The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched
its Supporting
Safer Sports campaign, to help sporting organisations make
safer recruitment decisions by providing best practice
safeguarding guidance and advice.
Sports organisations perform a vital role, providing huge
physical, mental, and social benefits to millions of children and
adults across the country so it is essential that this important
work is done as safely as possible.
With this in mind, the DBS Supporting Safer Sports campaign has
launched resources focused upon those working and
volunteering in the sporting arena, hosted on a new a
dedicated Supporting
Safer Sports campaign website. The campaign will provide
support to all sports sector organisations, from grassroots to
elite level, to make informed recruitment decisions when hiring
new staff and volunteers.
The newly launched campaign
website campaign website provides:
- concise, easy to follow guidance around the eligibility for
DBS checks across a range of sports roles
- information on the legal duty to refer, as well as how to
make a quality barring referral when necessary
- vital information such as how organisations can
contact DBS'
Regional Outreach team and access free bespoke training
and guidance to help with any queries or concerns their
organisation may have
Sports organisations, and their employees and volunteers, play a
crucial role in overseeing and shaping the safeguarding of
vulnerable groups, including children across the sports sector.
It's crucial that sport is accessible to all, and organisations
have a responsibility to ensure that safeguarding remains a
priority so that all groups can access physical activity safely.
DBS checks play a key role in helping make sport safer for the
most vulnerable groups by providing a record of a person's
criminal convictions and cautions, to help employers make
decisions about their suitability for the role.
There are 4 levels of DBS check, Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and
Enhanced with Barred List(s). The check an individual will need
depends on the activities and responsibilities within a role that
the person will carry out.
Deciding which check is right for the employees and volunteers of
different organisations is where the Supporting
Safer Sports campaign website comes in. Sports organisations
can utilise the guidance and advice available on the website to
help make this decision and do their part to ensure that sports
remain safe all.
Eric Robinson, Chief Executive for the Disclosure and Barring
Service, said:
“All sports organisations have a responsibility to ensure that
safeguarding is their priority, so that everyone can safely
access the wealth of tremendous benefits that sports clubs or
activities can bring.
“DBS has a strong track record of engaging with and providing
guidance and assistance to sports organisations, clubs and
individuals through our Outreach and Partnerships team who work
closely with the likes of the Premier League, local authorities,
National Youth Association, NSPCC-CPSU, Ann Craft Trust, and
national governing bodies”
“The launch of the DBS Supporting Safer Sports campaign is
designed to provide additional support and resource tools to
support those operating in the sporting sector at all levels,
protecting those at risk of harm in the process.
“We hope these valuable resources will be welcomed and provide
great benefit for employers, employees, volunteers, participants,
families and carers.”
