How Supporting Artists Can Get a DBS Check in the UK: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re working as a supporting artist (also known as a film or TV "extra") in the UK, you might be asked to undergo a DBS check and provide a DBS certificate before you can be put forward for or start certain jobs.

If you’ve never applied for a DBS check, this process can be confusing – do you actually need one, which type should you get and how do you apply? In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through what a DBS check is, why supporting artists might need one and how to apply quickly and correctly so you’re ready for your next role.

What is a DBS check?

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a background check that helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. It reveals any criminal history and determines whether someone is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. 

For supporting artists, 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. 

For an increasing number of productions, a DBS check is a mandatory requirement.  So, having a valid DBS certificate in place can help you to secure work as a supporting artist.

Why is a DBS check important for supporting artists?

The benefits of undergoing a DBS check as a supporting artist include:

• Increased chances of being booked: as mentioned above, shoots involving children (e.g., school scenes or family dramas) or vulnerable adults (e.g., hospital scenes) often require all on-set personnel to undergo a DBS check and to have no convictions recorded. Having a completed DBS check with a clear result may increase your chances of being booked compared to those who have not completed such a check or received a positive outcome.
• Faster bookings: having a valid DBS certificate at the ready could fast-track your availability for last-minute roles where background checks are mandatory.
• Compliance: productions are legally obliged to protect vulnerable individuals. If you don’t have a valid DBS certificate, you could be excluded from certain jobs, even if you're the perfect fit.

Types of DBS checks

Basic DBS checks

For supporting artist roles, a Basic DBS Check is sufficient. This will show any ‘unspent convictions’ (convictions that are still legally relevant under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act) and conditional cautions and is the standard certificate accepted by UK productions. You can apply for a Basic DBS Check yourself – more on this below.

Standard and Enhanced DBS checks

For certain productions – usually those where you will be working directly or frequently with children or vulnerable adults – a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check may be required:

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

A Standard or Enhanced DBS Check 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 a DBS check

Basic DBS checks

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

1. Go to the government website
2. Choose your region (England/Wales or Scotland/Northern Ireland, depending on where 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 you 

Note that if you’re based in Scotland, you can also apply for a DBS check via Disclosure Scotland’s online portal.

Enhanced DBS checks (not mandatory for supporting artist work)

Enhanced DBS checks are typically required by employers in certain sectors, such as finance, security or teaching. While 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 to submit enhanced checks on behalf of individuals or the self-employed, including:

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

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

How long is a DBS certificate valid for?

DBS certificates are valid for 18 months from the issue date (unless you’ve registered for the Update Service (see below)).

DBS Update Service (optional but recommended for Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates)

If you have a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate, you can register for the DBS Update Service. For £16 a year (free for volunteers), this service means that:

• Your DBS certificate will automatically update 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 the Update Service, you must do so within 30 days of your Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate being issued.

How to upload your DBS certificate to your Entertainment Partners profile

Once you’ve got your DBS certificate, make sure you upload it to your Entertainment Partners 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.

To upload your DBS certificate to your EP profile:

1. Log in and go to the ID Documents tab of your profile.
2. Scroll down to the DBS certificate section and upload a photo or scan of your certificate. Make sure that this image is clear and shows the entire certificate.
3. Enter your DBS certificate date and number in the relevant fields.
4. If you are registered with the DBS Update Service, select Yes from the dropdown. When your certificate expires, our team will be able to check this for you and update your profile accordingly.
5. Our team will review 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 I replace my current DBS certificate on my EP profile?

If you wish to provide an updated DBS certificate but your current DBS slot is locked, please upload your new certificate to the secondary DBS slot for review.

For more information on updating your Entertainment Partners profile, see our DBS Guide. Don’t have an Entertainment Partners profile? Sign up today!

This article contains 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 advisors regarding the applicability of this information to your specific circumstances.