Making Safeguarding Referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
If you dismiss or remove a person from regulated activity (or
may have done so had they not left)’ because they have harmed or
posed a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult, then you have
a LEGAL duty to refer the person to the DBS.
The DBS’ role is to make barring decisions about people who are
referred to it (usually following an employer’s disciplinary
process), with the possible consequence of the person being barred
from working or volunteering with children and/or vulnerable
adults. The DBS uses a fair, thorough and consistent process that
ensures that the decision it reaches is both proportionate and
appropriate to the risk the person poses to children or vulnerable
adults.
On 1 December 2012 the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and
the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) merged to form a new
organisation, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The legal
duty to make referrals remains, however referrals should now be
addressed to the DBS.
The DBS’ website is www.homeoffice.gov.uk/DBS
and provides a range of materials to help you to consider or
make a referral. This includes a
Referral Form, Referral Guidance, FAQs and a series of Fact
Sheets.
You may also contact the DBS Helpline on Tel: 01325 953795 for
information or advice about making a referral.
