Apply for Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)
Organisations can apply for Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) to cover a performance or series of performances involving children. BOPA removes the need for individual child performance licences.
- Download the BOPA policy (PDF)
When is BOPA applicable?
A performance and its participants can be covered by BOPA if:
- the child is not paid and no payment is made to anyone on behalf of the child’s performance
- the child has not performed for more than four days in the last six months, including the dates of the upcoming performance
- the performance venue requires or has a premises licence
If any of these conditions do not apply to a child who is participating in a performance, then they will need a child performance licence.
Who can apply for BOPA?
BOPA covers the entire organisation, not just individual children. Before granting approval, we assess the organisation’s safeguarding policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participating children. An organisation with BOPA approval is recognised as suitable for working with children in performances.
BOPA is typically issued to:
- amateur dramatic societies and groups
- choirs
- dance schools
The lead organiser of the performance should apply for BOPA through the local authority where the performance is taking place. It does not matter if the children involved live somewhere else.
If you are unsure whether the performance venue falls within Swindon Borough, check which local council area the venue is in.
What you will need to apply
To apply, you must scan and upload the following documents:
- Contract of agreement (PDF)
- A completed BOPA application form (PDF)
- BOPA group participant form (PDF)
- Group’s designated safeguarding lead details
- A copy of the organisation’s child protection or safeguarding policy
- Proof of permission from the child’s school
- Proof of permission from the child’s parent(s) or carer(s)
Apply for Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)