Child Protection
Child Protection Policy
Our Approach to Learning
We firmly believe that early involvement in conservatoire education benefits everyone.
Our Junior Conservatoire offers specialist and advanced training for committed and talented young people in dance, drama, music, production, and film.
Our Short Courses programme is for anyone who wants to learn about or through the performing and production arts. We have nearly 300 courses for children, young people and adult learners across the disciplines of dance, drama, music, production, screen and teaching skills.
Students in both programmes have access to the same resources as RCS degree students.
Child Protection at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is committed to the protection of children and young people. We regard the safeguarding and promoting their interests and wellbeing to be of paramount concern.
We are determined that all young people can enjoy learning in a safe environment.
We have developed all our policies and procedures with the NSPCC.
We consider it the duty of all those employed or involved with the organisation to prevent the physical, emotional, neglectful or sexual abuse of all children and young people with whom they come into contact and to protect and promote their general welfare and wellbeing.
All staff must adhere to guidelines and respond appropriately to concerns, allegations or disclosures of abuse and harm.
The individual with protection/safeguarding responsibilities at the senior management level is Lydia Demaison, Director of Human Resources. Any queries about our policies and the accompanying procedures should be directed to Lydia Demaison via email at:
Tel. 0141 270 8228
Our Policies
The following documents outline our policies and procedures.
They have been developed in conjunction with the NSPCC and will be regularly updated. We review them at least every two years or sooner if new legislation is enacted.
- RCS Child Protection Policy
- Online Teaching Policy
- Remote Teaching Guidance
- If you have any concerns about a young person, please contact our Designated Child Protection Contacts
- Protocol for Dealing with Serious Allegations
- Conservatoires UK (CUK) Principles of Best Practice in Conservatoire Teaching (as adopted by RCS)
- Child Protection Disclosure form
Our Checks
All staff who work closely with young people and adults at risk are Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checked. Disclosure Scotland provides the information to allow us to check the records of any staff working in this area against the national database. To work in this area staff need to have a clean PVG check. We re-check the status every three years.
Here you will find our PVG Scheme and Disclosure Policy
Our Training
All staff and students receive very basic awareness training via an online training package. It is a condition of employment that they undertake this every three years.
Additional Information
Please see the links below for current legislation in the area of child protection:
National Guidance on Child Protection Scotland 2014
Scottish Government Updates on Child Protection
Safe Walking Routes
A copy of the safe walking route between Renfrew St and The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks is available.