Core Expectations
Cathedrals must have clear procedures in place for missing/lost choristers. These should be in addition to any general cathedral missing/lost child arrangements, and reflect the specific circumstances and risks associated with being a chorister, including:
- On a day-to-day basis
- During trips
- External performances
Where a particular child has been identified as being at risk of running away or going missing, the cathedral must work with partner agencies to understand the legal requirements, local protocols, and the roles of the school, local authority and police in managing and responding to the risk. This information should be included in the risk assessment regarding the child.
See 4.5 for further guidance on choir tours and trips.
Good practice
Cathedrals should develop, communicate and enforce clear procedures and processes, informed by robust risk assessments, for circumstances including:
- Moving between school(s) and the cathedral
- Drop off and collection of choristers
- Late night finishes
- Tours and trips.
The procedures and processes should consider the child’s age, developmental stage and any contextual factors relating to their circumstances and the environment in which an incident may occur. There should be clear and simple means of raising an alert without placing choristers at risk.
The processes must be communicated to choristers, parents/carers, and any relevant staff and volunteers. For the purposes of a cathedral-based scenario, those who work with the choristers, floor staff in the cathedral, clergy and vergers would all be considered relevant staff.
Choristers should be briefed on any localities and surroundings in which they will be spending time. This should include clear and simple guidance on what to do and where to go/stay, should they find themselves lost or separated from the group. The cathedral should consider issuing lanyards to choristers when they are on a tour, trip or external performance, with information on who to contact in an emergency. Care should be taken to minimise anxiety, and choristers supported to develop techniques to assist in “grounding” themselves should they be lost.
Resources