DBS checks for face painters
One of the most common questions face painters are asked is “Can you send us your Enhanced DBS certificate?”
It’s a perfectly reasonable question. Schools, councils, event organisers and venues all have a duty to think about safeguarding. However, what many people don’t realise is that you have to be legally eligible for an Enhanced DBS check – and eligibility is based on your role, not your job title.
The information below is for England and Wales – different rules apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland (links at the bottom of this post).
If you’re not from the UK, please check the official guidance for your country.
Do I qualify for an Enhanced check?
Many new face painters assume they need an Enhanced DBS check because they work with children. However, under regulations in England and Wales, face painters do not typically qualify for either Standard or Enhanced checks.
Enhanced checks are strictly restricted to individuals undertaking “regulated activity” (such as teaching, training, supervising, or caring for children continuously or frequently).
Because a face painter’s contact with a child is brief, transient, and almost always done in the presence of a parent, guardian, or teacher, it does not meet the legal threshold for an Enhanced check.
Ask yourself these questions:
☐ Am I responsible for supervising children or vulnerable adults?
☐ Am I teaching, training or instructing them, rather than simply entertaining them?
☐ Will I be working unsupervised?
☐ Am I expected to care for children or vulnerable adults as part of my role?
☐ Is this work happening on a regular or ongoing basis?
☐ Does the organisation expect me to take responsibility for behaviour, safety or welfare?
☐ Am I working in a role that is legally eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, rather than simply attending the venue?
If you answered “No” to all of these, your role is unlikely to be eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check simply because you’re face painting.
If you answered “Yes” to one or more, your role may be eligible, depending on the exact circumstances and legal requirements. Check the official government guidance or speak to the organisation requesting the DBS check.
So what can I apply for?
Anyone can apply for a Basic check on themselves via GOV.UK Request a Basic DBS Check.
It costs £18 and shows any unspent criminal convictions.
Having a Basic DBS certificate is an excellent tool for your professional portfolio, as it demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding and professionalism to potential clients.
How do I explain this to clients?
Being asked for a DBS check can feel awkward, especially if you know you’re not eligible to obtain one. The key is to stay professional, friendly and informative.
Start by understanding why they’re asking.
In many cases, the person booking you isn’t an expert in DBS eligibility. They may simply have a checklist to complete or have been told that “everyone working with children needs a DBS.”
Rather than assuming they’re wrong, treat it as an opportunity to have a conversation.
You could say something like “As a face painter, I’m providing entertainment rather than supervising or caring for children. Parents, carers or the event organisers remain responsible for the children while I’m working. Because of this, my role isn’t normally eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check.”
This keeps the focus on the role, rather than making it sound like you’re refusing to have a check.
What about other safeguarding measures?
A DBS check is only one small part of safeguarding. Let clients know about the measures you do take, such as:
* Following good hygiene practices
* Asking children for consent before painting
* Ensuring a parent or responsible adult remains nearby
* Never taking responsibility for supervising children
* Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
* Holding appropriate insurance and working safely
These points often give clients the reassurance they’re looking for.
What if they insist on a DBS check?
If an organiser insists that you must provide an Enhanced DBS certificate, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask “Can you tell me which part of my role you believe makes me eligible for an Enhanced DBS check?”
This keeps the conversation constructive and may help the organiser realise they are applying a blanket policy rather than the legal eligibility criteria.
If your role genuinely includes supervising, teaching or caring for children in an eligible setting, then a DBS check may be appropriate. If not, it may simply be a misunderstanding that can be resolved through discussion.
Links to detailed guidance for your UK region:
