If a safeguarding concern is reported to us, we will report it to Oranga Tamariki or to the Police.
Reporting concerns – what do I do if I’m worried?
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have a concern about a child, you should report it to Oranga Tamariki or to the Police. Many people worry, “What if I am wrong?” but if we take a child-centred approach to safeguarding, we should all be asking, “What if I am right?” By raising a concern, you could be protecting not just one child but future children:
Contact the police: they will assess the situation and take the appropriate action to protect the child
If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 111
Contact Oranga Tamariki
Advice for RAD Teachers
RAD teaching members have access to a dedicated Safeguarding Hub in the Members’ Area, which outlines safeguarding requirements in accordance with best practice, as well as guidance on the principles of safeguarding and safer recruitment. We are committed to supporting and guiding teachers through their own commitment to keeping children safe whilst dancing. The Hub is regularly updated with useful resources, training opportunities and advice on best practice.
NZ Resources for parents and students
City Missions:
Family Works – Presbyterian support
Te Kupenga – National Network of Stopping Violence