A BandSafe seminar hosted in Rochdale by the North West Area Brass Band Association attracted an encouraging response from local representatives.

Good practice

BandSafe is set to become one of Brass Band England's flagship initiatives — a scheme that informs band organisations about the type of good practice that should be employed to ensure the care and safety of its members and of its governing structures.

20 representatives attended the evening which was led by BBE's BandSafe Coordinator, Heidi Bradley.

The presentation and discussions centered on the four sections contained in the BandSafe online toolkit, aided by the opportunity to share good practice ideas and initiatives that had already been put in place by individual bands.

Positive response

The evening certainly gained a positive response from those attending, with Kenneth Watts, President of recently crowned All England Masters Champion, Milnrow telling 4BR: "It was a very interesting evening and I urge bands and especially committees to view the BandSafe website."

Meanwhile, Shirley Woodward, General Secretary of the NWABBA (above), whose hard work enabled the event to be held, added: "We were delighted at the success. It was very inspiring to take part in the discussion group and it was a pleasure to organise. It importance to bands at all levels cannot be under-estimated."

For Heidi, the feedback that she received has also given great encouragement in making BandSafe a dynamic force for positive good in the band movement.

"The responses we gained were invaluable and are crucial in the continuous development of BandSafe, ensuring it is a dynamic tool for change. The aim is to help bands run more effectively and responsibly — ensuring everyone benefits from good practice in a welcoming and safe environment."

It was a very interesting evening and I urge bands and especially committees to view the BandSafe websiteKenneth Watts, President of recently crowned All England Masters Champion, Milnrow

Definitive tool

4BR understands that Brass Bands England will continue to innovate and develop the programme in-line with the latest regulatory framework and that further events and seminars are planned.

It is hoped that BandSafe will become the definitive tool for the brass band community in relation to governance and safeguarding.

Further information

For further information about BandSafe, or to register your band, go to: http://www.brassbandsengland.co.uk/bandsafe/