Child protection policy

  • The London International Piano Competition is aimed at outstanding young professional pianists under the age of 29 years. Although the Competition does not set out to work with young people under the age of 18 years the Trustees/Directors recognise that some entrants to the Competition may be under 18 years of age. The Trustees/Directors therefore deem it prudent to recognise their duty of care towards the safeguarding of such young people under their temporary care for the duration of the Competition by formalising their past practice in an established policy.
  • The Trustees/Directors have noted the new term of ‘safeguarding’ and have accepted its definition as ‘..taking all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised..’. The Trustees/Directors also accept the definition of a Child Protection Policy from the Charity Commission: ‘..a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard children involved with a charity from harm..’.
  • The Trustees/Directors are committed to practices which protect children from harm. For the purpose of this policy, the Trustees/Directors’ include all their helpers, paid and unpaid, who will be made aware of this Code of Practice and who will adhere to its principles in their approach to all entrants under 18 years of age.
  • The nature of the Competition is public performance. The Trustees/Directors therefore consider it sufficient to require any entrant to the Competition who is under 18 years of age to be accompanied by a carer who should be either a parent, or guardian appointed by one or both parents. Trustees/Directors will not accept entries from competitors unless this condition is satisfied. The carer will escort the young person at all times and be responsible for their safety during the Competition.
  • If the Trustees/Directors were to become aware of any concerns relating to the possible harm to a child or young person they will contact the Local Children's Services Department where the child normally resides to share that concern.