WSA DBS Checks for Sports Clubs
Safeguarding should be an integral part of any sport club’s culture. The benefits of having a safer environment and effective safeguarding measures within a sports club cannot be overstated since it helps ensure that, amongst other things;
- Participants are protected from harm;
- Allegations are dealt with effectively
- Everyone is clear about their roles and responsibilities
- Staff and volunteers are protected from misplaced allegations
- Welfare is a priority
A key part of a sport club’s safeguarding procedure are background checks for staff and volunteers by way of DBS checks. Whilst DBS checks are an essential tool in analysing a person’s suitability to work with vulnerable groups, knowing exactly what type of checks are available and who is eligible for them can be confusing. This can be especially true for smaller clubs and organisations that may not have the backing of a regulatory body to draw on for advice.
Visit the WSA ‘DBS for Sports Clubs’ section for guidance aimed at helping sport clubs understand what DBS checks are and how they work. The guidance includes;
- A basic overview of DBS: An introduction to the different levels of checks and who can apply for them
- Barred lists: What are the children’s and adult’s barred lists and when are they searched?
- Eligibility criteria: What roles are eligible DBS checks and what constitutes a ‘regulated activity’?
- Working with adults: What are the rules surrounding DBS when working with adults?
- Resources: Links to various resources and tools that will help you sports club understand and navigate the DBS process.
WSA Safeguarding Support
The WSA have been offering a full range of DBS checks since 2016 and is the only bilingual DBS service in Wales. We offer a very competitively priced service, with members also benefiting from a discounted rate. The DBS service is not run for profit, meaning that the money generated is invested back into services for sport and physical activity. The service is available to members and non-members and is accompanied by a helpline to support organisations through the DBS process.
If you are not currently utilising our DBS service, please complete a non-obligation pre-registration application here and a member of our team will be in touch. If you’re not a WSA member, and even if you’re not involved in sport or physical activity, you are still more than welcome to utilise the bilingual DBS checking services available, we have numerous charities and third sector organisations across the UK that utilise the not for profit DBS checking service. Full information on the WSA’s DBS service for sport & leisure, can be found on the WSA website. To express an interest in the service – please follow the DBS Application Form link or access our trading arm Vibrant Nation website directly to express an interest in the DBS service.
DBS checks are one (very important) part of an organisations wider safeguarding strategy, to be used alongside a host of other safeguarding prevention measures. The WSA has a wide range of resources and courses that can aid your organisation in its’ safeguarding journey. These can be found on the Safeguarding section of the WSA website.
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