We love dancing and want to ensure dancing is fun, enjoyable, and safe for everyone. We ask that you, our community, support us in contributing to the welfare of everyone at our classes and events by following this Code of Conduct.
In Full Swing Leicester has signed up to the S.T.E.P.S. code of conduct and related procedures. The following guidelines apply to all team members, contractors and attendees of its events.
We aim to be a welcoming, supportive and friendly organisation. We acknowledge that instances of inappropriate behaviour sometimes happen, and wish to deal with these appropriately. This document is designed to acknowledge that we all have a responsibility to build safety and inclusivity into events, and to contribute to the wellbeing of the whole community. We love to dance, and we want you to love it too!
We will be RESPECTFUL to everyone.
We will not discriminate according to sex, gender expression or sexual orientation, nor race, religion, or nationality. We will treat everyone fairly, regardless of age, disability, neurodivergence, physical appearance, lifestyle, dance experience or dance role. We will not engage in harassment, including offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, or religion, as well as misogynist and homophobic language; and continuously asking someone to dance when they have repeatedly declined your offer. We will not offer unsolicited advice to fellow dancers. It is good to encourage, not criticise.
We will be RESPONSIBLE for our own physical safety and that of others nearby.
We will practise safe floor-craft and say sorry if we accidentally bump into another person. Accidental contact includes dance floor collisions, kicks, and stepping on feet, as well as accidentally touching another person’s body, which they feel was inappropriate. We will not offer unsolicited advice or instruction, dip our partner without consent, or perform aerials on the social floor. If drinking alcohol, we won’t drink to excess or needlessly endanger ourselves, nor our partners.
We will be RESPECTFUL and acknowledge that the personal boundaries of others may not be the same as our own.
We will be mindful of the appropriateness of language that some may find offensive. We will not touch anyone without consent (this includes asking someone to dance) and we will apologise immediately if we unintentionally touch someone inappropriately. We will respect others requirements for space if they say they feel uncomfortable.
We TRUST that all reports of inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously.
We expect that failure to comply with this code, or participating in any kind of verbal, physical or sexual abuse will be dealt with. This may result in proportionate consequences, including, but not limited to, being asked to leave without refund; and exclusion from future events, both locally and further afield. Information regarding actions taken may be shared with other members of our wider community.
We will be INCLUSIVE and encourage each other to dance, and we will be gracious in turning down or being turned down for a dance.
We may say no without giving a reason, but we will be polite when doing so. We will accept when someone says ‘no’ to a dance – no one should feel obliged to agree to a dance, or continue with a dance if it does not feel safe or respectful.
We will take CARE of our own personal hygiene.
We’ll bring towels, spare clothing and deodorant if necessary. We will wear appropriate footwear and choose clothing accessories etc. with everybody’s comfort in mind.
Team members will PROMISE to take all reasonable steps to ensure that any report of inappropriate behaviour is treated with sensitivity and respect.
We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed intimidating or inappropriate behaviour to tell an organiser. If you see someone who looks uncomfortable or upset by any unsafe or disrespectful behaviour, check in if they are ok and if they know who to talk to.
At In Full Swing Leicester, your Welfare Officer is Laura, who is part of our volunteer committee and is professionally trained in safeguarding. She is here for discussion and reassurance, not just formal reports – please tell her your concerns, however small you think they may be. Our Welfare Officer acts independently on disclosures and won’t pass on specific details or identities without the express permission of the person making the disclosure, except in legal safeguarding matters. You can make a report (anonymity optional) on the independent form here or email welfareifs@gmail.com
If a crime is suspected, our safety officer will make a report to the police, and the police will decide whether to investigate. During that time, the alleged suspect(s) will not be permitted to attend any In Full Swing Leicester classes and events. If a police investigation concludes that a crime has been committed, the person(s) responsible will be barred from In Full Swing Leicester classes and events.
As an attendee, if you feel that a concern has not been dealt with fairly, or you have a concern about an organiser, then this can be escalated to a representative of another S.T.E.P.S. participating organisation. The people named as points of contact for those organisations will happily provide support to anyone experiencing problematic behaviours in the wider swing dance scene. More information can be found on the S.T.E.P.S website.
We are also here for advice, information, and support if you have experienced transgressions in the wider swing dance scene and you need someone to talk to.