Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the government agency that provides information about an individual’s criminal record history, in the form of a DBS certificate. This helps organisations to make informed recruitment decisions and prevent people who pose a risk of harm from working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. For those requiring them, DBS checks in the Diocese of Exeter are renewed every three years.

DBS checks for licence holders:

DBS Checks for anyone holding the Bishop’s licence, commission, authorisation, or permission (Clergy, PTO, Readers, Licenced Lay Ministers) and ordinands are always carried out centrally by Diocese of Exeter staff. If you are a member of clergy or hold the Bishops licence and believe you need a DBS application, please speak to your Archdeacon or Suffragan Bishop’s office in the first instance.

DBS checks for parish staff and volunteers:

DBS checks for parish staff and volunteers are undertaken by Parish DBS Evidence Checkers. Each parish/church/mission community should have at least one Parish DBS Evidence Checker who will be able to process the DBS application. Parish DBS Evidence Checkers must be registered with Thirtyone:eight, who process DBS checks on our behalf. If you would like to become a Parish DBS Evidence Checker, please ensure you have read the Role Description which sets out the requirements of the role. Once you have spoken with your incumbent or PCC, and they have agreed you can take on the role, you will need to complete the DBS Evidence Checker Recruiter Registration Form. This must be signed by your incumbent or Churchwarden, if in vacancy, and returned via email to the Safeguarding and DBS Co-Ordinator.