Safeguarding for Parents, Whose Responsibility Is It?

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 is a collective responsibility. It is a shared moral and legal duty for everyone involved, including parents and carers. Meaningful change to the systemic issues affecting our sport is only possible when all of us actively engage with and uphold our safeguarding duties. 

Whilst it may be a concern that dance careers might be affected by reporting someone with a highly regarded reputation, not reporting a concern could lead to continued abuse for them and others.  

Employers and organisations - including promoters and dance schools - have a legal and moral responsibility to create a safe environment for everyone in their care. Local authorities, the police, and regulatory bodies also play a crucial role in safeguarding, but they can only act on the information they receive and when those raising concerns are willing to be witnesses or provide evidence. Decisions around anonymity follow standard legal processes, but the reality is that we cannot build a genuinely safe culture unless people are willing to speak up and individuals are held accountable for their actions. 

What can you do to support safeguarding? 

• Ensure that your chosen dance teacher, dance school, or competition organiser has a safeguarding policy and procedure in place, that all staff have up‑to‑date DBS checks, have undertaken appropriate safeguarding training, and that there is a clear reporting system with a designated safeguarding lead. 

• Report any concern to us, or to the organisation’s own safeguarding contact or Designated Safeguarding Lead, at any time and for any issue that worries you. 

• Provide evidence where you can. While it isn’t required to make a report, it can help authorities follow up more effectively. 

What are we doing to tackle abuse in our sport? 

• The BDSA has a dedicated reporting phoneline 

• Safeguarding educational courses  

• Safeguarding policies 

• Minimum standards of safeguarding required of our members  

• Offer DBS checks to members 

• National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities  

• Support, guidance and help 

• Regular campaigns based on safeguarding themes 

Safeguarding systems rely on multiple small pieces of information coming together. So even if you think it is something small, or you don’t have much evidence, or you are frightened to talk about it, every report matters.

See it. Hear it. Report it.