Disclosure and Barring Service

The International Dance Teachers Association vetting scheme for UK Member Teachers in partnership with Due Diligence Checking

Information for IDTA members on vetting, disclosure and barring and safer recruitment

IDTA vetting scheme:

All dance teachers should have an appropriate level of vetting, disclosure and barring check for the role they are undertaking. There are different levels of check for different roles so everyone can follow the route that best suits their roles and their business, but all IDTA members must maintain an appropriate vetting, disclosure and barring check.

Using the IDTA umbrella scheme and Due Diligence Checking for an enhanced DBS check is one route to achieving this.

Individuals are unable to request vetting, disclosure and barring checks for themselves or immediate family members. It is important in the role of dance teacher that you can evidence appropriate checks have been made. The IDTA offers an umbrella scheme with Due Diligence checking to facilitate this.

To join the scheme, simply contact DDC providing your full name, address, IDTA membership number and contact telephone number. They will then call you back to arrange payments and get an application pack in the post to you. Please fill out the form “Application to participate in the IDTA vetting scheme” and send it to: IDTA@ddc.uk.net

Telephone 0845 644 3298 or 0116 260 3055

Information about criminal records checks.

Criminal record checks help us ensure we are hiring safe people into regulated roles. For example, when hiring a teacher into your dance school a vetting, disclosure and barring check lets you know that you are hiring someone safe to work with your students. Vetting, disclosure and barring checks are also helpful when hiring a supply or cover teacher or when hiring someone for a guest workshop. This is because all these roles are teaching roles and teaching is a form of regulated contact that requires a criminal records check.

Criminal records checks across the UK are processed by:

Safer recruitment:

As a business owner or event organiser vetting, disclosure and barring checks can help you make safer recruitment decisions.  Safe recruitment is about ensuring we bring the best possible people into roles working with children or at-risk adults.

Criminal records checks are only part of this process and should be used alongside appropriate interviews, application forms, observed sessions, and ongoing CPD to ensure the best people and the best practise for the safety of young people and vulnerable adults more information on safer recruitment can be found on the IDTA safer recruitment fact sheet and on the links below.

Safer recruitment | NSPCC Learning

After-school clubs, community activities, and tuition – safeguarding guidance for providers 

Barred individuals:

The organisations that process vetting, disclosure and barring checks, such as the Disclosure and Barring Service, also consider decisions as to whether an individual should be included on lists that bar them from engaging in regulated activity.

If sufficient evidence exists to suggest a person is unsafe to work with children or at-risk adults this will be added to an individual’s records (this may be a conviction, it could also include other causes for concern such as the outcome of a local authority position of trust process).

These lists together with information held by local police forces and police national computer, are vital in protecting the most vulnerable people in society. Any requests to access this information must be made through a registered umbrella body. The IDTA have partnered with Due Diligence Checking limited to provide this umbrella service. (Please see the above information).

To access the Department of Justice easy-read fact sheet on DBS checks and convictions, please click here: Department of Justice Easy Read Fact Sheet

What type of DBS check do I need?

Organisations provided guidance on job functions and interactions, and the level of check they require. There are different levels of check from a basic criminal records check through to an enhanced vetting, disclosure and barring check, and different levels of check can be applied for in different roles. It is the advice of the IDTA that all members hold an appropriate standard of criminal record check for the role they are undertaking. Guidance can be found here.

Guidance for Wales and England:

Request a basic DBS check – GOV.UK

Disclosure and Barring Service – GOV.UK

DBS guidance leaflets – GOV.UK

DBS checks in sport – working with children – GOV.UK

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Guidance for Scotland:

Disclosure Scotland – mygov.scot

Laws that govern our work – Disclosure Scotland

Guidance for Northern Ireland:

AccessNI criminal record checks | nidirect

Apply online for an enhanced check through a registered body | nidirect

Government Guidance:

Definition of work with children – GOV.UK

Fees

The current fee for an enhanced DBS check is £64.40, including VAT in England and Wales. If you are a member working in Scotland, then you can join the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme, PVG. The cost will vary depending on any previous checks you have had made, £79.40 or £38.40. Any member in Northern Ireland will be subject to an access Northern Ireland Access, NI check at a cost of £53.40. Information can be obtained directly from DDC.

DBS and pre-employment checks – Due Diligence Checking Ltd

Only IDTA members can join this scheme; however, any dance school principal or teacher can run checks on their staff, such as volunteer helpers, musicians or student assistants. To do this, you can register with DDC at their website www.ddc.uk.net, and they will call you to set up an account in a way that suits your needs and preferences. This can be done in as little as 5 minutes, and you can be set up to request and process your checks online. Registration and setup are free, and there is no minimum usage requirement. You can find out more by calling them on 08456443298.

All registered chaperones will have a DBS check as part of the licensing process. These DBS checks are usually issued by the Local Authority who have licensed the chaperone.

Update service:

Once you have your check, it may be possible to add this check to and update service such as DBS Update Service – GOV.UK. In some circumstances, this may be more convenient or more cost-effective for members.

Safeguarding

Enabling IDTA members access appropriate vetting, disclosure and barring checks is part of the IDTA’s ongoing commitment to high standards of safeguarding practice. Details can be found in the IDTA safeguarding policies and codes of conduct.

Additional information on safeguarding children and adults can be found for teachers in the members area in the safeguarding section.

The IDTA safeguarding policies can be found here: Safeguarding – International Dance Teachers Association. If you would like to demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and safer recruitment in your school you can use posters from the government such as these to do so. Safeguarding for providers of extra-curricular clubs, youth organisations and study groups – GOV.UK

Please do not feel that you have to display your DBS or PVG certificate at your studio. This is a private document which includes your personal information.