Chaperoning

A child performing in activities such as TV filming, theatre, sporting activities, or modelling will require chaperoning. Chaperones act in place of parents and should take care of the child like a good parent.

A chaperone can only apply to the council where they pay their Council Tax. 

If you live in Oxfordshire, you must apply online for a chaperone licence.

All chaperones licensed by Oxfordshire County Council must have an Enhanced DBS check, child protection training and appropriate guidance. You must also be aware of the roles and responsibilities of a chaperone. You will be required to sign the OCC Code of Conduct and undertake an online interview (Video call). 

There are two types of chaperone licence:

• Voluntary sector licence - unpaid chaperoning work
• Professional sector licence - paid chaperoning work

If you are working in a professional capacity as a chaperone or are being paid to be a chaperone, you will need to apply for/hold a professional licence. If you are doing the role unpaid, you can apply for/hold a volunteer licence.

Please also note that it is illegal to be paid if you hold a voluntary DBS Certificate and a chaperone licence.

There are additional requirements if you wish to apply for a Professional Chaperone Licence. 

Please read the Chaperone Guide before you apply.

Application Requirements

Safeguarding training certificate - training must be undertaken through the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership. The course must have been completed no more than 12 months ago. 

The online course is called: Level 1: Introduction to Safeguarding. 

References (written) – referees should have known you for a minimum of 12 months and cannot be related to you. At least one referee should know you in a professional capacity. Download a reference form template (odt format, 61KB)

Interview – this will be undertaken via video call (TEAMS) and will require the camera to be on.  Prior to the interview, you will be provided with a list of possible questions which you may be asked.  The interview will last no more than 30 minutes.

Code of Conduct – a signed copy must be attached to your application

Photograph – an image of you taken within the last 6 months. The image must not be altered or enhanced in anyway. It should be a full head shot taken in good light. The image should be signed and verified.

Chaperone Training (for Professional Licence Applications only) – please complete a training session with either NSPCC or Camden Learning.

• Protecting children in entertainment training for chaperones | NSPCC Learning
• Chaperone Training - Camden Learning

Please read the Chaperone Guide before you apply.

Documents

• OCC Chaperone Guide (pdf format, 326 KB)
• OCC Code of Conduct (pdf format, 171 KB)
• Chaperone Reference Template (docx format, 60 KB)

Disclosure and barring service check (DBS)

Applying for a DBS

Oxfordshire County Council cannot process a DBS check, you will need to do this through the group you are chaperoning for or via the government website.

You must provide us with a copy of your current Enhanced DBS Certificate. If this was issued more than 18 months ago (and you are not registered with the DBS Update Service), you will need to apply for a new Enhanced DBS.  

If your DBS is not registered with the DBS Update Service (Voluntary only), the chaperone licence will only be valid until the expiry date of your DBS.

Professional Chaperones must have their DBS registered with the DBS Update Service.

Please note: We can only accept a DBS that is Enhanced, Child Workforce, and with a Children’s Barred List check. 

Applying for a DBS through an umbrella body

An individual, whether employed, self-employed or a volunteer, can apply for a DBS check through one of the registered organisations registered with the DBS. 

You can also search for a local DBS umbrella body. Umbrella bodies may charge an admin fee.

Detailed guidance on the DBS process.

Safeguarding training

All chaperones licensed by Oxfordshire County Council must have child protection training and appropriate guidance.

Basic child Protection awareness training must be carried out by all chaperones through the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership before a licence can be issued. The course must have been completed no more than 12 months ago. 

The online course is called: Level 1: Introduction to Safeguarding. 

You must upload a copy of your course certificate when you complete the online application form.

You also need to read What to do if you are worried a child is being abused on the GOV UK website.

Apply online

You should submit your application at least 21 working days prior to the required date to allow for processing and appropriate checks to be made. 

Please be aware that if you need to apply for an Enhanced DBS Certificate, the time taken to receive your certificate is in addition to the Chaperone Licence application processing time.