Our specialist areas
Practical, experienced support across the areas that matter most to performing arts businesses.
Whether you need a quick answer, help preparing a document or ongoing support, ABC is here when you need us. Our advice is always practical, approachable and grounded in real industry experience.
HR and managing staff
The performing arts workforce is unique: a mix of employed teachers, freelance artists, sessional workers and volunteers. We provide HR support that reflects this reality, helping you manage your people fairly, legally and effectively.
What's included
- Employment contracts and offer letters
- Staff handbooks and HR policies
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Absence management and staff wellbeing
- IR35 and self-employment status guidance
- Redundancy and restructuring support
- Day-to-day HR queries and advice
Safeguarding and DSL support
Safeguarding is one of the most important responsibilities for any performing arts organisation working with children and young people. We help you put the right policies, procedures and culture in place, and support your Designated Safeguarding Lead with practical, experienced guidance.
What's included
- Safeguarding policy development and review
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) support
- Safer recruitment and DBS check processes
- Risk assessments for classes, productions and events
- Incident reporting and case management support
- Compliance with KCSIE and Working Together guidance
- Trustee and management safeguarding responsibilities
Contracts, policies and procedures
Having the right documents in place protects your business and gives your staff, students and families confidence. We help you create, review and update the policies and procedures your organisation needs.
What's included
- Student and parent terms and conditions
- Staff and freelancer contracts
- Health and safety policies
- Social media and communications policies
- Data protection and privacy notices
- Complaints and feedback procedures
- Document review and updating
VAT guidance and signposting
VAT in the performing arts can be complex. Exemptions, partial exemptions, grant funding and ticket sales all create challenges. We provide clear guidance and signpost you to the right specialist support when needed.
What's included
- VAT registration and threshold advice
- Cultural exemption guidance
- VAT treatment of ticket sales and memberships
- Grant funding and VAT implications
- Signposting to specialist VAT advisers
- HMRC correspondence support
- VAT health checks
PPL, PRS, music and performance licensing
From music copyright to premises licences, the licensing landscape for performing arts organisations is complex. We guide you through what you need, when you need it, and how to stay compliant.
What's included
- PRS for Music and PPL licensing
- Premises licence applications and variations
- Temporary Event Notices (TENs)
- Mechanical and synchronisation licences
- Touring and venue licence requirements
- Street performance and outdoor event permissions
- Broadcast and streaming rights guidance
Insurance and professional indemnity guidance
Having the right insurance in place is essential for any performing arts business. We help you understand what cover you need, review your existing policies and ensure you are properly protected.
What's included
- Professional indemnity needs assessment
- Public liability and employers' liability advice
- Policy review and gap analysis
- Directors' and officers' liability for trustees
- Guidance on appropriate levels of cover
- Support with claims and insurer correspondence
- Annual insurance review
GDPR, compliance and business development
From data protection to business planning, we support performing arts organisations with the compliance and development challenges that come with running and growing a business.
What's included
- GDPR compliance reviews and privacy notices
- Data subject rights and breach procedures
- Business planning and development support
- Funding application guidance
- Governance and trustee support
- Compliance health checks
- General business development advice
Membership makes support affordable
Annual ABC Membership costs just £25 and gives you access to initial responses, general guidance and preferential rates on additional support. Bespoke work is always agreed with you before any charges are incurred.