DBS checks for events over the summer
As we approach the summer months, we wanted to remind you of the importance of not leaving it too late when submitting DBS checks for any upcoming summer camps or other activities involving children. It's crucial to ensure that these checks are completed well in advance, as processing times can vary from person to person and delays can cause unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
We recommend you submit applications a minimum of two months before the event to avoid disappointment.
Digital ID checks
In March 2023 Thirtyone:eight launched Digital ID checks, a convenient and more robust way to complete DBS checks in England and Wales. Recruiters now have the option to invite applicants to have their ID check verified digitally rather than having to see original documents, meaning applicants can complete their ID check without having to arrange a time to meet in person.
How can digital ID checks help you?
- reduced administrative burden
- faster turnaround times
- increased accuracy.
- More convenient for applicants, who can complete the process online from home and only need a passport for a Basic check or passport and driving licence for Standard/Enhanced checks.
Digital ID checks are ideal for those running camps, residentials and other events over the summer.
Get started with Digital ID checks today.
Watch our video guide on Digital ID checks.
Basic Disclosures
This year marks the five-year anniversary of DBS introducing Basic Disclosures, which have been instrumental in helping organisations make safer recruitment decisions for roles that are not eligible for a Standard or Enhanced Disclosures.
Basic Disclosures are useful where a role is not eligible for an Enhanced check but where the role requires (or publicly indicates) a certain level of trust by an organisation. This could include roles such as worship leaders, those offering transport to/from events, administrators, welcomers, preachers, caretakers, refreshment team etc.
Anyone can apply as long as they live or work in the UK (those living/working in Scotland will need to apply via Disclosure Scotland). The DBS fee is £18.00 per check (no difference for paid or volunteer workers) plus our admin fee (the same as you already pay for your Enhanced checks).
Basic Disclosures are not enabled by default but if you would like this feature to be switched on, please contact [email protected] for more information.
If the fees for your DBS checks are paid in full by your Head Office, it will depend on their policies as to whether you can process Basic Disclosures.
DBS checks for trustees
Any trustee (PCC Member) of a children’s and/or adult’s charity can be asked to apply for an Enhanced DBS check with the appropriate workforce - either child workforce, adult workforce or child & adult workforce. This applies even if the trustee themselves does not work directly with children or adults. There is no eligibility for a barred list check, unless the person is working in regulated activity themselves or line manages/supervises someone who does.
For DBS purposes, a charity is a children’s charity if the charity workers or volunteers include those who carry out work that falls into the legal definition of regulated activity with children. A charity is an adult’s charity if there are staff or volunteers who carry out work that falls into the legal definition of work with adults.
(For the Church of England, if your parish sponsors and approves, in its own name, children’s, young people or adults with care and support needs activities, then the members of the PCC are considered trustees and will be eligible for an Enhanced DBS without barred list check. Please check with your diocese if unsure. The position applied for in this instance should be entered as ‘PCC Trustee’.)
If your trustees do not meet the above requirements, it would still be possible to request a Basic Disclosure. If you would like more information about Basic Disclosures, please do contact us, however, if you’re part of a large organisation or denomination, please check with them first.
To sum up, in most church situations trustees will be eligible for an Enhanced Disclosure of the child & adult workforce, without a check of the barred list. If you are selecting a different level of check, please make clear in the additional information how they qualify to avoid an unnecessary delay.
Tailored training to help you in your role
Our Online DBS Checks and Eligibility webinar is a two-hour session that gives a great overview of the process with time for questions and answers. Want to learn at a time that suits you? We also have two DBS eLearning courses:
And finally, a big thank you from all the Disclosure Helpline Team for all you do to create safer places for all.