In order to become a member of the AMA model agencies must fulfil a number of requirements, most from a legal perspective.
- Agents must have a two-year trading history.
- Members of the Association are those whose sole income is derived from commission on bookings obtained for those they represent.
- No agent can be connected with a school or any commercial activity which generates an income from would-be models.
- A bank reference, a professional reference (accountant or solicitor) and two trade references are required.
- Models cannot be recharged for marketing services excepting where these are for potential, entertainment broadcast.
- Agents must have a client account.
- Agents cannot trade on their models’ earning.
- Models must be paid within 10 days of receipt of payment from clients.
- Agents’ model agreements must be easily accessed and be completely transparent.
- Staff who have direct dealings with under age models should have undergone a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Previously a CRB.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. (It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
Model agency bookers who have dealings with under age models on a regular basis, typically chaperones and New Faces bookers are required to have had a DBS check.
