Safeguarding Policy & Procedures

RAVE WORKOUT LTD, known as "RAVE", is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members, staff, and visitors. This Safeguarding Policy and Procedures document sets out our approach to protecting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, and outlines the responsibilities of everyone involved in our classes.

This policy applies to all instructors, staff, volunteers, partners, and members of RAVE.

1. Our Commitment

RAVE believes that everyone has the right to participate in dance and fitness activities in an environment free from abuse, harassment, neglect, and harm. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all participants, particularly children and adults at risk, and to act in their best interests at all times.

2. Definitions

2.1 A child is anyone under the age of 18.

2.2 An adult at risk is any person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, disability, mental or physical illness, or other circumstance.

2.3 Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial, discriminatory, or organisational abuse, as well as bullying and harassment.

3. Eligibility and Supervision

3.1 Age requirements. Our classes are open to participants aged 16 and over. Members aged 16 or 17 must have parental or guardian consent to participate (see our Terms of Service).

3.2 Supervision of under-18s. Members aged 16–17 are treated as young people and instructors will exercise appropriate vigilance. Where a class includes participants under 18, instructors will ensure that the environment remains appropriate and that no member is placed at risk.

4. Responsibilities of Instructors and Staff

4.1 Instructors and staff are expected to be alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or distress and to report any concerns promptly (see Section 6).

4.2 Instructors must maintain professional boundaries with all members at all times, including avoiding any physical contact that is not necessary for safe instruction and always seeking consent before any supportive or corrective touch.

4.3 Instructors must never be alone in a one-to-one situation with a child or young person in a closed space.

4.4 Instructors and staff must treat all members with respect and dignity, regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or background.

5. Code of Conduct for Members

All members are expected to:

• Treat instructors, staff, and fellow members with respect and courtesy.
• Refrain from any behaviour that could intimidate, harass, or endanger others.
• Report any safeguarding concern to a member of staff or instructor.
• Never engage in any form of abuse, bullying, or discrimination.
• Respect the privacy and dignity of others, particularly in changing areas.

6. Reporting a Concern

6.1 Any safeguarding concern, disclosure, or suspicion of abuse must be reported to the RAVE Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible and in any event within 24 hours.

6.2 The current Safeguarding Lead is the studio owner, who can be contacted via the details on our Contact page.

6.3 If a child or adult is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999 (UK) before reporting internally.

6.4 All reports will be handled confidentially and shared only with those who need to know. Information will be recorded factually and stored securely.

7. Responding to a Disclosure

If someone discloses abuse:

• Listen calmly and without asking leading questions.
• Do not promise confidentiality, but explain you will share the information only with those who need to know.
• Reassure them they have done the right thing by telling you.
• Record what was said as soon as possible, using the person's own words.
• Report immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.

8. Safer Recruitment

8.1 All instructors and staff who work with children or adults at risk will undergo appropriate background checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable.

8.2 References will be sought for all new instructors and staff.

8.3 All instructors and staff will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

9. Health and Safety

9.1 Instructors will ensure that the studio environment is safe before each class, including checking the floor, equipment, and emergency exits.

9.2 Members must inform instructors of any injury, medical condition, or pregnancy that may affect their participation.

9.3 A first aid kit will be available at every venue, and at least one instructor will hold a valid first aid qualification.

10. Photography and Media

10.1 RAVE may take photographs during classes for promotional purposes. Members' consent for photography is captured during onboarding and can be withdrawn at any time.

10.2 Photographs of members under 18 will only be taken with explicit parental or guardian consent.

10.3 No member or visitor may take photographs or video of other members without their consent.

11. Review of this Policy

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there is a change in legislation, guidance, or circumstances. The most current version will always be posted on our website with a revised "Last updated" date.

12. Contact

If you have any questions about this Safeguarding Policy, or wish to report a concern, please contact us using the details provided on our Contact page.