Name
Chaperone licence
Summary

While it is good practice for children who have been granted an exemption from the licensing procedures to be supervised by a local authority approved chaperone, this is not a requirement in law.  However, the employment of any adult, if not the child's own parent, to supervise children in such circumstances should comply with the Disclosure and Barring Service guidance on the checks that are required for adults working with children in a "regulated activity".

A chaperone is a responsible adult who holds a licence to look after children who work in entertainment. This may include theatrical productions, film, television and modelling work. A chaperone is responsible for a child's safety, comfort and well-being at all times while they’re rehearsing and performing. A chaperone may be responsible for up to 12 children at any one time.

A chaperone's principal task is to look after the child in their care: to ensure that they remain safe, comfortable and are not exploited. It is their role to liaise with the production company where there are any concerns about the child's working conditions. 

You may only apply for a Chaperone Licence from Herefordshire Council if you reside in the county.

Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

All chaperones must be vetted through an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you have an Enhanced DBS less than six months old you will need to supply a copy with your chaperone application, if you do not have an Enhanced DBS or it is older than six months you will firstly need to apply via Hoople and provide the reference number on your chaperone application.

Enhanced DBS checks are chargeable at the time of applying. There is a Volunteer Chaperone rate and a Paid Chaperone rate. When applying, if you are a Volunteer. please ensure you select ‘Yes’ otherwise you will be charged the full rate.  

All chaperone applicants when applying for an Enhanced DBS please ensure you select ‘Yes’ to working in regulated activity with children.

To apply for an Enhanced DBS ensure you read the Applicant guidance notes for online DBS application and then

Apply online for an Enhanced DBS in Herefordshire 

Once you have completed the Enhanced DBS application you must contact Hoople direct for an appointment to show your relevant ID for the process to be completed. Appointments can be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact Hoople DBS team by email at: dbsteam@hoopleltd.co.uk or call 01432 260574.

About this licence
Application and guidance notes
Privacy notice

Herefordshire Council is the Data Controller under data protection law and will use the information you provide on this form in order to provide you with the licence you apply for. The legal basis for processing this data is your consent to do so. You can withdraw your consent at any time by notifying us, however this will result in a licence not being provided or withdrawn. Herefordshire Council will retain your data for two years. Our contact details to do so, or for any other queries, are: Children’s Enforcement Team, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE.

The data processor for your Enhanced DBS is Hoople Ltd. You will need to supply them directly with the necessary information to complete the checks. They will notify the council the outcome of the check. They will retain your data in line with Code of Practice for Disclosure and Barring Service Registered Persons.

Equally, if you agree for us to do so, we will share your information with other organisations requiring chaperones. Your information will not be shared further, unless it is necessary to do so in cases such as preventing or detecting crime.

Individuals have a number of rights under data protection law, including the right to request their information. You also have a right to make a complaint about our handling of your personal data to the Information Commissioner's Office.

Contact details
  • Telephone: 01432 261761
  • Email: locality@herefordshire.gov.uk
  • Address: Children's Enforcement Team, Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE