DBS Check for children’s Entertainers – Alex Cadabra
What is a DBS check?
DBS stands for Disclosure & Barring Service. The DBS check is an amalgamation of the old CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check and the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Who can request a DBS check?
Only an employer (such as a school, business or local authority) can request a DBS check on an employee where the role falls within the criteria of DBS checking. It is not possible for an individual to request a DBS check on themselves. Therefore, if an entertainer holds a DBS check, it will probably be because they have worked for a school, local authority or a company where their employment has brought them into contact with children and/or vulnerable adults.
The rules for obtaining a Disclosure Scotland certificate are a little different and it is possible for an individual to do a criminal records check on themselves. Interestingly, you don’t even need to live in Scotland to do this!
Is Alex Cadabra DBS checked?
Alex Cadabra has performed at many schools in the past. The school can request a DBS check, which isn’t necessary which they will have to pay for and this is held by the school. Alex Cadabra is more than happy to fill out any paperwork to help the school, but will not pay for it as it is not required.
Do children’s entertainers need a DBS check?
Most definitely not! It’s important to remember that you’re hiring an entertainer to entertain your guests and not child mind them. At no point should your party entertainer be put in a situation where they are left alone with any of your guests. In fact, most entertainers will insist that other adults are always present during their performance.
A DBS or Disclosure Scotland check is only accurate at the time of its issue and there is no automatic updating or renewal of a check. However, if an entertainer has had a DBS check, they can utilise the DBS update service to keep their certificate up-to-date.
More Information
Equity has put together a great document confirming all of the above to make things super easy.
DBS/CRB Alex Cadabra