BDSA News

From the 1st of September 2026, an important change to DBS rules will affect organisations working with children, including dance sport clubs, academies and affiliated training programmes. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 removes the “supervision exemption” from the definition of a regulated activity.

This is a subject that can feel both challenging and straightforward for parents; and as an organisation we recognise that. The safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is non‑negotiable in every environment. Dance is no exception, and one of the key issues, through our governance, we are committed to addressing is the widespread fear of reporting concerns within our sport.

Safeguarding should never be optional. Yet across the UK, thousands of children and vulnerable adults take part in extracurricular activities every day in environments where safeguarding standards can be inconsistent, unclear, or in some cases completely absent.