Difficult times often bring out the best in people and there has been a surge in community volunteering initiatives not least during a pandemic. However, keeping people safe must always be a priority and churches should apply the same standard of safeguarding in this work.

Many roles carried out by volunteers do not need a DBS/PVG check but this should be reviewed regularly, in the event that these roles changes or when volunteers meet the “Regulated Activity” criteria.

You should:

Take advice from DDC (our DBS checking provider) and review the information on their website relating to checks during the pandemic.
Revisit your volunteer role descriptions and risk assess these for the potential for harm.
Continue to apply for DBS checks on role that require this and ensure that volunteers do not start until a satisfactory clearance is received.
Review your lone working policy and ensure protections are in place for volunteers.
Consider using online safeguarding training for anyone undertaking a new role.

DBS checks

Which roles are eligible for DBS checks?

Please see the General Assembly Paper T6 for information on URC roles eligible for a criminal record check. You can also see here for more information on the checking process.

Recruitment

Safeguarding employees and community volunteers.

DBS checks