Resources
BIFF Organisational Restructure Proposal 2024/2025
The Board of Trustees must ensure that BIFF has an organisational structure which can meet the current and future needs of the organisation. The proposals outlined in this document seek to ensure that our organisation remains relevant, informed, adaptable and financially viable. The proposals aim to ensure that we can continue to grow our membership in a sustainable way and offer outstanding support, advice and guidance to all our members.
Chair’s Welcome - Review, Revise, Reward – The Federation in 2024 and Beyond
BIFF Chair, Deborah Ward's Conference opening presentation. Opening conference with a positive and exciting look to the future, Deborah presented the organisation’s new structure and outlined the roles of the Board of Trustees, members of our staff team, the Adjudicators’ and Festivals’ Council within the wider organisation. This session also introduced the new initiatives such as the Youth Board and Think Tank.
Changing the Narrative - Deborah Ward
BIFF's Chair, Deborah Ward outlines the roles of the new Youth Board Steering Committee and their roles and engagement with the organisation.
Child Licensing and BOPAs
This document provides an accessible overview of the legislation behind child licensing requirements and key information about Body of Persons Approvals (BOPAs) which can be granted by Local Authorities.
Child Performance Licences - The Essentials
This guide provides an introduction to the essential information relating to child performance licences in a festival context.
Child Protection Policy Statement
Our policy document on child protection.
Child Protection Procedures
Our procedure document for ensuring that children are kept safe at all BIFF and BIFF member events.
Child Protection Reporting Concerns Form
This document provides a template form for recording and actioning any child protection concerns at BIFF member festivals.
Choosing an Adjudicator
Useful guidance on how to choose the right adjudicator for your festival
Conference 2024 - Guest Speakers
You can read all about our guest speakers here.
Creating Safer Festivals for Everyone
Our Creating Safer Festivals for Everyone document outlines the main elements of the child protection policies and procedures to which BIFF member festivals should adhere in order to ensure the safety of children at their events. This document should be included on your festival's syllabus/website.
Dance Session - Identifying Commercial & Street Dance styles - Damien Anyasi
Damien Anyasi (Founder of B-Better) helps us to identify some commercial and street dance styles.
Dance Session - Triange of Taste - Damien Anyasi
Damien Anyasi (Founder of B-Better) shares his easy-to-use guide for appropriate choreographic practice.
DBS - Frequently Asked Questions
This is our frequently asked questions information sheet covering DBS checks. This includes who needs a check and how to apply for a check via our external DBS check partner, uCheck.
Descriptors and Criteria - Dance
These are the Descriptors and revised Criteria to be used at BIFF festivals by BIFF Dance Adjudicators when giving marks or categories.
Descriptors and Criteria - Music
These are the Descriptors and revised Criteria to be used at BIFF festivals by BIFF Music Adjudicators when giving marks or categories.
Descriptors and Criteria - Speech
These are the Descriptors and revised Criteria to be used at BIFF festivals by BIFF Speech Adjudicators when giving marks or categories.
Descriptors and Criteria 2024 - Dance
New Dance Descriptors and Criteria for the new BIFF Marking Scheme.
Descriptors and Criteria 2024 - Dance - No Marks
New Dance Descriptors and Criteria for the new BIFF Marking Scheme without marks.
Descriptors and Criteria 2024 - Music
New Music Descriptors and Criteria for the new BIFF Marking Scheme.
Descriptors and Criteria 2024 - Speech & Drama
New Speech & Drama Descriptors and Criteria for the new BIFF Marking Scheme.
Engaging an Adjudicator
A useful guide on how to formally engage the services of an adjudicator at your festival. Contains links to a template Adjudicator Letter of Engagement and template Adjudicator Contract.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
This document outlines BIFF's policy on equal opportunities.
GDPR - A Guide for Festivals
An overview of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in a festival context with steps to take to ensure your festival is GDPR compliant
Guidelines for Online/Virtual Festivals and Adjudication
Issue 3 updated 21st April 2021.
Guidelines for Recording Adjudications at Virtual Festivals
Guidelines for sharing recorded adjudications at virtual festivals.
Handling difficult conversations
John Walker from Peninsula Training shares ideas for using assertive communication, managing difficult conversations and techniques for dealing with conflict.
Health & Safety Policy
This document outlines BIFF's policy on Health & Safety
How To Manage Festival Entries
A helpful guide to planning and managing entries to your festival
How to Programme A Festival
A handy guide of areas to consider when planning your festival programme.