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DL Dance Safeguarding Policy

Policy Last Updated: August 21, 2025 Next Review Date: August 2026

1. Introduction and Statement of Commitment

DL Dance is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all individuals involved in our dance activities. We believe that all children, young people, and vulnerable adults, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, have the right to be protected from harm.

This policy sets out the principles and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, as well as our staff and volunteers. We adhere to statutory guidance and best practice regarding safeguarding children and young people.

DL Dance is committed to:

  • Promoting and prioritising the safety and well-being of all participants.
  • Ensuring all staff and volunteers are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and are trained to recognise and respond to concerns.
  • Creating an open and transparent culture where concerns can be raised and addressed appropriately.
  • Working in partnership with parents/guardians and relevant external agencies when necessary.
  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
  • Take all allegations of abuse or harm seriously and respond swiftly.
  • Adhere to legal and statutory requirements for safeguarding.

This policy applies to all individuals involved with DL Dance, including:

  • All paid staff (teachers, administrators, etc.)
  • All volunteers (assistants, chaperones, etc.)
  • All participants.
  • Any contractors or third parties working on behalf of DL Dance.

2. Key Safeguarding Principles

DL Dance operates under the following core safeguarding principles:

  • The Best Interests of the Child/Young Person: In all decisions and actions relating to safeguarding, the welfare and best interests of the individual under 18 will be the primary consideration.
  • Prevention: We aim to create a safe environment through careful recruitment, clear codes of conduct, and appropriate supervision.
  • Early Intervention: We are committed to responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns about a participant’s safety or well-being.
  • Confidentiality: All safeguarding concerns will be handled with sensitivity and discretion, sharing information only on a “need to know” basis to protect the individual.
  • Accountability: All staff and volunteers are accountable for their actions and for upholding this policy.

3. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. It involves creating safe environments, identifying where there are safeguarding concerns, and taking action to ensure their welfare.
  • Child/Young Person: For the purpose of this policy, a child or young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
  • Vulnerable Adult: An adult aged 18 or over who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation. (Though our primary age group is 12+, we acknowledge our responsibility towards any vulnerable adults who may participate).
  • Abuse: This can take many forms, including:
    • Physical Abuse: Causing physical harm.
    • Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional ill-treatment.
    • Sexual Abuse: Involving a child/young person in sexual activity.
    • Neglect: Persistent failure to meet basic needs.
    • Online Abuse/Grooming: Exploitation or abuse facilitated through digital technology.
    • Bullying: Repeated and intentional behaviour that causes harm or distress.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

DL Dance has Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) who have overall responsibility for safeguarding within the company. The DSL’s will:

  • Act as the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensure all staff and volunteers are aware of this policy and their responsibilities.
  • Provide advice and support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters.
  • Liaise with external agencies (e.g., local authority children’s social care, police) when necessary.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of all safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensure this policy is reviewed regularly and updated in line with legislation and best practice.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL): Daniella Reynolds, Leah Jones Contact Email: info@dldanceofficial.com 

4.2 All Staff and Volunteers

All staff and volunteers at DL Dance are responsible for:

  • Reading, understanding, and adhering to this Safeguarding Policy and the Code of Conduct.
  • Attending mandatory safeguarding training.
  • Reporting any concerns about a participant’s safety or well-being to the DSL immediately.
  • Modelling appropriate behaviour and maintaining professional boundaries at all times.

4.3 Participants

Participants are encouraged to:

  • Familiarise themselves with the Code of Conduct for participants.
  • Report any concerns they have about their own safety or the safety of others to a trusted adult, the DSL, or another member of DL Dance staff.
  • Understand that they have a right to feel safe and respected.

5. Safer Recruitment

DL Dance is committed to safer recruitment practices to minimise the risk of unsuitable individuals working with our participants. This includes:

  • DBS Checks: All staff and volunteers who work regularly with participants will undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. These checks will be renewed as required.
  • References: Obtaining appropriate references from previous employers/organisations.
  • Interviews: Conducting thorough interviews to assess suitability for the role and commitment to safeguarding.

6. Training

All DL Dance staff and volunteers will receive appropriate safeguarding training upon induction and regular refresher training to ensure they remain up-to-date with current legislation and best practice. The DSL will undertake specific, advanced safeguarding training.

7. Code of Conduct

DL Dance maintains clear Codes of Conduct for staff/volunteers and participants to ensure appropriate behaviour and professional boundaries.

7.1 Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Treat all participants with respect and dignity.
  • Always act in the best interests of the participants’ welfare.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants, both in person and online.
  • Avoid situations where they are alone with a participant, wherever possible. If this is unavoidable, ensure visibility and transparency.
  • Not engage in inappropriate physical contact. Any necessary physical contact (e.g., for technical correction) must be appropriate, minimal, and explained to the participant.
  • Challenge inappropriate behaviour by other adults or participants.
  • Dress appropriately and professionally.
  • Report any concerns, disclosures, or allegations of abuse to the DSL immediately.
  • Not give out personal contact details (e.g., phone numbers, social media handles) to participants, nor request theirs. All communication should be through official DL Dance channels.

7.2 Participant Code of Conduct 

All participants must:

  • Treat staff, other participants, and visitors with respect.
  • Listen to and follow instructions from staff.
  • Refrain from bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind, whether in person or online.
  • Report any concerns about their own safety or the safety of others to a DL Dance staff member or the DSL.
  • Respect the personal space and boundaries of others.

8. Responding to Concerns and Allegations

DL Dance takes all concerns and allegations of abuse seriously and will respond promptly and appropriately.

8.1 How to Report a Concern

  • Immediate Concern: If a participant is in immediate danger, call 999.
  • Reporting to DSL: Any concern about a participant’s welfare, or an allegation against a staff member, volunteer, or another participant, must be reported immediately to the DSL. 
  • What to Report: Provide as much detail as possible, including:
    • Name of the participant concerned.
    • Nature of the concern/allegation (what was seen, heard, or said).
    • Date, time, and location of the incident.
    • Names of any witnesses.
    • Any actions already taken.

8.2 What to Do if a Disclosure is Made

If a participant discloses abuse to you:

  • Listen carefully and calmly.
  • Do not interrupt or ask leading questions. Let them speak in their own words.
  • Do not promise confidentiality if this would prevent necessary action. Explain that you need to share the information to help them.
  • Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
  • Do not express shock or disbelief.
  • Do not criticise the alleged abuser.
  • Do not investigate or ask for details beyond what they are willing to share. This is the role of the DSL and external agencies.
  • Make a factual record of what was said, using the participant’s own words where possible, as soon as practicably possible after the disclosure. Sign and date the record.
  • Report immediately to the DSL.

8.3 Confidentiality and Information Sharing

All safeguarding concerns will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared with those who need to know to ensure the safety and welfare of the participant, or as required by law (e.g., to the police or social services). DL Dance will always aim to gain consent from the participant (if appropriate for their age and understanding) or their parents/guardians before sharing information, unless doing so would place the participant at further risk.

8.4 Record Keeping

Accurate and detailed records of all safeguarding concerns, actions taken, and communications will be maintained by the DSL in a secure and confidential manner, separate from general participant files.

9. Online Safety and Social Media

DL Dance recognises the importance of online safety, especially for young people aged 12+.

  • Communication: All official communication between staff/volunteers and participants should occur through DL Dance’s official channels (e.g., dedicated WhatsApp groups managed by administrators, email, or class platforms).
  • Personal Social Media: Staff and volunteers must not connect with participants under the age of 16 on personal social media accounts.
  • Responsible Use: All participants are encouraged to use social media responsibly and report any instances of online bullying, harassment, or inappropriate content.

10. Photography and Filming

  • DL Dance will always seek explicit consent from participants (and their parents/guardians for those under 18) before taking or using photographs or video recordings.
  • Consent forms will specify the intended use of images (e.g., website, social media, promotional materials).
  • No images will be published with identifying information without specific consent.
  • Participants are requested not to take photos or videos of other participants during classes without their explicit consent and, if applicable, the consent of DL Dance staff.

11. Whistleblowing Policy

DL Dance encourages anyone who has concerns about the conduct of a staff member, volunteer, or any aspect of DL Dance’s safeguarding practices to come forward. All concerns will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately. Concerns should be reported in the first instance to the DSL. If the concern is about the DSL, or if the individual feels uncomfortable reporting to the DSL, they should report to either the alternative DSL or the relevant authorities. 

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or DL Dance’s operating procedures.

13. Useful Contacts

  • Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL): Daniella Reynolds, Leah Jones (info@dldanceofficial.com)
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (for adults concerned about a child)
  • Childline: 0800 1111 (for children and young people)
  • Local Authority Children’s Social Care (for Bedford): 01234 718700 (office hours) 0300 300 8123 (out of hours)
  • Police (non-emergency): 101

This policy is a living document and will be updated as necessary to reflect best practice and changes in legislation. All staff and volunteers are responsible for familiarising themselves with the most current version.