We have recently made some changes to our processes in order to improve safeguarding.
DBS checks
Obtaining DBS checks for those in eligible roles in bands is a really important part of the safeguarding process, but it is only one element. In order to make sure bands are aware of and employing multiple safeguarding measures, at the time we send the forms to the DBS, bands must make sure they fulfill the following conditions:
- One band member to have completed Bandsafe training in the last two years.
- The Bandsafe Toolkit to have been completed in the last year (this will show as a tick on the BOPA tile on your member dashboard).
DBS checks for those in eligible volunteer roles in BBE member bands will continue to be processed by BBE for free. The DBS has recently increased its prices for professionals in eligible roles and as a consequence BBE has had to raise its price to £60. However, members of the Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA), are entitled to one one-off completely free professional DBS check as part of their membership.
We recommend that all those obtaining DBS checks through BBE join the DBS Update Service. The Update Service is an online subscription service that lets people keep their DBS certificates up-to-date. It also allows organisations to check a certificate online, with the applicant's consent. In most cases it will remove the need to fill in another paper form saving a lot of time for both the applicant and evidence checker. The Update Service is free to join for those in volunteer roles and £16 for professionals.
Bandsafe Training
Are you aware of your band's legal responsibilities around safeguarding? Are you up to date with your training? BandSafe training was developed in partnership with NSPCC and it is amust for all designated safeguarding & welfare officers and all those within bands who are involved in taking safeguarding decisions such as Chairs and committee members. The training is a 3.5-hour workshop which takes place online and it is tailored to the challenges you might face in a band or voluntary music-making environment.
Our members consistently rate the Bandsafe training extremely highly. Here's some recent feedback:
'As someone starting from scratch with safeguarding I found the course very useful and has given me a clearer understanding of my responsibility as Chairman to our child members.'
'This was a very interesting and informative session. I'm pleased I did this as I've learnt that there is a lot more to consider than I thought. The breakout groups were good. I liked the way the course was structured; it kept my attention throughout.'
'The course was very enlightening even as a refresher. It is a reality check to learn of very recent cases within brass banding where safeguarding has failed.'
We usually run Bandsafe courses twice a month and the training dates can be found here. Our next course is this Saturday 25th January at 9am. To ensure that BBE continues to be able to provide high quality safeguarding training, from April 2025 the charge for Bandsafe training will increase to £85.
Please note that bands who wish to have DBS checks processed through BBE must make sure that one band member has completed Bandsafe training in the last 2 years. Those who wish to use our BOPA need to have 2 trained members.
Bandsafe Toolkit
The Bandsafe Toolkit was developed in partnership with the NSPCC and is a policy-writing self-assessment tool to help you write and understand your organisation's safeguarding policy. Do make sure that your band's policies are up to date and reflect best practice by working through Bandsafe Toolkit each year. Please note that bands who wish to have DBS checks processed through BBE must make sure that their Toolkit is up to date.
BOPA
BBE has a national Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) that members can apply to use to cover their performances as an alternative to applying for Child Performance Licensing (CPL) for performances in England and Wales. In order to be able to use BBE's BOPA, bands must be members, have 2 people with valid Bandsafe training and update their Toolkit annually. There are also conditions which must be adhered to at events using our BOPA.
The conditions have recently been updated, please note the following additions:
- One adult who has attended BandSafe training must be present at the event. They must be at the venue before the children start to arrive.
- The supervising adult must supervise the child at all times including rehearsing for the performance during the performance period and taking part in the activity. Children must know who their supervising adult is. Where parents are supervising their own children the supervision must be to the same level as that of a supervising adult so children must be kept in sight / sound.
- A representative from the Local Authority will be allowed entry to inspect the event if they wish. If an organisation is inspected by the Local Authority, a copy of the inspection report needs to be sent to BBE within a week of receipt.
- The event has a first aider present who must be present before children start to arrive.