Frequently Asked Questions
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New Artist & Existing Artist DBS FAQ
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Do I need to apply for a DBS before applying?New Artists:
Not immediately. You can wait to see if your application is accepted before applying for a DBS.
Once accepted you will need to apply for a DBS and upload your certificate in order to complete your registration. You will not be accepted until you have a valid DBS certificate uploaded. If you do not have a DBS uploaded within 3 months of your application being accepted, your profile will be archived.
You can apply for a DBS certificate here:
https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
Existing Artists:
Yes, you need to upload a DBS certificate every 18 months, in order to maintain your registration.
Please login to your account and navigate to the "Documents" section of your profile.
If your DBS has expired, a notice will display on your dashboard.
If your profile has been made inactive, it will be reactivated once your valid DBS has been reviewed by us.
Please check your DBS certificate has been accepted after 2 weeks.
A DBS marked as "invalid" by us typically means it is unreadable, so please upload a clear photo or scan of your certificate.
You can apply for a DBS certificate here:
https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
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How do I apply for a DBS certificate?Please go to:
https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
There are other companies that claim to be able to perform DBS checks. Please avoid these companies as they charge extortionate amounts and produce invalid certificates. The government website, linked above, is the safest and cheapest option. -
I have a standard/enhanced DBS certificate, do you accept these?Standard or enhanced DBS certificates last 18 months, the same as a basic DBS certificate. Unless, they are subscribed to the update service. If you have a valid update subscription, please see the next question.
If you have an enhanced DBS through your employer every 3 years for example, you will need to get a basic DBS after 18 months or ask your employer about the update service (it's cheaper for them). -
My employer renews my standard/enhanced DBS every 3 years, why is it 18 months for the TV industry?We follow the strict guidelines of the BBC, which outlines all DBS certificates only last 18 months, regardless of type. All industries, such as nursing, education, etc, set their own guidelines.
You will need a basic certificate after 18 months, or ask your employer about subscribing your enhanced DBS to the update service (it's cheaper for them). This can only be done within the first 30 days of your enhanced certificate's issue. -
I am subscribed to the enhanced DBS update service, what do I do?New Artists:
This only applies to those who have been invited to register, once your preliminary application has been accepted.
You will need to upload both your enhanced certificate and subscription proof.
Your subscription has an expiry date, therefore you must re-upload your subscription proof once a year, on renewal.
Once you have an online profile, your subscription proof will need to be uploaded in the "DBS" section, whilst your certificate should be uploaded in the "Miscellaneous documents" section.
Your subscription proof can come in the form of a screenshot or print screen from the update service's page. It will need to clearly state your expiry date, name, address and certificate number.
The certificate number needs to match the Enhanced Certificate uploaded in the "Miscellaneous documents" section.
Existing Artists:
You will need to upload both your enhanced certificate and subscription proof.
Your subscription has an expiry date, therefore you must re-upload your subscription proof once a year, on renewal.
Please login to your profile and navigate to the "Documents" section.
Your subscription proof will need to be uploaded in the "DBS" section, whilst your certificate should be uploaded in the "Miscellaneous documents" section.
Your subscription proof can come in the form of a screenshot or print screen from the update service's page. It will need to clearly state your expiry date, name, address and certificate number.
The certificate number needs to match the Enhanced Certificate uploaded in the "Miscellaneous documents" section.