Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions are below, for more FAQ's click one of the categories to the left.

How and When can I apply?

You can apply online, via post, or fax. We prefer online applications.

The application usually goes online between February > March.

We let everyone know via the mailing lists – so please make sure you’re on them!

Please check the News, Calendar, and Application pages for more details.

The Forum is also a useful place to ask others questions about working at the events.

What is the difference between a DCSS application and a CAT application?

DCSS staff:

  • Are paid.
  • Work an 8 > 12 hour shift each day of the festival or event.
  • Are provided with food, or money to buy food.

CAT volunteers:

  • Are volunteers (not paid staff).
  • Work 3 x 8 hour shifts during the festival.
  • Are not provided with food.

What is a PNC - Police National Computer - Check?

For some events it is a condition of the license that all personnel are PNC (Police National Computer) checked prior to arrival on-site.

For those events that require PNC checks – all staff and volunteer details are passed to the UK police force four to eight weeks prior to an event. The police then inform us if each staff member and volunteer has passed or failed the PNC check. If someone fails we are not told why.

Failures can be resolved – just because someone isn't passed straight away doesn't necessarily mean they can't attend the event. Sometimes the problem is merely old information i.e. an administrative issue the police have been trying to tidy-up.

If you're concerned about the PNC check, or just want to try and make sure you'll pass before applying or paying a deposit – unfortunately we are unable to pass details for PNC checks to the police prior to the dates specified by them – so can't tell you for sure if you will pass or fail. Although for a small fee you can apply online to Disclosure Scotland, they are the quickest at processing CRB checks. You can apply for either a basic or enhanced disclosure – enhanced disclosure will give you a fairly good idea if you will pass or fail a PNC check.

Please visit: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

Do I need to pay a deposit to work with DCSS?

You need to send a deposit to secure your place at certain events - please login to PAAM for details of which events require a deposit.

Your deposit needs to be paid after you have applied. We do not confirm any positions until we have received your application and your deposit has cleared.

You only need to pay 1 deposit per year i.e. 1 deposit covers all festivals you would like to work or volunteer at.