If you’re running a sports club, you’ll be aware of the importance of safeguarding when working with children. As such, DBS checks play a key role in helping to ensure safeguarding, as well as assisting the recruitment process.
But determining who needs a DBS check, and which level is most suitable for everyone, can be a tricky process to navigate. This is especially true for smaller sports clubs who don’t have the backing of a regulatory body to draw on for advice.
To help simplify the process, this blog will detail all you need to know about DBS checks for sports clubs.
DBS Checks for Sports Clubs: Working Out Who Needs a Check
One of the most crucial parts of the process is working out which employees or volunteers of the sports club are eligible for a DBS check and which level of check they will need.
By law, only certain positions or roles are eligible for the higher levels of DBS checks: the standard or enhanced. In addition, employers are legally obligated to ensure an individual is not barred from working with children and/or vulnerable adults when they are working in certain roles/positions.
In order to confirm which level of DBS check a sports club will need, you should think about where the individual will be working and the nature of their role.
DBS Checks for Sports Clubs: Working in a Specified Establishment
When working with children, one aspect of a position that entitles someone to a higher level of DBS check is if they are working in what is termed a ‘limited range of’ or specified establishment. These include schools, nurseries, children’s homes, among others.
If an individual is working in one of these establishments on a frequent basis (meeting the DBS frequency requirements) then they would typically be eligible for an enhanced DBS check.
As such, if a sports club is taking place in one of the establishments, then it is likely that an individual would be eligible for an enhanced DBS on this basis.
DBS Checks for Sports Clubs: Engaging in Regulated Activity
If the sports club isn’t taking place in one of these specified establishments and is taking place elsewhere (such as a youth club or football club), then an individual’s eligibility for a higher level of DBS check will depend on their job role.
To be eligible for an enhanced DBS check an individual will need to be engaging in regulated activity with children. Put simply, this means teaching, training, instructing, coaching, supervising or driving a vehicle only for children.
As such, if an individual’s role involves them coaching, instructing and supervising children, they would typically be eligible for an enhanced DBS check with a check against the children’s barred list.
However, if the individual in question is a supervised volunteer, meaning they are being supervised by a member of staff at all time who is engaging in a regulated activity, then they would not be considered to be engaging in regulated activity themselves. As a result, they may not be eligible for a check against the children’s barred list.
For more information, you can contact the DBS directly.
DBS Checks for Sports Clubs: Basic DBS Checks
If, after considering the job role of the individual, you have confirmed that they are not eligible for a higher level of DBS check, they may request a basic DBS check.
This is still a criminal record check but will only detail any unspent convictions they may have. These are commonly referred to as anything recent and/or serious.
This may apply to a role such as an administrator working for the sports club, but who is not based in a specified establishment.
Basis DBS checks can be requested by both organisations or the individual themselves. If the individual wishes to request it themselves, they can do so either through the DBS directly if they are living and/or working in England and Wales, or Disclosure Scotland if they’re living and/or working in Scotland.
DBS Checks for Sports Clubs: A Summary
DBS Checks for sports clubs involves some consideration to ensure each staff member or volunteer has the most appropriate level of check. So, what are the key points to remember when it comes to requesting DBS checks for sports clubs?
- Consider all aspects of the individual’s role – including where they will be working and whether they are engaging in regulated activity.
- Anyone engaging in regulated activity will be eligible for the highest level of DBS check – the enhanced DBS check.
- If you’ve confirmed someone isn’t eligible for a higher level of DBS check then you can still request a basic DBS for them.
Be sure to get in touch with us if you have any further questions. You can apply for a number of DBS Checks through our simple online platform – most checks are completed within 48 hours. Get started now.
