Guidance

This resource is the top tips you can implement to make your website more accessible. By making your website accessible, you are ensuring that all of your potential users, including people with disabilities, have a decent user experience and are able to easily access your information.

What is a DBS check, why do you need one, and how do you apply? This resource tells you everything you need to know plus how BBE can support with free DBS application for volunteers.

As bands use such a vast array of music it's important for us to understand the laws, organisations and best practice involved in obtaining, performing and recording that music. This resource covers the need to know aspects of copyright, PRS and Licences such as obtaining music, making copies, paying PRS fees and what licences you need to sell CDs.

Welcome Guide to help new BBE members get started

BBE can now act as your one-stop shop to use our BBE-held BOPA to exempt your performances from the Child Performance Licensing legislation and provide all the necessary checks and training.

Child Performance Licensing may be unheard of for many in the banding world, but it is already impacting on the activities of many organisations. Brass Band England’s (BBE’s) Development Manager, Alex Parker, explains how the organisation is tackling the myriad issues arising from the new legislation.

Free funding for your band Fundraising website easyfundraising is an easy and free way to get funding for your band, just by shopping online.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came in to force on 25th May 2018.  It is an EU law that sets out guidelines for the collection and processing of personal information and aims to give individuals more rights over how their data is used. The new regulations will apply to all types of organisations and although this change in legislation isn’t ‘aimed’ at voluntary groups and charities, it will affect them.  It is something bands should be aware of and it may mean making some changes.

To be effective, a committee needs clear roles, duties/responsibilities and leadership.  Committees can be organised in a number of different ways depending on the size of your organisation, but it is advisable for every band to have someone appointed – at least - to the following roles (the Executive Committee). The majority of our member bands are run by a committee - a group of committed people who care about their band and take responsibility for making things happen.

Signing choirs often include Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing members, all of whom sign sing to recorded music. Some choirs occasionally sing vocally too. Choirs who perform both using sign language and vocally describe themselves as bi-language.