DBS

DBS - Information about the Disclosure and Barring Service

In order to protect young people and adults, particularly those at risk in sport, it is essential to carry out risk assessments and safe recruitment, whether of staff or volunteers. The law enables enhanced Barred List checks on all those in Regulated Activity, and you will find guidance on who can have a check and how to do that here. 

Checking people in positions of trust do not have a criminal record 

The law regarding the checking of criminal records varies across the home nations and has changed recently in England and Wales. We can no longer check everyone who works with children. In England and Wales, the following determines whether you can check a person; this may differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Generally, the law requires a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (or its equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland) if:

• They are working with children and/or adults at risk in isolation from other adults and
• Their contact with the child or children is:
  • Once per week or more, or
  •  Four or more days in each 30-day period, or
  • Any overnight supervision between 2 am and 6 am.

The full process can be found here, but a check is not permissible if the individual does not meet the legal criteria. A podcast about the basics of DBS checks can be found here.

If you live in or volunteer in Scotland, the Disclosure Scotland website provides a tool to help determine whether a PVG (the Scottish equivalent of DBS) is needed.

Checking references is a vital step in identifying individuals who may be unsuitable to work with children and is recommended in all cases.

It is Parkour UK's policy that all individuals in Regulated Activities must undergo a DBS check every three years. This requirement applies regardless of whether you have already had a check through other volunteering or work roles. If you hold both a coaching position and another volunteering role in parkour, you do not need to obtain two certificates.

If you are a club or coach with only adult members, check here whether the rules that apply to adults with care and support needs relate (they won’t in most circumstances). 

DBS Certificates

Keep Your DBS Certificates Secure! The information contained in your DBS certificate is confidential, and you must take measures to keep it secure and protect it from loss or unauthorized access. Your certificate must only be used in accordance with the Disclosure and Barring Service’s Code of Practice and any other guidance issued by the DBS. Special attention should be given to the guidance on the fair use of information, particularly concerning individuals whose certificates reveal a disclosure or similar information.