DBS

There are four types of DBS check available which all have different eligibility criteria to request and therefore have different information checked for them. They are as follows:

• a Basic check, which shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• a Standard check, which shows spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation
• an Enhanced check, which shows the same as a Standard check plus any information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role
• an Enhanced check with a check of the Barred List(s), which shows the same as an Enhanced check plus whether the applicant is on the Adults’ Barred List, Children’s Barred List or both

Child Workforce (Enhanced DBS without Barred List) (shown as Child Env in Verifile portal)

Use this when the volunteer works around children and may teach or support them occasionally but does NOT meet the frequency required for a barred list check.

Child Barred List (Enhanced DBS with Barred List) (shown as Child List in Verifile portal)

Use this only when the volunteer is doing regulated activity, which means they:

• Teach, train, or supervise children frequently (3 or more days in a 30 day period), or
• Work mainly unsupervised on a regular basis.

Adult Workforce (Enhanced DBS without Adult Barred List) (shown as Adult Env in the Verifile portal)

Use this when the volunteer or employee works around adults, including adults who may have care or support needs, but the role does NOT involve regulated activity.

Typical situations include roles where the individual:

• Provides general support, assistance, or companionship
• Offers pastoral support or befriending
• Helps with practical tasks (e.g. refreshments, transport, administration)
• Is present in settings where adults receiving care may be, but does not provide personal care or healthcare

Adult Barred List (Enhanced DBS with Adult Barred List) (shown as Adult List in the Verifile portal)

Use this only when the role involves regulated activity with adults. This applies where the role includes any of the following:

• Personal care, such as helping with washing, dressing, eating, drinking, or toileting
• Healthcare, provided by or under the direction of a healthcare professional
• Social work or statutory advocacy (e.g. IMCA / IMHA roles)
• Managing or supervising someone who is carrying out the above activities

Helpful Reminder - Vulnerable Adults

An adult is not classed as vulnerable because of age, disability, or illness alone. For DBS purposes, vulnerability is defined by the activity being received, not the person. Frequency does not matter for most adult regulated activities — doing it even once is sufficient.

Whether or not PCC members require a DBS check depends on the charitable status of your parish. There is a useful document available on our website, which sets out considerations for roles within the Church of England. Section C and D in the table refer to Charity Trustees and roles that are NOT eligible for an enhanced DBS.

If the PCC is registered as a charity and provided it sponsors and approves, in its own name, children’s, young people or vulnerable adult’s work then the governing body/PCC members will be eligible for an Enhanced DBS without barred list check. Under the Verifile portal the suitable job role to use to request a DBS check in this circumstance would be Trustee/Committee Member and selecting the correct version i.e. Child or Adult and Child.

If your PCC member also holds another role, or carries out other duties, that may require a DBS check please select one of the 'dual roles' which are available on the Verifile Portal. 

There is a considerable amount of information available on the Verifile client support portal: Support : Client Support Portal, and also embedded within your own secure portal once a user logs in.

Some of the most useful resources may include:

• How to place orders
• How can I view updates on my check or order?
• What does each check status mean?
• How to manually confirm ID for DBS checks on the Verifile Client Portal
• ID checking guidelines for Basic, Standard & Enhanced DBS check applications
• What is my role as an ID checker?
• How to contact the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)
• What the DBS stages mean & when each stage can be chased