Strengthening Safeguarding at NI Dancesport: Join Us in Creating a Safe Dance Community

Adele Marsh
Jul 21
3 min read

At NI Dancesport, our mission is to create a safe and inclusive dance environment for everyone, especially children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is more than a policy for us; it is a core value that shapes everything we do. As we enhance our safeguarding policies and procedures, we invite passionate individuals to join our effort by applying for the Safeguarding Lead position.

Understanding Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Safeguarding means putting measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, or neglect. This is particularly crucial in dance, where many young participants look up to their leaders and teammates for guidance and support.

Our safeguarding strategies are informed by the guidelines of organisations like the NSPCC and the NI Sports Forum Safeguarding framework. By following these respected standards, we aim to create a safe training environment focused on the well-being and development of all our members.

Every staff member and volunteer plays an essential role in our safeguarding efforts. Hence, all our staff and volunteers undergo Access NI background checks. This process, which acts as a protective barrier, builds a foundation of trust and safety in our community. According to a survey conducted by the UK government, nearly 25% of children have experienced some form of abuse. By prioritising safeguarding, we can significantly reduce this risk within our dance community.

The Role of the Safeguarding Lead

We are looking for a dedicated Safeguarding Lead to oversee and manage our safeguarding practices. This voluntary position is vital to maintaining our commitment to safety. The Safeguarding Lead will work closely with our management team to ensure that our policies are both current and effectively implemented.

Key responsibilities of the Safeguarding Lead include:

Developing, reviewing, and maintaining safeguarding policies and procedures. For example, making sure that all training modules reflect the latest practices in safeguarding.
Training and supporting staff and volunteers in safeguarding practices, ensuring they understand how to recognise potential issues and respond appropriately.
Working collaboratively with Sport NI, NI Sports Forum and NSPCC represented as the Safeguarding Children in Sport Strategic Group (SCSSG) and involvement with the Northern Ireland Strategic Safeguarding Plan.
Staying up to date with best Safeguarding practices

This role is integral to our mission. As our Safeguarding Lead, you will help create an environment where every dancer feels safe and appreciated.

Why Join Us?

Becoming a Safeguarding Lead at NI Dancesport means you are joining a community committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for dancers. Your efforts will positively influence the lives of young performers and vulnerable adults in our community.

Safeguarding is a team effort, emphasising collaboration and open communication. In this role, you will work alongside various individuals focused on promoting safety.

This voluntary position offers a unique opportunity to hone your leadership skills while engaging with stakeholders who care about safeguarding. Whether you have years of experience or are new to this area, you can make a meaningful impact.

Application Process

If you are eager to contribute to our safe dance environment, we encourage you to apply for the Safeguarding Lead position.

To express your interest, please submit a brief outline of your qualifications and your motivation for taking on this role. Send your applications directly to info@nidancesport.co.uk. We look forward to connecting with individuals who share our passion for safeguarding and are dedicated to ensuring that all dancers enjoy a positive experience.

What We Are Looking For

In our ideal candidate, we seek individuals who:

Have a strong understanding of safeguarding principles and practices.
Have experience working with children and vulnerable adults.
Possess excellent communication and organizational skills.
Are passionate about promoting safety and inclusion within the dance community.

If you embody these qualities, we welcome you to collaborate with us in championing a safe environment for dancers at NI Dancesport.

Our Commitment to a Safer Future

Safeguarding is a continuous effort requiring commitment from every individual in the organisation. At NI Dancesport, our goal is to develop an inclusive and secure community for all dancers. We know that achieving this vision requires implementing robust safeguarding policies and having a dedicated team.

By recruiting a Safeguarding Lead, we take a significant step towards enhancing our safeguarding commitment. We invite individuals passionate about making a positive change to apply for this rewarding position. Together, we can strengthen our safeguarding measures and ensure that NI Dancesport is a safe haven for all dancers.

Join us in creating a brighter, safer future for our dance community today.