The Disclosure and Barring Service has launched the second series of DBS Discussions Safeguarding in Focus, a podcast for employers, HR professionals, safeguarding leads, and anyone with an interest in safeguarding who wants to better understand DBS checks and safer recruitment.
Series 2 features 6 episodes covering the most common questions we hear from employers and safeguarding practitioners, with contributions from expert colleagues across DBS and from sector partners including NSPCC, Ann Craft Trust, and Unlock.
What’s covered in Series 2
Episode 1 How DBS Checks Support Safer Recruitment
In this opening episode, we explore the role DBS checks play in safer recruitment processes, with expert insight from colleagues at NSPCC. Whether you are new to DBS checks or want to refresh your knowledge, this episode provides a clear and accessible introduction. Available from 15th June.
Episode 2 Levels of DBS Checks — Working with Children
This episode examines the different levels of DBS check and when each applies to roles working with children. DBS subject matter experts Karen Bennett and Susie Blamire explain the distinctions between Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks. Available from 22nd June.
Episode 3 Levels of DBS Checks — Working with Adults
Focusing on roles involving adults, this episode explores check levels and regulated activity in adult settings. Bethany Culshaw (DBS) and Cath Sykes from the Ann Craft Trust discuss what employers need to know when recruiting for adult social care and related roles. Available from 29th June.
Episode 4 How Police Consider Disclosing Information on Certificates
Suzie Dunn from DBS explains the process by which police decide what information to disclose on Enhanced DBS certificates, helping employers and applicants better understand what may appear and why. Available from 6th July.
Episode 5 How Employers Should Consider Information Disclosed on Certificates
Cathy Taylor from DBS and Debbie Sadler from Unlock discuss how employers should approach information disclosed on a DBS certificate in a fair, consistent, and proportionate way. Available from 13th July.
Episode 6 Your DBS Questions Answered
In the series finale, DBS Regional Outreach Manager, Jo Wheatley, addresses key themes and questions that have emerged throughout the series, offering practical guidance and signposting listeners to further support. Available from 20th July.
How to listen
DBS Discussions Safeguarding in Focus is available free on Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. New episodes are released weekly from today, 15th July.
Search “DBS Discussions” on your preferred platform, or visit the links below.
You can contact us at [email protected] with any questions.
Episode transcripts will be published alongside each episode release for accessibility.