EVERYBODY DESERVES TO BE SAFE:

No Matter Where They Play, Train, or Learn.

Multiple printed copies of the BDSA's National Safeguarding Framework in a neat pile

Across the UK, thousands of children and vulnerable adults participate in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities where safeguarding standards are inconsistent, inadequate, or absent entirely. See the latest Campaign updates below for progress on adoption and policy change.

Campaign Updates

Government Confirms DBS Reform Reflecting NSF Recommendations

Government Confirms DBS Reform Reflecting NSF Recommendations: The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) welcomes the UK Government’s recent confirmation that new legislation will soon allow self-employed individuals working with children and vulnerable adults to apply directly for enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Nov 5

Northumberland backs the National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities

We are delighted to share the good news that Northumberland County Council has passed a motion in support of the National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities. Proposed by Cllr Caroline Ball and seconded by Cllr Dickinson, the motion passed by the councillors; however, two abstained. We’re grateful to councillors across the chamber who chose to put children, young people and vulnerable adults first.

Sep 12

Redcar and Cleveland Council Meeting Live Recording Voting on National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities.

The cross-party motion — proposed by Liberal Democrat Councillor Karen King and seconded by Labour Councillor Ceri Cawley — passed unanimously at the meeting of the Full Council on 31st July 2025. The recording of this public meeting is now available to watch.

Aug 4

Safeguarding shouldn’t be a postcode lottery. It shouldn’t depend on which club you go to, how much funding it has, or whether the coach, teacher or facilitator happens to care.

That’s why we created the National Activities Safeguarding Framework — to set a clear, consistent standard that every organisation must meet.

Whether it’s dance, martial arts, music, or after-school clubs, every person deserves to feel safe and be protected from harm.

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DOWNLOAD FRAMEWORK

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BDSA Safeguarding Petition

Sign our petition to support mandatory safeguarding standards across all extracurricular activities. Together, we can make safety a non-negotiable priority.

SIGN THE PETITION

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