New safeguarding measures for performances involving children

We're pleased to share that the Department for Education (DfE) has officially renewed our Body of Persons Approval (BOPA), reflecting confidence in the strong safeguarding practices within the brass banding community.

Bands using the BBE BOPA service should be aware of new safeguarding measures being introduced by the DfE from 1 July 2025. These updates are designed to ensure that all organisations using the BBE BOPA continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and young people.

What is the BOPA and how does it support bands?

The BOPA allows BBE members to streamline the legal requirements for young performers under child performance licensing laws. Rather than seeking individual licences for each child, eligible events can be covered under one collective agreement, saving time and effort while upholding high safeguarding standards.

What’s changing from July 2025?

Following updated guidance from the Department for Education, the following changes will apply to events taking place from 1 July 2025 that make use of the BBE BOPA:

• Safeguarding Policy Submission: Bands must submit their current safeguarding policy to safeguarding@bbe.org.uk in advance of any BOPA-covered event. Following submission, you only need to send an updated version if your policy changes.
• Policy Reviews: We will review a cross-section of policies to ensure alignment with its Bandsafe Toolkit. If a policy doesn’t meet expectations, our safeguarding team will contact the group to offer support and advice.
• Application Deadlines: Bands must apply for BOPA coverage at least three weeks before the event, and the BOPA certificate must be sent to the local authority no later than two weeks before the event. These deadlines will now be more actively monitored.
• DfE Enforcement Powers: As part of this updated framework, we have been asked by the DfE to take firmer action where safeguarding or licensing concerns are identified. In serious cases, organisations may lose access to the BOPA scheme until issues are resolved.

Working together to support excellence

Kenny Crookston, Chief Executive Officer of Brass Bands England, said: “Brass bands provide inspiring and enriching opportunities for young people across the country, and it’s essential that these environments are as safe and welcoming as they are musical.
We’re proud of the high standards our member bands uphold, and we’re here to support them as they continue to raise the bar. These updates will help us work more closely with our members to ensure every young performer is protected and every event is compliant with national standards.”

We would like to thank all member organisations who use the BOPA for their continued care, diligence, and commitment to safeguarding and the team would like to stress their commitment to providing support, feedback and guidance as these changes are introduced.

For full information please visit our BOPA page.