This area is dedicated to supporting Parish Safeguarding Ministers. Please take a look at the resources below that will help you in your role. If there is anything that you think we should add to this area, please tell us.
Disclosure and Barring Service
DBS Applications
The DBS has issued new forms that must be completed when undertaking a DBS check with a parish volunteer. There are also helpful guidance notes to assist applicants in completing the forms and ensuring they have the identity documents required to progress the check. If you have any previous version (dated December 2019) please destroy these. Please click below to download current versions.
DBS Update Service
We are encouraging all volunteers to register with the update service. This service is free and will assist in streamlining the process when rechecks are required. Subscribers to the DBS update service will receive an email from the DBS 30 days before their yearly subscription expires, asking them to confirm if they wish to continue with the service. For those who confirm, this request will be repeated annually. If no confirmation is made, their subscription will automatically be cancelled.
Volunteers who do not renew their subscription will need to apply for a new DBS when their re-check is due as we will not be able to check their status on-line.
The below link is to the DBS ID checking guidelines. We know this can be a complex area and the guidance from the government will assist you in your roles, providing relevant detail.
If you are approached in relation to a new group/initiative starting in your parish – we would ask that you contact the safeguarding office for advice and support on this. You can also use the DBS eligibility tool to determine whether the roles identified are eligible for a check. A link to the tool is below:
For information, we only undertake Enhanced DBS checks in the Diocese. Below is a link to the info specifically about enhanced checks and what constitutes regulated activity.
Please see below forms required for recruitment of volunteers within your parish:
Once a volunteer has completed the initial recruitment process (registration form, receipt of 2 satisfactory references and offer for role made) where it is a role with DBS eligibility, the applicant should be requested to complete the DBS forms required and make an appointment with the Parish Safeguarding Minister for ID verification to be undertaken.
More about the DBS process can be found under the DBS applications section – Quick Guide to DBS Checks for PSM’s.
