The Boys’ Brigade is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in everything that we do.
As part of this commitment, all leaders are required to complete a disclosure recheck every five years. This is known as the Disclosure Milestone. This process helps ensure that all leaders continue to meet our safeguarding requirements and that our records remain accurate and up to date. Five yearly re checks reflects current safeguarding best practice.
Leaders will receive email notifications from Online Brigade Manager (OBM) in advance of their Disclosure Milestone. The first notification is sent six months before the recheck is due, followed by a series of reminder emails. Leaders can initiate the recheck process at any time during the six-month period.
The disclosure recheck follows the same process as an initial disclosure application. Identity documents must be rechecked and verified locally by the Company Captain/Correspondent or Battalion Office Bearer.
To initiate your disclosure recheck, complete the DBS ID Checking Form.
For guidance on completing a DBS application, see here.
This process does not apply to leaders who are part of the DBS Update Service. BB Headquarters can run its DBS rechecks without the need to contact the leader.
The DBS Update Service is an optional subscription service provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It enables individuals to keep their DBS certificate up to date, and allows organisations, with the individual’s consent, to carry out an online status check, instead of applying for a new certificate, where the existing certificate is appropriate for the role.
Registering for the DBS Update Service
A DBS can be registered with the Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This can be done here using the certificate number.
Once registered with the Update Service, a leader must notify BB Headquarters by emailing support@boys-brigade.org.uk so that their records can be updated and future status checks carried out as required. If the DBS certificate was not obtained through BB Headquarters, a copy of the certificate must also be provided.
Renewing a DBS Update Service subscription
The DBS will email subscribers approximately 30 days before their annual renewal date, inviting them to renew their subscription through their DBS Update Service Account. If the subscription is renewed, it will continue for a further year, and this will be repeated annually. If it is not renewed, the subscription will lapse, and BB Headquarters will not be able to carry out an online status check. Where a status check cannot be completed, a new DBS application will be required when the individual’s disclosure milestone is next due.
To initiate your disclosure recheck, complete the PVG ID Checking Form.
For guidance on completing a PVG Scheme application, see here.
Disclosure Scotland replaced their lifetime membership model with a five-year membership scheme. This change came into effect on 1st April 2026 for all new PVG applications and will be introduced in phases for existing members.
Under the new system, all PVG scheme members must renew their membership every five years to remain part of the scheme and continue to be eligible to carry out regulated roles.
Disclosure Scotland will contact existing scheme to confirm their individual renewal dates.
As part of the updated system, volunteers are now expected to personally manage and maintain their PVG scheme membership through their Disclosure Scotland online account.
If reminder notifications are not acted upon, leaders will be notified that their membership may be withdrawn. If membership is withdrawn, the individual will no longer be eligible to undertake any role within The Boys’ Brigade.
Should a leader wish to return after their membership has been withdrawn, they will be required to satisfactorily complete all elements of the Safer Recruitment process.
