Swing Dance Cumbria Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose
Swing Dance Cumbria is a volunteer-led community group that provides social dance classes, workshops, and events in Cumbria. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants, including children, young people, and adults at risk. Swing Dance Cumbria is primarily an adult group and is not generally suitable for younger children. Older teenagers who wish to join our classes are welcomed, with parental or guardian consent.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all members of Swing Dance Cumbria, including committee members, teachers, volunteers, and event assistants. It covers all activities organised by the group, including classes, social dances, and events held under its name.

3. Commitment to Safeguarding
We believe that everyone taking part in our activities has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported. The group will take all reasonable steps to protect participants from harm, abuse, or neglect and will act promptly on any concerns.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

    • Holds a current enhanced DBS check (child workforce) registered with the DBS Update Service.

    • Receives regular safeguarding training.

    • Acts as the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns or disclosures.

  • Certified Supervisors for Minors:

    • Verified members who hold enhanced DBS certificates for the child workforce on the Update Service.

    • Any of these verified members may act as supervising adults for minors during Swing Dance Cumbria activities. At least one supervising adult must be in active attendance at any class or event where minors are present.

  • Committee:

    • Ensures safeguarding is considered in planning and delivery of all activities.

    • Maintains a record of DBS verification for all eligible members.

5. Children and Young People (CYP)

  • The group primarily serves adults.

  • Under-18s may attend only with prior consent from a parent or guardian and with supervision by a DBS-checked adult.

  • No adult will have unsupervised, one-to-one contact with a child or young person.

  • A minimum of one supervising adult will be present whenever minors participate.

  • Parents or guardians are welcome to remain present during activities.

6. Adults at Risk
Swing Dance Cumbria welcomes dancers of all abilities. While our activities do not involve regulated care work, the committee recognises its duty to act if any adult appears to be at risk of harm, neglect, or exploitation. Concerns about an adult should be reported to the DSL.

7. Responding to Concerns

  • All safeguarding concerns or disclosures must be taken seriously.

  • Concerns should be reported as soon as possible to the DSL.

  • The DSL will assess the situation and, if necessary, contact statutory agencies or seek guidance from the local safeguarding partnership.

  • In emergencies, anyone may contact the police or local authority directly.

8. Safer Recruitment and Training

  • All committee members will be made aware of this policy and basic safeguarding principles.

9. Record Keeping and Confidentiality

  • All safeguarding concerns will be recorded in writing and stored securely.

  • Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis to protect individuals at risk.

10. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, personnel, or organisational structure.