Introduction
Ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals is a priority in faith-based organisations. Whether roles are paid or voluntary, it is essential to understand the requirements for DBS checks to maintain compliance and uphold safeguarding standards.
This guide provides clarity on DBS check eligibility for faith groups, covering various roles and responsibilities. If a role includes additional duties beyond those outlined here, refer to our online DBS check eligibility tool to determine the appropriate screening level.
DBS Check Eligibility When Working with Children
Roles in faith settings often involve working with children, making it crucial to conduct the appropriate DBS checks. The following activities typically require screening:
- Teaching, training, or instructing children
- Providing care or supervision
- Offering guidance on emotional, physical, or educational well-being (e.g., mentoring, faith-based counselling)
- Driving children for faith-related activities
- Managing individuals involved in these activities
When is an Enhanced DBS Check Required?
If an individual performs these activities on more than three occasions in any 30-day period, they are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check.
If the role involves overnight responsibilities (between 2 AM and 6 AM) and includes direct contact with children, an Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check is also required.
For individuals engaging in these activities less frequently, an Enhanced DBS check without the Children's Barred List check may be required.
Faith Leaders and DBS Checks
1. Basic DBS Check
A faith leader whose sole responsibility is leading prayer sessions is eligible for a Basic DBS check.
2. Enhanced DBS Check
If a faith leader provides pastoral care (including advice and guidance on emotional, physical, or educational well-being) to children on more than three days within a 30-day period, they will require an Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check.
If they offer pastoral care less frequently but still on more than one occasion, they will be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check without the Children's Barred List check.
Drivers Transporting Children
Any individual who regularly drives children or youth groups for faith-related activities more than three days in a 30-day period will require an Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check.
For those driving less frequently, an Enhanced DBS check without the Children's Barred List check will apply.
Teachers and Youth Activity Leaders
Faith-based education programs often include teaching, mentoring, and supervision of children. Individuals leading these activities require the appropriate DBS check:
- Teaching children on more than three days in a 30-day period → Eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check.
- Supervising children in faith-based programs on more than three days in a 30-day period → Eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check.
- Less frequent teaching or supervision → Eligible for an Enhanced DBS check without the Children's Barred List check.
Management Staff and DBS Eligibility
1. Basic DBS Check
Individuals whose responsibilities are limited to leadership, policy, strategy, or caretaking can apply for a Basic DBS check.
2. Enhanced DBS Check
Managers who oversee volunteers or staff eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check can also apply for the same level of DBS check.
Additional Roles and DBS Check Requirements
1. Caretakers & Kitchen Staff
- Caretakers performing cleaning or maintenance → Eligible for a Basic DBS check.
- Kitchen staff responsible only for preparing and serving food → Eligible for a Basic DBS check.
- Supervising children during breaks or mealtimes on more than three days in a 30-day period → Eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check.
2. Volunteer Security Guards
A volunteer security guard can apply for a Basic DBS check. If they hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, they will have undergone a Standard DBS check.
DBS Checks for Overnight Stays and Faith-Based Camps
For overnight religious retreats, camps, or festivals, staff and volunteers must undergo Enhanced DBS checks with a Children's Barred List check if they are responsible for:
- Providing overnight care or supervision
- Instructing or mentoring children between 2 AM and 6 AM
Individuals responsible for children only during the day will require an Enhanced DBS check, either with or without a Children’s Barred List check, depending on the frequency of their activities.
Ensuring Compliance with Online DBS Checks
To streamline background screening, organisations can utilise online DBS checks. Digital verification services ensure faster processing times, enhanced accuracy, and secure compliance with legal requirements.
By conducting online DBS checks, faith organisations can:
- Simplify the background screening process
- Reduce administrative delays
- Maintain safeguarding standards efficiently
Conclusion
Faith-based organisations play a vital role in their communities, making DBS checks an essential part of safeguarding practices. By understanding the appropriate DBS check levels for different roles, faith groups can ensure compliance, protect vulnerable individuals, and maintain trust within their congregations.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Faith leaders offering pastoral care require Enhanced DBS checks.
✔ Volunteers working with children regularly must undergo DBS screening.
✔ Drivers, caretakers, and youth workers may need different levels of DBS checks.
✔ Online DBS checks provide a streamlined and efficient way to conduct background screenings.
Need to process a DBS check quickly and efficiently?
Contact us today for hassle-free online DBS checks tailored to your organisation’s needs.
