Child chaperone guide

Applying to be a chaperone

All chaperones must have had an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check completed. If you don’t have evidence that you have had a DBS check carried out in the last 3 years, this will be completed as part of the chaperone licence application process.

Chaperone licences are valid for 3 years, or in line with the expiry date of the DBS check. There is no fee if you are applying to be a chaperone on a volunteer basis. Those applying on a professional basis must pay £56.

There are 4 stages to the chaperone process:

Stage 1

Apply via our online form

You will need:

your personal details, including national insurance number
the initial performances name, dates and venue
a passport style photo (head and shoulders)
3 forms of identification for your DBS check (as detailed below)
details of 2 non-family members who can provide you with a reference (name, address, contact number and email address)

Notes

All applications MUST come through our online form. You will need to set up an account to do this which is a quick and easy process.

Stage 2

Attend an online meeting (via teams)

You will need:

access to the internet
the 3 forms of identification submitted with your online application

Notes

This is to complete identity checks and discuss your role as a chaperone. You can contact us to arrange this.

Stage 3

Provide evidence of a clear, enhanced DBS check.

You will need:

a current, clear Enhanced DBS certificate

or

Scanned or photographed copies of the following documents in order to initiate a DBS check:

1x Proof of address issued within last 3 months (e.g. Bank statement or utility bill, an alternative is a Council Tax or mortgage statement issued in the last 12 months.)
2 of the following documents:
- Valid Passport
- Birth certificate
- Driving Licence

Notes

If needed an application for a DBS check will be processed by the licensing team once the online meeting has been held.

Stage 4

Complete the chaperone training course and knowledge check.

Notes

This can be completed at any time during the application process. The short knowledge check at the end of the training needs to be submitted to the child licensing team before the licence can be issued.

You may wish to look at the following links to help with your understanding:

Providing a reference for a chaperone

Chaperones must arrange for two responsible adults to each provide a reference detailing their suitability to be a chaperone. We encourage applicants to signpost referees to the information on this webpage to help them understand what the chaperone role involves before they comment on the suitability of the applicant to be a chaperone.

References cannot come from family members. They must be individuals who have knowledge of your experience and suitability to undertake the responsibilities of caring for children. They should have been known to you for at least 2 years.

At least one of your referees should be your current or most recent employer, if possible. You need to make your referees aware that we will be contacting them by email and inviting them to complete their reference online.

We do not share details of your reference with the applicant. This is so that the referee can feel secure and give an open and honest account of the applicant’s suitability for the chaperone role.

The chaperone licence

Chaperone licences are valid for 3 years, or in line with the expiry date of the DBS check. We encourage all chaperones to sign up to the DBS update service (which is a free service for volunteer chaperones). We will contact you annually to ensure we have your up-to-date information on file.

We issue licences via email with a PDF of the licence attached. You must print the licence and wear this when you are at the performance venue.

Your Licence is valid whilst you are a Dorset resident. Should you move within the Dorset area or out of area then you are required to advise us of these changes.

Email us to notify us of changes.

Chaperone information pack

The chaperone information pack includes information, guidance and useful links to relevant information and is designed as a reference document for Dorset Council Licensed Chaperones. This may also help others to better understand the role.

Renewals and replacements

The licence we provide must always be worn when you are chaperoning. If, however it becomes lost or damaged please email us.

It is your responsibility to renew your Chaperone Licences when it expires. To renew your Chaperone Licence, please complete this form.

Useful links

Chaperone, performance licence and work permit privacy notice - Dorset Counc il