A Guide To DBS Checks for Actors
Actors work in a variety of industries, including TV, film, theatre, historical reconstructions, and other entertainment sectors.
The entertainment industry employs tens of thousands actors, artists, and supporting cast members. In an industry as large as entertainment and acting, there are often situations that arise which require background checks, such as working in locations that include children or vulnerable adults.
Organisations and people who employ actors, as well as self-employed or freelance actors, need to understand the rules surrounding DBS checks so that they meet any relevant safeguarding or protection requirements.
In this brief guide, we’ll take a look at how DBS checks apply to the acting profession and how to get one done.
What are DBS checks?
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks involve searching through an individual’s criminal record to reveal convictions and offences. Applicants fill in a form and the DBS checks through the Police National Computer to find any relevant matches.
There are three levels of DBS check:
- Basic DBS check – reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Available for anybody aged 16 or over without extra verification from an employer or DBS-registered body.
- Standard DBS check – reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. The application must be submitted by an employer or DBS-registered body.
- Enhanced DBS check – reveals the same details as the standard check, as well as any relevant info, notes, or intelligence held by local police forces.
What level of DBS check do actors and supporting cast need?
In general, most actors do not need to get a higher level check (standard or enhanced) as they won’t be working in direct unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults. They are also not in a position of high financial responsibility.
Therefore, most actors will be eligible for a basic DBS check only.
In some cases, there may be children aged under 18 on set, but they are required to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a specially employed chaperone (who will have a higher level DBS check in place).
The main exceptions occur when the actors are training, teaching, or mentoring children or vulnerable adults. If they do this frequently (more than three times per month) and it is an unsupervised activity, then they may be eligible for a higher level DBS check.
How to apply for a DBS check
Applying for a DBS check is easy these days, as you can do it all online.
You can simply use our service today to get a basic DBS check online. We can also process standard or enhanced DBS checks, but you will need to provide more information and ID documentation.
To find out how to apply for a DBS check online, you can start the process easily by clicking here.
If you have any questions or need any more information on DBS checks, then contact one of our friendly agents today.
