DBS Checks | Brass Bands England

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DBS Checks

DBS Checks and Certificates

What is a DBS certificate and why might I need one?

‘DBS’ refers to the Disclosure and Barring Service, formerly known as ‘CRB’, the Criminal Records Bureau. DBS certificates and checks have been put in place by the government to prevent unsuitable people from working/volunteering in situations where there are children or vulnerable adults present. For more information, see our DBS resource in the Member Resources area.

How do I obtain the forms needed for a DBS check?

The officer of the band who will be dealing with the DBS forms can request them by completing the form here. Remember, not every adult in a band is eligible to be DBS checked, it depends on their role within a band. Being an adult member of a band which has children in it, is not enough reason to warrant a DBS check. For more information on which roles are elligible, see our DBS resource in the Member Resources area. Please note, completed forms should be returned to BBE marked for the attention of the Safeguarding Officer.

Do I need to provide evidence of ID?

You will need to provide current, valid and original ID documents in order to apply for your DBS certificate. These documents will be checked by someone appointed by your band to be the 'evidence checker' - the documents must not be sent to BBE.  The evidence checker needs to be a member of your band and must be someone with good attention to detail. The evidence checker will receive guidance from BBE with the application form to help them fulfill their role.  The evidence checker must not be related to anyone having a form checked.

How long does it take for the forms to be processed?

This takes up to 12 weeks from receipt by BBE, but can depend on:

  • how busy the Government DBS checking service is;
  • whether you complete your DBS form correctly first time;
  • how complicated your form is, for example if you have many name or address changes, this might take longer.

Encourage applicants to join the DBS Update Service (free to volunteers) so that they can track the progress of their application and potentilally avoid having to fill a DBS form in again.

DBS certificates are sent directly to the individual.

How much does a DBS check cost?

If you are part of a BBE member band or an individual BBE member and you are applying for a volunteer DBS certificate, this is completely free of charge. 

If you are applying for a DBS check for yourself or someone who is paid in your organisation, for example, a conductor, a charge of £40 is made. However, if you are a member of the Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA), you are entitled to ONE one-off completely free non-volunteer DBS check as part of your membership.

The charge for a non-BBE member volunteer DBS check is £45 and for a non-BBE member paid role, £85.

What age do you need to be to apply for a DBS certificate?

The minimum age at which someone can be asked to apply for a criminal record check is 16.

How often does a DBS certificate need to be renewed?

This is for your band to decide, but we recommend every 3 years. You can join the Update Service at the time of application or within 30 days of a certificate being issued, so that your certificate can be automatically renewed. This Update Service is free for volunteers.

 

Where can I find more information?

Contact safeguarding@bbe.org.uk

Visit the Government website: www.gov.uk/dbs