Warrington Voluntary Action does not carry out DBS checks. However, we do support organisations to establish if checks are required and with safeguarding information.

DBS

Under the DBS guidelines, it may no longer be necessary to perform checks for certain roles that were traditionally considered worthy of a check (administration for example). You can read more on the GOV.UK website.

A recommended procedure:

• Think about the role you are creating or wanting to check, do you have procedures in place to protect the individual delivering it.  Through the delivery of the role, is the volunteer / staff member putting themselves or others at risk of harm through what you are expecting them to do.
• Take time to consider your recruitment procedures and ensure a robust process.  This may include interviews and references.
• Risk asses the opportunity and then the volunteer / staff member doing the opportunity to establish if they are eligible for DBS
• Complete the application form.  From experience, it is easier to sit together and do it.
• Check the form and evidence thoroughly,  the evidence should be original copies and feel genuine, beware of forgeries. 
• Ensure all the relevant sections of the form have been completed and the information is clear.
• When the DBS certificate is returned to the applicant's address, examine it and note the certificate number.  Do not copy the certificate.

WVA is signposting organisations to APCS, as they offer a competitive electronic DBS service - https://www.criminalrecordchecks.co.uk/   This is simply a suggestion of an organisation, WVA is in no way affiliated to APCS. 

Safeguarding

WVA can support your organisation with different elements of safeguarding all tailored to your organisation and its requirements.

Policies

The WVA Team can support you with template policies, help you create a suitable policy for your organisation and provide a read through service of existing policies.

You can also view our e-learning Youtube video for an abridged version of Safeguarding training.

Safe Practises

The WVA Team can support you with safe recruitment, provide 'walkthroughs' of a role to help establish points of risk and help with lone worker procedures.

Networks

WVA is also represented and plugged into safeguarding networks and forums.  We work with Warrington Safeguarding Partnership and can support you to access support.  The WVA Team can help you establish which networks may be mutually beneficial for your organisation.

For more information or to access any of our Safeguarding or DBS services, contact Bryan - bryan@warringtonva.org.uk