Apply for Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)
Organisations can apply for Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) to cover a performance or a series of performances involving children. BOPA removes the need for individual child performance licences where it applies.
When BOPA applies
A performance and the children taking part can be covered by BOPA if all of the following apply:
- the child is not paid and no one is paid on behalf of the child’s performance
- the child has not performed for more than four days in the last six months, including the upcoming performance dates
- the venue requires, or holds, a premises licence
If any of these conditions do not apply, you must apply for a performance licence for each child.
Who can apply
BOPA is granted to an organisation, not individual children. Before we approve an application, we assess the organisation’s safeguarding arrangements to make sure children are safe and supported.
We usually grant BOPA to groups such as:
- amateur dramatic societies
- choirs
- dance schools
The lead organiser must apply to the local authority where the performance will take place. It does not matter where the children live.
If you are not sure which council covers the venue:
What you need to apply
You must upload scanned copies of the following:
- Body of Persons Approval contract of agreement (PDF)
- Completed Body of Persons Approval application form (PDF)
- Body of Persons Approval group participant form (PDF)
- details of the group’s designated safeguarding lead
- 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 or carer
Apply for Body of Persons Approval