In most cases children aged 5-16 (compulsory school age), who perform on stage or in the media such as TV, film, radio or work in paid or professional sport or modelling, must have a licence.

 

Individual performance licence

A performance licence is issued by secure email to the person responsible for the production that the child is participating in. We also email copies to parents and authorities.


Hertfordshire does not process data on behalf of agencies or applicants.

When we process a child’s personal data we do so as a public task in accordance with Hertfordshire County Council’s official authority as the body responsible for issuing licences and we regard ourselves as the Data Controller for this material where an application for a performance licence, a Body of Persons Approval or exemption is required.

For more information, including how to remove your data, visit our website privacy policy.

 

We need to receive your fully completed application forms and accompanying documents at least 2 weeks before the performance (or 3 weeks before large scale productions, such as pantomimes).
 

Children Performances and Activities Regulations (GOV.UK).

What hours children are allowed to work (PDF 29kb).

 


Body of persons approval (multiple child performers)

Information:

To be eligible, you must: 


We need to receive your application at least 1 month (21 working days) before the performance.

How to apply, please send:

to child.performance@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Hertfordshire does not process data on behalf of agencies or applicants.

When we process a child’s personal data we do so as a public task in accordance with Hertfordshire County Council’s official authority as the body responsible for issuing licences and we regard ourselves as the Data Controller for this material where an application for a performance licence, a Body of Persons Approval or exemption is required.

For more information, including how to remove your data, visit our website privacy policy.

 
Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) information sheet (PDF 138kb)

Other records to keep

In the event of an inspection, you must provide:

 

Information:

Enhanced DBS applications

Organisations can apply to join our DBS umbrella body, which enables you to manage enhanced DBS applications and certificates in connection with chaperone licences and Body of Persons Approval. There is no charge for accessing the system and all DBSs are processed as pay-as-you-go. For further information please contact hertsdbs@hertfordshire.gov.uk


Chaperone licence

All licensed children must be supervised by one of the following:

  • a registered paid professional chaperone
  • a registered volunteer chaperone
  • their own parent.


Due to high demand for chaperone licences, this process is currently taking up to 24 weeks from your first appointment. Any errors in your application may cause further delay.

Information:

To be eligible, you must:

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check costs

DBS typeCost

Voluntary DBS
Where a chaperone receives no payment other than expenses

£22.80
including VAT

Professional DBS
Where a chaperone receives payment

£72.30
including VAT

The price listed above is for the DBS check. We do not charge for a chaperone licence.

Payment is non-refundable if:

  • the process is not completed due to unsatisfactory references/DBS
  • the process is not completed
  • not finalised within 3 months of the date your DBS certificate was issued. You'll need to complete a new application.

Referees

You'll require the details of 2 responsible referees who:

  • have known you for more than 2 years
  • have knowledge of and can comment on your work with children
  • know you in a professional capacity
  • are from separate sources and not from the same organisation or employer.

References cannot be accepted from a spouse, partner or family relation or from someone you live with. They must not know you solely in connection with your dancing school or amateur dramatic organisation.

 
 
Chaperone information sheet (PDF 64kb)

Chaperone guide (PDF 280kb)

 


Contact us

Phone 01992 588605
or
Email child.performance@hertfordshire.gov.uk