*
banner

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.

Bandsafe
  The BBE BOPA enables BBE members to streamline the legal requirements for young performers under child performance licensing laws

Brass Bands England (BBE) has confirmed that the Department for Education (DfE) has officially renewed the BBE-held Body of Persons Approval (BOPA).

The decision is seen as a reflection of the confidence placed in its use within the brass banding community, with new safeguarding measures being introduced by the DfE from 1st July.

Updates

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.

The BOPA enables BBE members to streamline the legal requirements for young performers under child performance licensing laws with a collective agreement issued rather than individual arrangements for each child.

Updated guidance

Following updated guidance from the Department for Education, the following changes will apply to events taking place from 1st 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, bands will only need to send an updated version if their policy changes.

Policy Reviews:

BBE will review a cross-section of policies to ensure alignment with its Bandsafe Toolkit. If a policy doesn't meet expectations, BBE's 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, BBE has 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.

The decision is seen as a reflection of the confidence placed in its use within the brass banding community, with new safeguarding measures being introduced by the DfE from 1st July4BR

Working together

Speaking about the important news, Kenny Crookston, BBE CEO 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."

He added: "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."

Information

Brass Bands England has thanked member organisations who use the BOPA for their continued care, diligence, and commitment to safeguarding.

It has also stressed their commitment to providing support, feedback and guidance as these changes are introduced.

For full information please visit BBE's BOPA page.
https://www.bbe.org.uk/bopa

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Richard Blackford

Quintet lead major commissioning project

July 17 • Five leading bands collaborate to reach out to new major compositional voices — starting with award winning composer Ricard Blackford.


4BR Review

4BR Review to go live...

July 15 • For the next episode on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm, the 4BR Review will be live broadcast — and we want your to ask the questions that matter...


Ambassord

National Youth Ambassadors inspire Bradford youngsters

July 15 • The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble has played their part in celebrating all things brass in Bradford.


IBBSS

Great Hall conclusion for IBBSS global delegates

July 15 • The Great Hall at Swansea University will provide the venue to close this year's International Brass Band Summer School.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Mereside Brass

July 17 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

July 17 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band

July 16 • Could you be our new solo euphonium player? We are a friendly 2nd section band who rehearse weekly on Thursdays in Lewes, East Sussex. Our rehearsals are 8pm - 10pm. Join us on our journey with our newly appointed MD!


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd