Disciplinary

Bournemouth Youth Marching Band

Investigation and Disciplinary Process

The investigation will allow the Management Team and / or Subject Matter Experts to gain the necessary information relating to the breach. A meeting will then take place between these people and the member involved in the breach of practice. During this meeting the member will be given full opportunity to put across their case. They will also be entitled to representation or support from another member of the Band.

Based on the information given, the Management Team will then consider any sanctions that are required to further protect the integrity of the Band and the Band members.

The member involved has the right to appeal a Management Team decision. This appeal should be made in writing to the Team within 14 days of being informed of the outcome of the investigation.

The Management Team will only use dismissal as a last resort, after seeking to resolve any difficulties or disputes in more constructive ways. However, if the behaviour or alleged behaviour suggests that the Band member may pose a safeguarding risk to children, young people or adults (either in the Band or in the wider community), safeguarding procedures will be followed as soon as the allegation or concern comes to light and statutory authorities will be informed, as appropriate.

All children and young people attending the Band will be made aware of this Code of Conduct [or version written for children and young people] and it will be explained to them with a parent/guardian present if necessary. Their parent/guardian is to confirm that they have seen, understood and agree to follow it. They must also be made aware of the consequences if they breach the code, as outlined below:

1. If a child or young person breaches the Code of Conduct, the most appropriate sanction for a minor or first-time breach will be to remind him/her about the Code of Conduct, explain what they have done wrong and ask them to comply with it in future. Children and young people will be given the opportunity to reflect, enabling them to plan a positive response, with support from mentors.

2. If, having followed the above step, the child or young person continues to exhibit inappropriate behaviour, he/she should be referred to the Management Team who would give them a formal warning. Supportive interventions may need to be identified/implemented at this stage. The action should also be recorded and parents/carers informed.

3. Further or persistent inappropriate behaviour will result in a more serious sanction being imposed (e.g. restriction/suspension from the Band’s facilities). Again, supportive interventions may need to be identified/implemented at this stage, action should be recorded and parent(s)/carer(s) informed.

4. If interventions are not effective in helping the child/young person to change his/her behaviour, a further warning may be needed, along with further sanctions. At this point, the Band will discuss options with their parent(s)/carer(s) and refer to other services for further support.

Disciplinary actions

Membership of the Band is a privilege and not a right. It may be terminated by the Management Team if it is deemed necessary.

In the event of a failed DBS check, or a lack of trust and confidence however caused, the Management Team reserve the right to remove the Member from the organisation.

The Band may have to take disciplinary action against Band members and volunteers who repeatedly or intentionally fail to follow the Code of Conduct.

Disciplinary actions will vary depending on the violation and will be at the discretion of the Management Team and / or Subject Matter Experts.

 Possible disciplinary actions include:

• Verbal or written warnings   

• Suspension from performances and/or rehearsals for an agreed amount of time

• Instant dismissal

• Legal action The Band may take legal action in cases of corruption, theft, embezzlement or other unlawful behaviour.

As mentioned above, if the behaviour or alleged behaviour suggests that the Band member may pose a safeguarding risk to children, young people or adults either in the Band or in the wider community, safeguarding procedures will be followed as soon as the allegation or concern comes to light and statutory authorities will be informed, as appropriate.

September 2025