The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is supporting Ann Craft Trust during National Safeguarding Adults Week to help organisations prevent abuse and create safer cultures through this year’s theme ‘Prevention Act Before Abuse’.
DBS supports employers to make safer recruitment decisions by processing and issuing criminal record checks and by maintaining the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists. Barred Lists are records of people not permitted to work in a regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults.
The Ann Craft Trust – which is hosting Safeguarding Adults Week from 17 to 21 November – is a leading UK authority supporting organisations to safeguard adults and young people at risk.
DBS’ focus during Safeguarding Adults Week is to help organisations understand when DBS checks are required, what ‘regulated activity’ is, how to access free checks for eligible volunteers, and the application process. Throughout the week, DBS will be sharing guidance and resources on
-
different levels of DBS checks (Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks)
-
which roles require DBS checks and what regulated activity with adults at risk means
-
how volunteers can access free DBS checks and what counts as voluntary work
-
how to use the DBS Update Service to keep certificates current
Activities provided by Ann Craft Trust include free online seminars and an in-person Safeguarding Adults Conference on Wednesday 19 November. Throughout the week, the Ann Craft Trust will explore a different safeguarding theme each day
Monday – Change the Conversation focusing on proactive intervention and creating safer environments that actively work to prevent abuse
Tuesday – Prevention in Practice examining the role of leadership, good governance, values-based recruitment and meaningful training
Wednesday – Creating Empowering Environments exploring trauma-informed approaches through empathy, co-production and positive risk-taking
Thursday – Trust Your Instincts building courage and resilience to speak out, with tools to develop supportive safeguarding cultures
Friday – Celebrate the Safer Cultures showcasing examples of good practice and success stories
DBS is also hosting a series of free online workshops across England during Safeguarding Adults Week. DBS Outreach Advisers will explain the role of DBS, including understanding DBS checks and role eligibility, what regulated activity means, the legal duty to refer, and the process for making a barring referral. Find out more.
Susie Blamire, Associate Director Strategic Lead for Safeguarding for the Disclosure and Barring Service, said
DBS performs a critical role in helping protect the most vulnerable. We support employers to make safer recruitment decisions informed by our different levels of DBS checks and by barring individuals who pose a risk to vulnerable groups from working in certain roles.
Prevention must be at the heart of safeguarding, and safer recruitment is a key part of that. We are pleased to support the Ann Craft Trust’s Safeguarding Adults Week and encourage organisations to understand DBS check eligibility. Knowing when and which checks are required, and how volunteers can access free checks are all essential steps in preventing harm.”
Stuart Sale, CEO of the Ann Craft Trust, said
The DBS is a crucial organisation when it comes to safeguarding, and particularly when we think about prevention. The Ann Craft Trust is proud of the longstanding relationship we have had with the DBS, over a number of years, and are delighted that they have once again prioritised Safeguarding Adults Week in their calendar with a number of fantastic events. We look forward to continuing working with DBS to ensure that safeguarding remains a priority for any organisation that comes into contact with adults.”
DBS Regional Outreach Advisers provide year-round free support to organisations across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The team can help organisations understand DBS check eligibility and the legal duty to refer. They also provide tailored training and workshops. For more information, visit the DBS Regional Outreach service or contact [email protected].
