Download DBS - Leeds University Union

Leeds University Union
Volunteering with vulnerable
groups
Aims of the session
• Gain a brief understanding of safeguarding
• Learn to identify activities which might require screening
• Find out more about DBS
• Know where to go for help and how to submit an
application
Context
• Increasing focus on safeguarding
• Notable case in the media
•‘Every Child Matters’ agenda
• Legal directives – The Children’s Act (2004), Working
together to Safeguard Children (2006) and Safeguarding
of the Vulnerable Adult Guidance (2006)
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• This helps employers make safer recruitment decisions
and prevent unsuitable people from working with
vulnerable groups, including children.
• It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and
Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
When would I need a DBS Check?
•Where volunteers will be engaged in a ‘Regulated
Activity’
•Definition of ‘child’: a person aged under 18
(Children’s Act 2004).
•Definition of ‘vulnerable adult’: someone over 16
“who is or may be in need of community care
services by reason of mental or other disability, age
or illness and who is or may be unable to take care
of him/herself or unable to protect him/herself
against significant harm or exploitation” (Law
Commission, ‘Making Decisions’ Lord Chancellors
Dept 1999).
When, Where and How?
Volunteering with:
•Children & Vulnerable adults e.g. older people
Where to go:
•Come to the Student Activities Office on Level
one and pay £10 deposit
Details:
•Lived in the UK more than 5 years
•Or, you must get a check from your home
country
What happens next?
• DBS checks usually take 2-4 weeks to be completed
• Checks are now only returned to the applicant – it is your
responsibility to show us before you can volunteer
• If you have a past conviction or have received a caution,
it won’t necessarily preclude you from volunteering so
please bring it to our attention.