'Could you tell me if children's entertainers need a CRB criminal record check in the UK? If so, which one and how to go about it. Also where can I get public liability cover cheaply?'
Yes, if you are performing or working with children on any level, a CRB check should be performed. The service has now changed to be called a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring).
Although a CRB or DBS check is not required by law for self employed performers, local authorities and all schools will insist that magicians show them the relevant certification before they are allowed to entertain children.
There are many companies that can provide you with a CRB check in exchange for a fee. However, it is possible to get a check without any cost to you other than a free show. If you offer to provide your act via a charity, at no charge, not only is this a great opportunity to get your name out there and do some good in the community, but often the Charity will do the CRB check for you, as it is in their benefit.
You can get more information about this check on the .gov site here
With reference to liability cover, I personally recommend you check out joining Equity. Equity deal solely with performers so they are very knowledgeable with reference to all aspects of performing arts and the legalities. Also, they are recognized worldwide, and once you join they are only a phone call away, should you want any advice. The cost of Equity membership is tiered to your income as a performer, so it's a great way to get public liability insurance cheaply and all the other benefits and protection the union has to offer.
Ted is wrong. Entertainers dont need CRB checks. telling entertainers that they need them is wrong and CRB/DBS will confirm that. there willing to send out information if you ask. when schools and local authorities ask its because they dont know themselves, but when you ask them to check with the DBS they learn. Telling entertainers to get them is bad advise.
ReplyDeleteGood comment. Ted actually asked IF they are needed. It's us that are recommending that they are needed. Not required by law, but we think every children's entertainer should definitely have one. Just good professional practice.
ReplyDeleteWhat we 'think' doesn't matter, this is written in law so we can't just decide we want one. We have to be legally entitled or we're breaking the law.
DeleteOn your other point, many people think these checks are counter productive and are dangerous in themselves. This is a good article on the matter. http://www.spiked-online.com/site/article/5382/
Schools ALWAYS insist on CRB/Disclosure and PL. Insurance. An Entertainer will NOT get past reception without them. One even asked for a "Method Statement!!"
DeleteBut that's not true. vigilance is more important. If the DBS say we shouldn't have one and they are the professionals, then we should listen to them. For every entertainer that slows down the DBS and clogs up the system bacause of irrelevant checks, genuine people are not geting it done. We are never left alone with children. We are supervised visitors, so we don't need it. End of. The public should be educated by this not scaremongered by entertainers telling them only to book checked acts.
ReplyDeleteDominic: That's a really good point. Perhaps it boils down to personal choice. It would be disappointing to take a booking and find out you lost it as you hadn't been checked.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it better to have it, and not need it, than need it and not have it?
I know personally I wouldn't book a children's entertainer that hadn't been checked, for my children's parties. If that's the case for me, I'm sure it's also the case for others too.
When it comes to child safety, I don't think there is any excuse for shortcuts, no matter how effective or ineffective you may feel the checks may me.
Because of that, when I'm asked if children's entertainers should get checked, I would have to say YES.
I work as a magician part time and I also work as a T.A. so I have the whole bells and whistles, but if anyone asks me if I have a check I say no and I let them know the rules. I have lost work from it, but I dont care because they are wrong and the myth needs to stop here. You saying that you wouldn't book a children's entertainer without a check - so do you leave them alone with your children? I doubt it, so it's pointless. But I'm sure you'd leave them alone on a scout/guides weekend with somebody that has had the check, and all that proves is that they've not been convicted. So wheras vigilance would work, your misplaced trust in the checks wouldn't.
DeleteMore good points! You obviouly feel very strongly about it to turn down work over the issue.
DeleteThanks for adding a valuable counter opinion and balance into the post.
This information is wholly misleading.
ReplyDeleteThe criteria is set out in law that Disclosures can only be requested for employment positions which are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. These tend to be occupations where potential employees would have some degree of 'care' for vulnerable people (children in this case). To recap - one can only ask for a Disclosure if a persons occupation is included in the exemption to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and it is ILLEGAL for a check to be carried out if one's occupation isn't included in the list.
Coming into contact with children IS NOT the criteria for requiring a check. Of course that would be ridiculous and unworkable and it wasn't what this was intended for. Furthermore, asking for a check isn't just at your discretion. It is set out in law that Disclosures can only be requested for employment positions which are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Therefore if we're not legally entitled to have a check it would be illegal for us to do so making your advice about just getting one done regardless, totally wrong.
Great post. Thanks for sharing this info.
DeleteIt seems there is a disconnect between this and the publics perception of the checks.
Regardless of their effectiveness, the checks are often highlighted by entertainers in their promotional material, and asked for by the public
Do you think entertainers that have not had one done may be at a disadvantage to those that have?
I've just been asked for a CRB certificate to do a gig for a well know Swedish furniture retailer and my performance isn't even for children. Told them I've never been asked before (been an international act for ten years) and could they wait a couple of weeks whilst I apply for one and they've gone silent on me.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe these checks are anything more than a tax on those who work in proximity to vulnerable people and do little, if anything, to prevent crime.