It is pretty much a standard thing. In fact most clubs have currency rule as well wich is usualy between 30 and 45 days in which if you have not flown you need to do a club check again.
As for who does the check it doesn't matter if it is an instructor or a member, it is down to the club to decide.
Most clubs also require you to do an oversea check flight if you plan to fly to france or anywhere which is a fair decent over open waters.