Do People in Religious Organisations Require DBS Checks?
Within any public place, working environment, or organisation, safeguarding is important and DBS Checks are a key part of this.
In this article, we will show what DBS Checks are required within religious organisations and whether different criteria may change the level of DBS required.
What DBS Checks are there?
There are different levels of DBS Check, and each level requires different input on the application and reveals different things. This means that you must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to obtain the higher levels. The three levels are:
- Basic – A Basic DBS Check is the lowest level of check and has no requirements in order for an individual to gain one. This Check reveals any unspent convictions or cautions.
- Standard – A Standard DBS Check is the second level of Check and is not so easy to obtain as a Basic Check. This Check presents any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings.
- Enhanced – Enhanced Checks are the highest level of Check. This Check presents any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings. If your local police force holds any relevant information then they will contribute too.
Do religious leaders require DBS Checks?
Different religious leaders like imams, rabbis, priests, chaplains, etc., if they are carrying out a regulated activity, would be required to have an Enhanced DBS Check including a check against both barred lists.
Regulated activities require a check to see whether the religious leader is listed on the barred list, and those listed should not be carrying out the role.
What happens if you work with children?
Working with children may require a higher level of check since if you are carrying out a role that includes a regulated activity (teaching, instructing, advising, guiding, mentoring, supervising), then an Enhanced DBS Check with a check of the barred list would be suitable.
Those who work directly for a creche (this includes supervising or caring), would require an Enhanced DBS Check including a check of the barred list. This is according to Ofsted’s, Office For Standards in Education registration regime.
Those who work in a creche, but a regulated activity is not something they are required to do as a part of their role, then they will not have to have an Enhanced DBS Check. They can apply for a Basic Check if they wish.
For further information then see the government’s DBS eligibility guidance.
What if you work within a hospital or hospice?
People who provide care within a hospital or hospice will be suitable for an Enhanced DBS Check with a check of the appropriate, or both, barred lists. This is because they are engaging in a regulated activity with a patient.
If an individual, like a cleaner, works within a hospital or hospice, but is not actually providing care directly to a patient but may only have access to patients wards, they will be eligible for a Standard DBS Check. However, this is only the case if they are doing this at least once a week, or three or more times within a 30 day period.
If a role includes giving guidance or advice to a patient, then they will be suitable for an Enhanced Check without a check of the barred list.
What about other jobs?
When jobs include a regulated activity, the worker is then eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check. If they are not engaging in regulated activity, then a Basic DBS Check would be suitable.
If a Church Verger has multiple duties that include regulated activities like pastoral care, they would be eligible for a higher level of check (Standard or Enhanced). If they just lead the procession they will only be eligible for a Basic DBS Check.
Where do you apply for DBS Checks?
To get started with applying for your DBS Check, or you have any questions related to anything mentioned in this article, then get in touch with one of our experts today.
