Youth sports - UK DBS ( CRB) check

Since I have time on my hands I decided volunteering to photograph local sports events might help stave off boredom, learn new skills and become part of the community.

There is understandably a degree of reticence amongst some when it comes to photographing children.

Do you think it worthwhile to go through the DBS ( formerly CRB) process as a means to provide assurance? A quick browse suggests it's a painless process costing around £30.

It can only be a plus point. A DBS check is enough for us to allow a child in care to stay over night in someone else's house. It should at least provide reassurance that you are serious about what you are doing.

Gungnir wrote in post #18123077
Since I have time on my hands I decided volunteering to photograph local sports events might help stave off boredom, learn new skills and become part of the community.

There is understandably a degree of reticence amongst some when it comes to photographing children.

Do you think it worthwhile to go through the DBS ( formerly CRB) process as a means to provide assurance? A quick browse suggests it's a painless process costing around £30.

I thought the DBS check had to be carried out by the organisation that you were going to be working for; ie, you can't do a DBS check on yourself.

I was thinking of asking one of the local youth sports clubs to apply for the check

Unless you are in sole charge of children/vulnerable adults the role of Photographer doesn't come under the criteria. The need for a DBS should be risk-assessed. You should read this. https://www.gov.uk …e_to_eligibilit​y_v8.1.pdf

Most children's activities include a bit in the paperwork about giving permission for photographs. Certain children may chose to be exempt, but the sports club would let you know.

Why not start with adult amateur sports? Get known there, then progress to the youth section?

Thank you Read and understood.

I am currently volunteering with a few local adult sports and a couple of events where families take part together. The shots of children always come out best, they don't hold back, maximum effort all the time which gives great expressions, extremes of emotion, etc.

Adult shots become repetitive after a while especially with casual runners at parkrun who force a smile when they spot a photographer.

Just thought I'd update this. An individual can request a basic check aka 'subject access request'. It costs £25.

I can't really see what benefit this would be given that you aren't in sole charge of these kids and therefore some other adult will be looking after them all the time (that is the person the parents need to worry about if anyone). Just so long as you don't take the kids behind the bike shed for an intimate portrait shoot there won't be any reason for concern/suspicion.

It worked for me. They appreciated the reassurance.

Where kids and photographers are concerned prejudice rules for arguably valid reasons. Irrational suspicion cast over innocent people.

Anyone pointing a camera anywhere near kids will have someone glaring at them suspiciously.

A basic check doesn't dig into things that the enhanced one does, so unless you are concerned about someones driving convictions for theft or burglary, its probably a bit pointless. If you are there with the knowledge and blessing of the coach/manager, there should be no reason to feel you need to excuse yourself. Get an online gallery, some business cards, circulate to spectators/manager/coa​ch and once people see your work you may find yourself in demand.

Basic check shows all unspent convictions.

It was for voluntary work not business purpose.

You can tell me it was a waste of time all you like but it wasn't. It was appreciated and it did work lol

Glad it worked for you. But for other readers' reference
https://www.personnelc​hecks.co.uk …15/pc-eligibility-doc.pdf
for info.

A basic looks at unspent convictions. An Enhanced check searches the applicant’s criminal history for convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands with an option to check the applicant isn’t on any barred lists. It can be obtained for positions working with children or vulnerable groups.

Photography isn't a position recognised. Its for persons in sole charge of children/vulnerable people. I am a signatory and process applications for martial arts instructors. I also had to have an enhanced for teaching in adult ed even though I do not teach either children or vulnerable adults.

Hannya is right.. the letter of the law or the rules or whatever you call them ..A photographer isn't covered.. When it was the old CRB the english FA CRB department replied to my application telling me it was unlawful to even apply for one... i eventually got one from a local premier league cub who didn't use the FA.. Don't know how but they did.

i now have a DBS that a local primary school got me and listed as school photogrpaher.. i opted for the online update at £13 a year and now will just give the info to anyone who asks and they can check me online..

the thing is.. Gungnir is also right.. Hannya looks at the letter of the law.. But out there in the real world people do want to know you are covered.. the fact that your not really covered for them doesn't matter.. so long as you have a DBS (was CRB) then they are happy ...trying to explain to anyone that you can't get covered just puts them off... so as a photogrpaher who does a lot of schools and childrens sports.. although.... I don't need a DBS .. I actually do need a DBS...... because people are so confused and like to have there back covered...

PS glad your down south Gungnir and not up here.. .. I sell mine not give them away

Hey,


I am needing an enhanced DBS check for a summer job that I am wanting work bu have been told it needs to be funded by me. Do you think it's possible to calculate the tax on this and then claim it back since I'm needing for business purposes? https://income-tax-calculator.co.uk/

Thanks,

Charlotte