Application Queries Questions

How and when can I apply to work at a festival?

Applications are processed online via DCSS PAAM.

The DCSS PAAM application usually goes live in mid-March.

We let everyone know via the DCSS Newsletter - so please make sure you've subscribed!

To go straight to the DCSS PAAM application please visit https://dcss.paamapplication.co.uk/

Please do read the Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct, and check the Application Guidelines.

If you have any questions try popping into the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), checking the News, and Festivals Calendar.

Also please visit the DCSS Forum - a useful place to ask experienced staff about working at festivals and events.

If your questions are not answered within one of the areas above - please contact us.

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Do I have to apply for a festival or event by a specific date?

This depends on the event.

There are cut-off dates for some events as staff info needs to be passed to the police in time for PNC checks to be processed.

Due to the above and the fact that positions at festivals and events fill up faster every year; do please apply early to avoid disappointment.

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How and when will I find out if I have a job at a festival or event?

You will be offered a position via DCSS PAAM.

Please check your DCSS PAAM account regularly for updates.

Don't forget that following application you need to pay a refundable security deposit to secure your position(s).

Your deposit needs to be paid after you have applied.

Paying a deposit does not confirm your position at an event; applications are assessed and positions confirmed after a deposit has been paid.

Positions are filled on a first-come first-served basis.

Generally, we only refuse applications for one of the following three reasons:

  1. The applicant does not fulfil the criteria specified on the About Page of this website, the section "To apply you will need to...".
  2. If it is ascertained the applicant has previously been blacklisted by DCSS or another festival organisation which recruits and/or manages staff and/or volunteers.
  3. The applicant fails a PNC check.

 

If you are offered a position via DCSS PAAM at a festival or event please confirm this via DCSS PAAM.

Positions are sometimes not confirmed until 3-4 weeks prior to a festival or event. We understand many of you want to make summer plans and would prefer confirmation of your position straight away. Due to the nature of live events - dates change & events are cancelled - it is often near impossible to confirm any earlier.

We always strive to confirm with staff as early as possible.

We receive thousands of applications each year – those who apply to work on the smaller shows as well as the larger ones are more likely to gain the positions they're after at the larger more popular events.

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What is a Police National Computer or PNC Check?

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

The PNC process is as follows...

A list of all staff is passed to the relevant county’s police force four to eight weeks before the festival.

The police perform a check against each name on the list.

We are informed by the police if anyone on the list fails the PNC check thus cannot work at the festival.

We are not given a reason by the police for any PNC failure.

Failures can be resolved – just because someone isn't passed straight away doesn't necessarily mean they cannot work at a festival. Sometimes the problem is merely old information e.g. an administrative issue the police have been trying to tie-up.

If you are concerned about the PNC check you can apply to Disclosure Scotland for a basic certificate. Only 'live' convictions, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, are disclosed under the basic certificate. There are three separate conviction databases in the UK due to the three separate legal systems (Northern Ireland, Scotland and England & Wales). Minor driving convictions (e.g. speeding) are not normally recorded on these systems but are recorded at the DVLA.

If you would like your full conviction history you should apply to your local Force.

If you have lived in more than one area e.g. Northern Ireland and/or Scotland and/or England & Wales - you should apply to each Force. This type of request is done under the Data Protection Act 1998 and is called a 'subject access request'.

You can find Disclosure Scotland here: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

 

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What is PAAM?

Applications are processed online via the DCSS instance of the "Personnel, Application, Administration and Management" software developed and released by Hotbox Studios Ltd. PAAM is a highly secure online software package which handles all DCSS applications, and helps DCSS staff manage the year-round administration involved with running the teams at the festivals and events. PAAM is also used by other companies to manage their staff and volunteers. You can find out more about PAAM by visiting www.PAAMApplication.co.uk.

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Which festivals and events can I apply to work at?

As long as you are over 18 years of age (or over 16 for litter roles), you can apply to work at any of the festivals or events we have listed in the Festivals Calendar.

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At which festivals and events do you have vacancies?

Once an event is fully staffed it is marked as such in DCSS PAAM - please check DCSS PAAM for details (if you can apply the event isn't fully staffed!).

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Can I swap an application between events?

Unfortunately not, sorry.

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Can I work at a festival or event if I don't live in the UK?

You can only work with DC Site Services if you are permanent UK resident that holds a UK National Insurance number.

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Can apply if I have special needs?

Yes, please indicate your special needs on your application form in the field provided. Following application please contact us to discuss your requirements, which we will do our very best to accommodate.

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Can I apply if I am pregnant?

You can. Please consult with your midwife and request a signed statement confirming that your midwife supports your decision to work at the festival. Also, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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Can you tell me a little about DCSS?

You can find find out more about DCSS by reading the DCSS About Page and dropping in on the DCSS Community.

Additional to the above...

DC Site Services Ltd principal place of business is at Belmont, Wycombe, Road Studley Green, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3XB, United Kingdom. Registered in England & Wales, Cardiff 28 May 1993. Company No. 2821530.

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