BandSafe

Brass Bands England’s BandSafe is an industry-leading selection of tools, training and resources - developed in partnership with industry experts and government bodies - to both improve band safeguarding and streamline Child Performance License requirements for bands.

BandSafe is designed to help you:
  • Manage your brass band or music group in a way that safeguards your members from harm
  • Foster a healthy atmosphere with the benefit of developing younger players, increased membership and forging stronger community links
  • Protect your brass band or music group from reputational damage
  • Access the BBE-held BOPA, which allows BBE Member bands to comply with Child Performance License requirements without getting swamped by unnecessary admin
  • Help your band comply with the government’s statutory guidance in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023'

 

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The more wide-reaching and integral your band's understanding is, the safer your environment will become for children and vulnerable adults.

 

Why BandSafe matters

Safeguarding protects children and vulnerable adults within organisations. It prevents them from abuse and harm, and ensures them the best possible outcomes from their participation. 

The safeguarding arrangements of brass bands is of utmost importance. BandSafe will not only help guide your band’s safeguarding processes, but create future-proof policies that will benefit and support members for years to come.

Completing the BandSafe process also allows BBE Member bands to apply online for use of the BBE-held BOPA, saving you time and administrative stress. The BBE-held BOPA is an agreement between Brass Bands England and the Department for Education, and exempts your event from the need for individual Child Performance Licenses.

Read more about the importance of safeguarding and Child Performance License legislation.

What are the stages of BandSafe?

The BandSafe programme comprises three stages, complemented by a suite of resources to help you along the way:

  • BandSafe Toolkit: This free online self-assessment tool, developed in partnership with the NSPCC, helps brass bands to write and/or develop safeguarding policies. Based on your answers, you will receive a personalised action plan complete with policy writing guidance and supporting documents.
  • BandSafe Training: Also developed in partnership with NSPCC, this 3.5-hour online workshop is led by BBE’s Safeguarding Manager, Neil Roberts, and tailored to the safeguarding challenges you might face in a band or voluntary music-making environment. Training dates take place throughout the year. 
  • Safeguarding Policy: Once you have completed the BandSafe Toolkit and BandSafe Training, you will be ready to write and/or refine your band’s safeguarding policy. We offer a variety of resources to help you with all aspects of policy-writing, including helpful templates and information on legislative requirements (such as DBS checks).

Requirements for the BBE-held BOPA

Completing the BandSafe programme allows bands with BBE membership to access the online application process for the BBE-held BOPA as and when needed. The requirements for each band to apply for the BOPA are:

  • A BBE membership
  • A completed BandSafe Toolkit within the last 18 months
  • At least two band members must have completed BandSafe Training within the last two years
  • A submitted band safeguarding policy

Please note that these are the minimum application requirements. Although completing BandSafe is necessary to gain access to the BBE-held BOPA, this training can be beneficial to many band members. We whole-heartedly recommend making safeguarding a priority to your band, rather than just a stepping stone to the BOPA. Please remember that performing with children without appropriate licensing in place is illegal and may invalidate your insurance.

Is BandSafe just for BBE members?

Not at all. The BandSafe Toolkit and Training are available to access for all brass bands, regardless of their Brass Bands England membership status. The BandSafe Toolkit and all its supporting documents are also free. We feel it is our duty to not withhold any resources that can help protect brass bands and their members. 

BandSafe is for everyone, but it’s particularly valuable for any designated band safeguarding or welfare officers. It’s also beneficial to those within brass bands who are involved in any safeguarding decisions, such as Chairs, secretaries and committee members. 

There is, however, a benefit to becoming a BBE member. The BBE-held BOPA is only available to bands with a BBE membership. Access to BandSafe Training is also heavily discounted for members, and officer support is available to support you implement safeguarding policies within your band.

Further safeguarding advice

For any help with BandSafe or advice regarding band safeguarding, please email [email protected] and Neil or Sarah will get back to you.