Parental Supervision and the Need for a DBS Check?
Parental Supervision – Do I Need a DBS Check if Parents Are Present?
When it comes to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, background checks are an essential. But, do you still need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if parents or guardians are present. In short, does parental supervision mean you don’t need DBS checks?
At MyVetting.com, we understand that this can complicate something that needs to be very straightforward. Do sports clubs and activities require parental supervision – or can you take a well-earned break and have a coffee?
We’ll review the rules, guidelines and exceptions surrounding DBS checks and parental presence and requirements for parent volunteers.
DBS checks – Guidelines and Exceptions
DBS checks are designed to vet individuals working with children or vulnerable adults to ensure that they are suitable. These checks are critical for safeguarding efforts, but DBS checks still come with guidelines and exceptions. The key focus of DBS checks falls on unsupervised or close contact roles. When parents or guardians are present, the dynamics change, and the need for a DBS check may vary.
So, Do You Need a DBS Check When Parents are Present?
As a general rule, if you are working with children or vulnerable adults in a regulated activity, you will need a DBS check, regardless of parental supervision or not. A regulated activity is a legal phrase that describes specific circumstances where individuals work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults because of help or treatment they need or want.
Exceptions
Non-Regulated Activities
If you are working with children or vulnerable adults in a non-regulated activity, you will not need a DBS check. Non-regulated activities are those that are not considered to carry a risk of harm, such as helping out at a school sports day under supervision.
Parental Supervision
In some cases, where parents provide constant supervision, a DBS check may not be necessary, even for regulated activities. The presence of parents can mitigate the risk of harm to children.
What does Parental Supervision mean in this context?
In some cases, you may still need a DBS check even if parents are present, but the level of parental supervision can affect the type of check required. For instance, if you are a volunteer coach that is always accompanied by a parent, you may not need a standard DBS check, but you might need an enhanced check if you sometimes work with children without parents present. Or, a volunteer coach always accompanied by a parent might not need a standard DBS check but might require an enhanced check if they work with children without parental supervision at times.
DBS Checks With Parental Supervision
Even if you are working in a regulated activity, you may not need a DBS check if parents are always present. This is because the presence of parents can be considered to mitigate the risk of harm to children.
Whether or not you need DBS checks very much depends on the activities that are taking place and on your use of parent volunteers. Some parent volunteer roles require a DBS check, while others do not. For example, volunteering at a school fête may not require a DBS check, while chaperoning a school trip might.
The requirement for a DBS check when parents are present depends on the nature of the role and the organisation’s policies. Some positions may still necessitate a DBS check, even with parents present.
DBS Checks for Parent Volunteers
In any organisation involving children, parent volunteers play a pivotal role in supporting activities and events. While their dedication is commendable and, in many cases, enable the activities to take place, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children is paramount. This is where Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for parent volunteers come into play.
Definition of Roles
One of the key aspects of DBS checks for parent volunteers is defining which roles necessitate a check and which do not. Understanding the nature of the volunteering position is crucial.
Organisational Policies
Each organisation may have distinct policies regarding DBS checks for parent volunteers. A comprehensive guide should outline these policies, explaining the necessity of checks, the process involved, and the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding.
Parental Consent
In cases where a DBS check is deemed necessary, obtaining parental consent is a fundamental step. Gaining consent reinforces the collaborative nature of safeguarding efforts between the organisation and parents.
Safeguarding Compliance
Emphasising the importance of compliance with safeguarding procedures is integral in maintaining a secure environment. This includes attending relevant training sessions with safeguarding guidance. DBS checks for parent volunteers create a robust framework that enables parent volunteers to participate confidently, knowing that the well-being of the children is a shared priority.
Determining DBS Check Requirements
If you are unsure whether you need a DBS check, or what type of check you need, it’s always advisable to consult with the organisation you are volunteering for or working with. They can provide accurate information based on your specific role and the activities involved.
