Constitution of Swing Dance Cumbria 

1. Name 

The name of the group shall be Swing Dance Cumbria.  

2. Aims and Objectives 

The aims of the group are: 

  • • To provide inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable swing dance classes, socials,  and events for people in Cumbria. 

  • • To foster a welcoming, supportive, and creative community for dancers of all  levels and backgrounds. 

  • • To promote swing dance and its associated music and culture through local  participation and education. 

  • • To operate on a not-for-profit basis. Any income shall be used solely to further  the group’s aims. 

3. Membership 

  • • Membership is open to anyone who supports the aims of the group. • Participation in classes, socials, and events constitutes informal membership. 

  • • The group reserves the right to exclude individuals whose behaviour undermines  its values or community wellbeing.

4. Leadership Structure 

• The group shall be led by a Committee consisting of: 

o Two Co-Chairs 

o One Treasurer 

o One Secretary / Communications Coordinator 

o Optional roles (e.g. Teaching Liaison, Events Coordinator, Welfare Officer)  as needed. 

• The structure shall be reviewed after 1 year, or one dance term, with the intention  to transition to a more permanent and participatory governance structure. 

5. Decision Making 

  • • The Committee shall make day-to-day decisions by consensus or majority vote. 

  • • Major decisions (e.g. structural changes, teacher appointments, event policies)  should be brought to the wider community for input. 

  • • Committee meetings may be held online or in person and should be minuted. 

6. Finance 

  • • The group shall maintain a bank account in the name of Swing Dance Cumbria. • A minimum of two unrelated committee members shall be signatories. 

  • • All income shall be used to support the group’s aims. No member shall  financially profit from the group, aside from agreed payments for teaching or  services.

7. Safety, Conduct, and Welfare 

7.1 Adoption of the S.T.E.P.S. Code 

Swing Dance Cumbria adheres to the S.T.E.P.S. Code of Conduct (Safety, Trust,  Engagement, Prevention, Support), as set out at safetyinswingdance.org.uk. All  organisers, instructors, volunteers, and attendees are expected to uphold these  principles. 

7.2 Respect, Inclusivity, and Non-Discrimination 

  • • All individuals will be treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of background,  identity, or experience. 

  • • Behaviour that is discriminatory, exclusionary, harassing, or demeaning will not  be tolerated. 

7.3 Consent and Physical Boundaries 

  • • Physical contact requires explicit consent. If contact is unintentional or  unwelcome, an immediate apology is expected. 

  • • Unsolicited advice, lifts, dips, or aerials during social dancing are not permitted  unless previously agreed. 

7.4 Reporting and Accountability 

  • • Concerns or reports may be raised with the designated Welfare Officer or any  Committee member. 

  • • Reports will be handled with sensitivity, confidentiality (where possible), and  fairness. 

• Consequences for breaching the Code may include removal from events,  exclusion from the group, or escalation as per S.T.E.P.S. guidelines. 

7.5 Welfare Officer 

  • • One or more Welfare Officers shall be appointed to receive and respond to  concerns. 

  • • Contact details for the Welfare Officer(s) shall be visible and accessible.

7.6 Review 

  • • This clause and the group’s safeguarding approach will be reviewed during the  constitution review period. 

8. Changes to the Constitution 

  • • Changes to this constitution may be made by the Committee, with changes  communicated to the group. 

  • • A full review, including wider community consultation, will take place within 1  year.  

9. Dissolution 

  • • If the group dissolves, any remaining funds shall be donated to a local dance,  arts, or music initiative aligned with the group’s values. 

  • • No individual shall benefit personally from the group’s closure. 

Adopted on: 29th October 2025 

Next review: 29th October 2026 

Signatories: Ella Smith, Chris January, Simon Turner, Jo Baglee, Christine St John, Stuart  St John, Caroline Owen Thomas, Val Walshe, Hayley Dauben, Mike Ferneyhough

Swing Dance Cumbria is a not-for-profit, Unincorporated Association dedicated to providing opportunities for swing dancing in  Cumbria.