Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

People holding up green tick signs

The following information is intended to signpost anyone seeking information on  carrying out DBS checks on staff or volunteers.

The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 came into effect in September 2012 and made a number of changes to the previous Criminal Records and Barring (CRB) system. The changes were designed to make it more proportionate whilst also ensuring effective protection for those that that may need it.

In brief, DBS checks are required for staff and volunteers who work directly with children and vulnerable adults. For a full list of those roles that are required to have a DBS check read the Home Office DBS Eligibility Guidance on the www.gov.uk website.

DBS checks are chargeable for paid staff and free for volunteers, although an admin fee is charged for processing the check.

A step by step guide to the DBS can be found at the www.gov.uk website.

There are a number of online providers that offer an efficient and effective checking service. You can see the full list of umbrella organisations who can process checks on the Home Office website at www.gov.uk/find-dbs-umbrella-body.

Press Release: Working together to deliver Social Care

Working together to deliver social care

This week (2–6 July) is National Co-production Week, a chance for the whole of Richmond upon Thames Borough to recognise the benefits of working together to deliver care in our communities.

The Council sees co-production as service users, carers and families working in partnership with the council on shaping, planning and delivering care and support services in the borough. It avoids ‘silo working’ and instead encourages a community-wide approach to delivering services that support a person’s needs and makes the best possible difference to their life and them being able to live as independently as possible.

Cllr Piers Allen, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health said:

“Involving the users of care and support services, and their families and carers, in making decisions about how their care is delivered empowers them to be able to live full, independent lives. “This week is a great opportunity to acknowledge the carers, families and users of care and support services in communities across the borough and thank them for all the work they are doing.”

Director of Richmond CVS, Kathryn Williamson, said:

“Through our community involvement work and support of Richmond’s Health and Social Care Coproduction Group, we are committed to ensuring that co-production underpins the design and delivery of local health and care and support services. “Co-production week highlights the importance of this work with service users, carers and the Council and we look forward to building on it throughout the year.”

For more information please click here