What is a Basic Disclosure certificate and why do I need one
A basic disclosure certificate is a document containing impartial and confidential criminal history information held by the police that can be used to make safer recruitment decisions.
The basic disclosure document will provide details of any unspent convictions that an individual may have.
Why do Supporting Artistes need to obtain a basic disclosure certificate?
In 2015 PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) gave agencies notice that from 1 January 2016 onwards any Supporting Artistes (SAs) they supply to work on productions commissioned by BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV or Sky which involve under 18s (in either speaking or non-speaking roles) must have obtained a basic disclosure certificate which shows that the SA has no unspent convictions for sex offences.
All broadcasters and producers have extremely high standards when it comes to safeguarding and child protection, and the physical and emotional welfare of every child involved in their productions is of the absolute highest importance.
Broadcasters and producers are looking for the check to seek external assurance that the SAs they recruit to work on programmes or films that involve under 18s have no unspent convictions for offences contained within the Sexual Offences Act 2003. All children working on productions are chaperoned at all times by a licensed chaperone and/or a parent/guardian. However, the check with Disclosure Scotland or AccessNI will reveal if any SAs have any unspent convictions that should preclude them from working on a production involving children, whether or not the children are chaperoned.
This is how to apply for a DBS certificate: Apply
How often should you apply for a DBS certificate:
We ask all artistes to renew their DBS certificate every 12 months.
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