DBS Checks for International Members

By law, you must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the children and protect them from harm. 

Robust procedures must be applied to deter and prevent unsuitable people from working or volunteering in your setting. Such as conducting pre-employment checks, seek references and the importance of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in the UK or equivalent register or services in your country to check criminal records. 

Find out more about the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) here.

Member DBS Checks

From 2021, the Society’s Safeguarding policy states the (following member) categories must maintain an enhanced DBS check or National equivalent:

• Contemporary Affiliated Membership – non-ISTD qualified contemporary teacher. Can teach and enter exams.
• Full Teaching Membership – fully ISTD qualified teachers, teaching and entering students in exams.
• Life Membership – members hold a Licentiate, Fellowship or Associate qualification. and have been a member for 40 years.

The following member categories may not be required to maintain an enhanced DBS check unless undertaking a Regulated Activity:

• Affiliated Membership – Non-ISTD qualified teachers who are actively teaching dance
• Provisional Membership – on the path to becoming a full teaching member – taking their DDE
• Student Membership – non-ISTD qualified dance students wishing to be affiliated with the Society and wishing to take advantage of membership benefits.

Members within this category who are on a pathway to Regulated Activity (e.g. studying to become a Dance Teacher) are required to undertake a basic level DBS check (unless an enhanced check is required).

We are asking all members to visit the My ISTD area on our website my.istd.org and update their DBS or equivalent certificate details. You can do this by logging in below.