Criminal records disclosure policy (England and Wales)

It’s for all employees and volunteers in England and Wales.

For Scotland and Northern Ireland, see:

Criminal records disclosure policy for Scotland

Criminal records disclosure policy for Northern Ireland

• A person who is barred from working or is unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer, with these groups.
• It is also illegal to employ anyone who has been barred or is unsuitable, so we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to make sure that everyone we employee or who volunteers with us doesn’t pose a risk. 
• There are three types of DBS check: Standard DBS check, Enhanced check and  Enhanced check + barring list check. The check needed will depend on the role. 
• Anyone who has close and unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups will need a DBS check, this includes contact with adults and children.
• It is a criminal offence for Barnardo’s to check an individual whose role doesn’t meet the DBS eligibility criteria.

• Line managers/recruiting managers are responsible for deciding the required the level of disclosure check and ensuring the checks are carried out in accordance with this policy; seeking advice from the local people team on any aspect of the policy where needed.
• Local people teams (LPTs)/recruitment centre/volunteer advisors are responsible for the administration of the disclosure checking process and supporting managers to ensure required checks are carried out in accordance with this policy; and when it is necessary to make a referral to the relevant regulatory bodies.
• Corporate people team, Policy and Advice are responsible for endeavouring to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; and keeping up to date with any DBS policy or procedural changes and updating this policy, and other associated forms or processes, accordingly.