Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

All England Dance is committed to treating each individual as a person in his or her own right, with equal rights and responsibilities for all, whether they are an adult or a child. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within this organisation.

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

1. Policy Statement
   All England Dance (AED) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people, from age 3 to 21, who participate in our programmes or who are brought into contact with AED. AED provides opportunities for children and young people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and experiences to benefit from dance in a professional stage environment. We believe every child and young person has the right to enjoy dance in a safe, supportive, and inclusive setting—free from abuse, harm, or neglect.
2. Purpose of this Policy
   This policy outlines AED’s approach to safeguarding and child protection. It aims to:
   – Protect children and young people who take part in AED’s activities from any and all forms of abuse and harm;
   – Provide consultants, colleagues, volunteers, and partners with clear guidance on their responsibilities towards children and young people; and
   – Ensure best practices are followed in safeguarding children and young people.
3. Scope of the Policy
   This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of or with AED who comes into contact with or has access to children or young people during our activities, festivals, competitions, or events; anyone taking decisions to do with children or young persons; anyone who manages someone having access to children or young people during the course of AED activities; anyone involved in the recruitment and vetting process; anyone who is part of the reporting
   and management of incidents; any third parties who work with AED and have access to children and young adults.
4. Our Commitment
   AED will:
   – Treat children and young people with care, respect and dignity, including their emotional and physical welfare;
   – Prioritise the safety and welfare of all children and young people
   – Ensure all consultants, colleagues and volunteers are clear on their safeguarding responsibilities;
   – Promote inclusive, positive environments free from discrimination, bullying, and harm;
   – Take all concerns seriously and respond appropriately to any allegations and implement a disciplinary procedure as appropriate;
   – Recruit volunteers and consultants safely, including conducting DBS checks for relevant roles;
   – Provide safeguarding training, advice and regular updates to consultants, colleagues and volunteers;
   – Recording and storing information adequately and securely;
   – Review this Policy on a regular basis.
5. Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities
   – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Elaine Bailey
   – Deputy DSL: Lynne Casey
   – Trustees: Ensure effective safeguarding governance and policy implementation
   – All consultants, colleagues and Volunteers must read, understand, and follow this Policy and report any concerns to the DSL and the deputy immediately.
6. Contact on Site During an All England Dance Finals Event
   Whilst attending any of the Biennial Finals that AED runs, there will always be a senior member of the AED Team on site, and the Regional Directors will oversee and address any immediate matters requiring their input during the event.
   The Designated Safeguarding Leads’ contact details are provided in Section 15 (below).
   The Regional Directors responsible for Safeguarding during the 2026 Finals period are as follows:

During the National Final, both AED’s Safeguarding lead and the Deputy Safeguarding Lead will be on site at the event. The individuals named above may be contacted via the Front Desk at each venue, who will ensure that the Regional Director or their Deputy is available to meet with you to discuss any immediate Safeguarding concerns.

7. Recognising Abuse and Harm
   – Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. AED recognises the additional vulnerabilities of children with disabilities, from minority backgrounds, or those with mental health needs. All consultants, colleagues and volunteers must be vigilant in recognising signs of abuse or exploitation.
   – A full risk assessment should be completed before any AED activity involving access to children and young adults. The risk assessment should set out welfare arrangements and how they will be communicated to the children, young people, their parents and other appropriate parties.
8. Reporting Concerns
   – Any concern about a child or young person’s welfare must be reported to the DSL and Deputy immediately, or if this occurs whilst attending a Finals Event run by AED, contact should be made with the Regional Director or their Deputy.
   – Where a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm or where it is believed a child or young person may have been abused or harmed, the police or children’s social care services must be contacted without delay.
   – Where a child or young person is not at immediate risk of harm but where there are some concerns: the DSL and/or deputy will investigate, record information, alert the appropriate parties and decide on a course of action, which may include seeking guidance from social services or children protecting agencies, contacting the police or further investigation and continue to monitor the situation.
   – AED’s procedures for managing concerns include:
   – Recording and reporting incidents accurately and promptly;
   – Maintaining confidentiality and only sharing information on a need-to-know basis;
   – Cooperating fully with investigations;
   – Implementing disciplinary action.
9. Safer Recruitment
   AED follows safe recruitment procedures to ensure all individuals working with children are suitable. This includes:
   -Requiring all staff working with children to complete an enhanced DBS check
   – Conduct References and identity checks for all personnel;
   – Clear role descriptions and safeguarding responsibilities; and
   – Induction and training relating to this Policy and the safeguarding of children and young people.
10. Training and Support
    – All colleagues and volunteers will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
    – Regular updates and refresher sessions will be provided to maintain awareness of emerging issues and responsibilities.
    – Anyone working for, on behalf of or with AED will be given appropriate guidance to enable them to manage safeguarding appropriately.
11. Code of Conduct
    AED expects all adults involved with our activities to:
    – Treat all children and young people with respect, care and dignity;
    – Prioritise their wellbeing and safety, both emotional and physical;
    – Never engage in behaviour that is or may be perceived as abusive, discriminatory, or inappropriate;
    – Maintain professional boundaries at all times;
    -Work with children and young people in a safe and secure manner; and
    – Report concerns without delay.
12. Online Safety and Photography
    AED promotes safe use of digital technology. Photography or filming will only occur with the children / young person and their representatives’ prior consent. AED will ensure all media use respects participants’ dignity and privacy. Social media and digital communications will follow clear safeguarding guidelines.
13. Whistleblowing
    AED encourages a culture of openness and speaking up. Anyone with concerns about another individual’s behaviour should report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Deputy Safeguarding Lead via AED’s whistleblowing procedure. Retaliation against those who raise concerns in good faith will not be tolerated.
14. Policy Review
    This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or practice. The review will ensure it remains current, effective, and relevant to AED’s work.
15. Contact Information
    Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Elaine Bailey
    elaine.bailey@all-england-dance.org.uk
    Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Lynne Casey
    lynne.casey@all-england-dance.org.uk
    Emergency: If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
    Local Authority Safeguarding Team
16. Policy Ownership
    The Board of Trustees owns this policy. The Designated Risk Lead is responsible for implementation and monitoring.All members of the AED community must be familiar with this policy and, as far as possible, keep within its spirit and intent in their own area.
    Any queries on the application or interpretation of the policy must be raised by contacting: PeopleSupport@all-england-dance.org.uk
    The Trustee Board of AED is responsible for ensuring the maintenance, regular review and updating of this policy. Revisions, amendments, or alterations to the policy can only be implemented following consideration by the Trustee Board and approval by the Chair of the AED.

Signed by Chair of Trustees:
Jacquie Brunjes
for and on behalf of All England Dance

April 2026