New DBS Digital Identity Checks – WSA

New DBS Digital Identity Checks – WSA

The Welsh Sports Association, via our trading arm Vibrant Nation, provides a bilingual, online, and cost-effective DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) as part of our commitment to ensuring sport and physical activity is safe for everyone to enjoy.  

The system is entirely web-based and can be accessed from any location, any time. With a growing client base of over 200 organisations, we can also provide lower costs through economies of scale, while discounted rates are also a benefit of WSA membership. 

Tested and approved by the Ministry of Justice and The Home Office, it has also been endorsed by both Welsh Government and the NSPCC, so rest assured that our service is up-to-date and of the highest quality. 

The WSA is the only provider of a fully bilingual system and service in Wales, and even offer a bilingual helpline should you have any questions. Furthermore, the WSA offer a range of ID verification options – including the Post Office – which are set to be extended in the very near future. 

That is because the DBS process is currently undergoing a potentially pioneering development, with the ability to undertake digital identity checks set to become a reality soon.  

Yes, there’s lots we don’t know yet!  And yes, there’s lots of work going on behind the scenes! However, we will make this solution available to you as soon as the scheme is able to go live - which is potentially as early as the end of March!  

Everyone looking to effectuate this service knows that it’s a huge project for the DBS and its stakeholders, not to mention the ID platforms who are currently sourcing UKAS approval for accreditation.  

But we know that this mammoth implementation will quickly become common practice and significantly improve processes, completion times, and ultimately enhance safeguarding. 

This is not to say that it’s the digital way or the highway, however! For those wanting to continue with face-to-face ID checking, this will also remain an option to you; there is no mandatory requirement to switch to digital ID checking.  

For DBS ID checking guidelines, click here. 

For COVID-19-enforced changes to DBS ID checking guidelines, click here. 

Over the coming weeks, there will be more updates available and, in the meantime, the link below provides information issued by the UK Government which offers a more in-depth look at the scheme and its objectives:  

Digital identity certification for right to work, right to rent and criminal record checks – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you have any further questions regarding these developments, please do not hesitate to contact the WSA team! 

Please also note that you don’t need to be a member of the WSA to complete your DBS Check with us. If your organisation is interested in the service, please contact the team, or complete the application form on the Vibrant Nation website – here.