Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy

Doonfest Festival (Scotland)

Doonfest is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We operate in line with Scottish safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:

Children (Scotland) Act 1995
Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
Scottish Government National Guidance for Child Protection (2021)

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Our Commitment

We will:

Promote a culture of dignity and respect
Protect children (under 18) and vulnerable adults from harm
Respond quickly and appropriately to concerns
Work with Police Scotland and local safeguarding authorities where required

Children at Doonfest

Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+).
Parents/guardians are responsible for supervision at all times.
Doonfest is not a childcare provider.
A clear Lost Child procedure operates during the event.

Vulnerable Adults

We recognise that some adults may require additional support due to disability, illness or other circumstances. We aim to provide a safe environment free from exploitation, abuse or neglect.

Code of Conduct (Staff & Volunteers)

All staff and volunteers must:

Treat everyone with respect
Avoid inappropriate physical contact
Never be alone with a child in a private area
Not engage in exploitative or abusive behaviour
Report concerns immediately

Any breach may result in removal from site and referral to authorities.

Alcohol & Licensing

Doonfest operates in accordance with Scottish licensing law.

No alcohol will be served to anyone under 18.
Challenge 25 may be in operation.
Supplying alcohol to minors may result in removal and police involvement.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

During the festival:

Report concerns to any staff member.
Ask for the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – please see details below.
Provide factual information only.

The DSL will:

Record the concern
Assess risk
Take appropriate action
Contact statutory authorities where required

Confidentiality will be respected, but information may be shared to prevent harm.

Lost Child Procedure

If a child is reported missing:

Event control and security are alerted immediately
Exits are monitored
A controlled site search begins
Police Scotland is contacted if required

Children found alone will be taken to a designated safeguarding point.

Photography & Media

Official photographers may operate at the event.

If you do not wish your child to be photographed, please inform organisers in advance. Inappropriate or exploitative photography will be addressed immediately.

For further details, please review our Photography & Media Policy.