DBS Checks – A Guide for Musicians
For some jobs it’s obvious whether they need a criminal background check or not – teachers, hospital workers, etc.
When it comes to musicians, it’s not so clear. Hopefully, this article will help you to see things a bit more clearly when it comes to DBS checks for musicians.
Do musicians need DBS Checks?
In some cases, musicians do require a DBS Check, if they meet specific criteria within their job.
So, what criteria do they need to meet?
First of all, a DBS Check is done so employers know whether someone is fit to work for the job they are in. To do this, they take a look at the individual’s criminal record and background, which enables them to make an educated and informed decision on whether they are suitable for the profession. This is especially important when working with vulnerable adults or children.
Which roles are suited for a DBS Check?
Different musicians work in different places. Some work from their own home, and so they would be suitable for a home-based check as part of an enhanced DBS check request. Others work as teachers, trainers or instructors with children, and most commonly this takes place in their own home.
In some cases, if they work for an employer, a musician may be asked to show a DBS certificate. In other cases, a musicians’ role may not include a regulated activity that involves contact with children or vulnerable adults, and so a basic check can be done. If a check is not done, they may run into several issues with clients or organisations.
The first steps to getting a DBS Check
Being self-employed increases the difficulty of gaining a higher level of check. This has proven to be an issue that many musicians run into as many are self-employed. In order to gain a higher level of check, it must be submitted by an organisation or employer on your behalf.
Places like the Musicians Union are there to help with this issue. So what do they do?
They apply for their members to get DBS Checks offered to them. This is done by getting particular work around children that would require a check, which means they will then be offered a check.
There are many other organisations that do things like these, like The Incorporated Society of Musicians who offer Checks to its members. Or in particular cases, some bodies need a musician to have had a DBS Check prior to starting work and then being able to apply for a role.
DBS Checks for musicians – Conclusion
Any musician who engages frequently in a regulated activity such as teaching children, is automatically required to get an enhanced DBS Check. This is so an employer knows that they are suitable for the job and that their clients will be safe. If there is no regulated activity involved, then a basic DBS check, or no DBS check at all, may suffice.
To find out more about DBS checks, get in touch with one of our team members today.
