Safer recruitment and people management
Safeguarding - Why Safer Recruitment is so Important resource provides a clear explanation of some key terms, our responsibilities and relevant examples from the Diocese of Guildford.
DBS
- The Safeguarding e-Manual details the requirements and good practice guidance for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks within the Church of England.
- A Confidential Declaration Form (CDF) must be completed prior to undertaking an Enhanced or Enhanced with Barring (enhanced plus) DBS check.
- The Update Service Guide gives instructions on how to carry out a DBS check for anyone who has subscribed to this service
- PCC members and DBS checks - all PCC members are charity trustees. The Charity Commission strongly recommends that all trustees should be DBS checked at the enhanced level (without barred list) where they are eligible.
A PCC member is eligible for a DBS check at the enhanced level where the church runs activities for children and young people and/or activities primarily for vulnerable adults. A church service where vulnerable adults may attend as part of the congregation is not classed as an activity for vulnerable adults. An example of a relevant activity may be a Dementia Cafe or Seniors Ministry. The check level is always enhanced only. The workforce will depend on the activities run by the church. So, if the church operates a children's group and a dementia cafe the PCC member should be checked for both workforces, children and vulnerable adult. If the relevant activities are just for those under 18 then the workforce is children only.
Access Personal Checking Services Ltd. (APCS)
APCS should be contacted about any DBS checks that are currently being processed or DBS eligibility queries.
Visit the website or phone them on 0845 643 1145.
User Guide for Parish DBS Validators can be used by all newly appointed DBS Validators
DBS Validator Training
Safer Recruitment and People Management module is mandated prior to attending DBS Validator training. This online module can be accessed via the National Safeguarding Training Portal.
Click on the link below to register for a 2-hour DBS workshop held on Zoom:
More dates will be released at the beginning of 2025.
DBS Eligibility Tools
Use any of the tools below to determine if a DBS check is required for a role and at what level.