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IfÌýyou’re working as a supporting artist (also known as a film or TVÌýextra) in the UK, you might be asked toÌýundergo a DBS check andÌýprovide a DBS certificate beforeÌýyou can be put forward forÌýor startÌýcertain jobs.

IfÌýyou’ve never applied for a DBSÌýcheck, this process can be confusing – do youÌýactually need one, which type should you get and how do you apply? In this guide,Ìýwe’ll walk youÌýstep by stepÌýthrough whatÌýa DBS check is, why supporting artists might need one and how to apply quickly and correctly soÌýyou’re ready for your next role.

What is a DBSÌýcheck?

A Disclosure and Barring ServiceÌý(DBS)Ìýcheck is a background checkÌýthat helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. It reveals any criminal history andÌýdetermines whether someone is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.Ìý

ForÌýsupportingÌýartists, especially those working on shoots involving minors, vulnerable people or sensitive content, production companies and casting agents may require a DBS check to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.Ìý

ForÌýan increasing number ofÌýproductions, aÌýDBSÌýcheckÌýis aÌýmandatory requirement.ÌýÌýSo, havingÌýa valid DBS certificate in placeÌýcanÌýhelp you toÌýsecure work as a supporting artist.

WhyÌýis a DBSÌýcheckÌýimportant forÌýsupportingÌýartists?

The benefits ofÌýundergoingÌýaÌýDBSÌýcheck as a supporting artist include:

• IncreasedÌýchances of being booked:Ìýas mentioned above,Ìýshoots involving children (e.g.,Ìýschool scenes or family dramas) or vulnerable adults (e.g., hospital scenes) often require all on-set personnel toÌýundergo a DBSÌýcheck and to haveÌýno convictions recorded. Having a completed DBS check with a clear result may increase yourÌýchances of being bookedÌýcompared to those who have not completed such a check or received a positive outcome.
• ¹ó²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ùÌý²ú´Ç´Ç°ì¾±²Ô²µ²õ:ÌýhavingÌýa valid DBSÌýcertificateÌýat theÌýreadyÌýcould fast-track your availability for last-minute roles where background checks areÌýmandatory.
• °ä´Ç³¾±è±ô¾±²¹²Ô³¦±ð:Ìýproductions are legally obliged to protect vulnerable individuals. If youÌýdon’t have a valid DBS certificate, you could be excluded from certain jobs,Ìýeven ifÌýyou'reÌýthe perfect fit.

Types of DBSÌýchecks

Basic DBS checks

For supporting artist roles, a Basic DBSÌýCheck is sufficient.ÌýThis will show anyÌý‘unspentÌýconvictions’ (convictionsÌýthat are still legally relevant under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act)Ìýand conditional cautions and is the standard certificate accepted by UK productions.ÌýYou can apply for a Basic DBSÌýCheck yourself – more on this below.

Standard andÌýEnhanced DBS checks

For certain productions – usually those where you will be working directly orÌýfrequently with children or vulnerable adults – a Standard orÌýEnhanced DBSÌýCheckÌýmay beÌýrequired:

• Standard DBS Check: includesÌýany spent and unspent convictions, cautions,Ìýreprimands and final warnings
• Enhanced DBS Check:Ìýshows the same as a standard check plus any information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role

A Standard or Enhanced DBSÌýCheck must be requested by an organisation or agency – individuals cannot apply for one themselves unless via a registered body or umbrella company.

How supporting artists can apply for aÌýDBS check

Basic DBS checks

It’s quick and easy to apply for a Basic DBS check:

1. Go to theÌý
2. Choose your region (England/Wales or Scotland/Northern Ireland, depending onÌýwhere you live)
3. Provide your ID and personal information
4. Pay the fee (currently £21.50)
5. Your application will be processed (this usually takes up to three days) and a paper certificate will then be posted to youÌý

Note that ifÌýyou’re based in Scotland, you can also apply for a DBS check viaÌý.

Enhanced DBSÌýchecksÌý(not mandatory forÌýsupportingÌýartist work)

Enhanced DBS checks are typicallyÌýrequired by employers in certain sectors, such as finance,Ìýsecurity or teaching.ÌýWhile a Basic DBS Check is enough for most productions, if you wish to obtain an Enhanced DBS certificate, some private companies and umbrella bodies are authorised toÌýsubmit enhanced checks onÌýbehalf of individuals or the self-employed, including:

• uCheck
• CBS (Complete Background Screening)
• Disclosure ServicesÌý

If using a private company to obtain an Enhanced DBS,Ìýit's important to do your due diligence and check that they are legitimate before proceeding.

HowÌýlong is a DBSÌýcertificate valid for?

DBS certificatesÌýare valid for 18 months from the issue dateÌý(unlessÌýyou’ve registered for theÌýUpdateÌýService (see below)).

DBSÌýUpdate Service (optionalÌýbut recommended for Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates)

If you have aÌýStandard or EnhancedÌýDBS certificate, you can register for theÌý.ÌýFor £16 a year (free for volunteers), this service means that:

• Your DBS certificateÌýwill automaticallyÌýupdate and remain valid long-term (so you can avoid paying for a new check every 18 months); and
• Agencies can verify your certificate status online instantly.

Note that if you want to register for theÌýUpdate Service, you must do soÌýwithin 30 days of yourÌýStandard or Enhanced DBSÌýcertificate being issued.

How to upload your DBS certificate to your Â鶹ֱ²¥ profile

OnceÌýyou’ve got your DBS certificate, make sure you upload it to your Â鶹ֱ²¥ profile so that the casting agents and agencies who use the platform can see it, increasing your chances of being cast.

You can upload a valid and legitimate DBS certificate from any region of the UK.

ToÌýupload your DBS certificate to yourÌýEP profile:

1. and go to theÌýIDÌýDocuments tab of your profile.
2. Scroll down to the DBS certificate section and uploadÌýa photoÌýor scanÌýofÌýyourÌýcertificate.ÌýMakeÌýsureÌýthat this image is clear andÌýshows the entire certificate.
3. Enter your DBSÌýcertificate date and number in the relevant fields.
4. If you are registered with theÌýDBSÌýUpdateÌýService, select Yes from the dropdown. When your certificate expires, our team will be able toÌýcheck this for you andÌýupdate yourÌýprofile accordingly.
5. Our team willÌýreview your certificate. If approved, this field will lock and will automatically unlock once your certificate expires allowing you to upload a new one if needed.

How can IÌýreplace my current DBS certificate on my EP profile?

If you wish to provide an updated DBS certificate but your current DBS slot is locked,Ìýplease upload your newÌýcertificate to the secondary DBS slot forÌýreview.

For more information on updating yourÌýÂ鶹ֱ²¥Ìýprofile, seeÌýourÌý.ÌýDon’t have an Â鶹ֱ²¥ profile?ÌýSign up today!

This articleÌýcontains general information we are providing on a subject that may be of interest to you. Nothing in this article should be considered legal advice. You should consult with your own legal advisorsÌýregarding the applicability of this information to your specific circumstances.