Our Commitment

The IOMDTA follows recognised safeguarding principles in line with the standards set by the British Dance Council and wider UK guidance. 

We are committed to:

• Promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all dancers
• Ensuring children and young people are protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation
• Supporting a culture of awareness, responsibility, and respect
• Encouraging all members, teachers, and volunteers to remain vigilant and report concerns appropriately

Responsibility & Duty of Care

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across everyone involved in IOMDTA activities.

This includes:

• Dance teachers and affiliated schools
• Event organisers and volunteers
• Adjudicators and officials
• Parents, guardians, and participants

Safe Environment at Competitions

The IOMDTA takes appropriate steps to ensure competitions are delivered in a safe and structured environment.

This includes:

• Clear event organisation and supervision
• Appropriate use of changing facilities
• Restrictions on photography and filming during competitions
• Ensuring children are not placed in situations where they are alone with unrelated adults

Training & Awareness

We encourage all affiliated teachers and members to maintain an awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and good practice.
This includes:

• Understanding how to recognise signs of concern
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Keeping up to date with safeguarding guidance and training where applicable

Raising Awareness

If there are concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable individual, these should be taken seriously and acted upon.

Concerns can be raised:

• With event organisers or a responsible adult present
• With appropriate safeguarding authorities where necessary
• Our IOMDTA Safeguarding Officer - Thea.

Anyone raising a concern should feel confident that it will be treated appropriately and in good faith.

Working with IOMDTA Members Schools

All dance schools affiliated with the IOMDTA are expected to:

• Operate in line with recognised safeguarding practices
• Maintain appropriate policies and procedures within their own organisations
• Take responsibility for the welfare of dancers in their care

Anyone raising a concern should feel confident that it will be treated appropriately and in good faith.

Our Approach

The IOMDTA is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment where dancers can develop, perform, and enjoy their participation in dance with confidence.

Safeguarding underpins all of our activities and remains a priority across everything we do.