As a regulated activity provider in England and Wales, The Boys’ Brigade requires all adult volunteers who work with children and young people to undergo an Enhanced DBS Check, including a Barred List check. These checks are obtained either through BB Headquarters or the volunteer’s local Church.
This requirement is based on the eligibility criteria set out in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, and DBS guidance on regulated activity.
Leader Registration
New and returning leaders must complete a Leader Registration Form (LREG1-EW for Company appointments or LREG1-BATT for Battalion/District appointments). The completed form should be submitted to BB Headquarters by the Company Captain/Correspondent or Battalion/District Official. The Leader Registration form must be processed by BB Headquarters and an Online Brigade Manager (OBM) record created before a DBS application can be submitted.
This process applies to new and returning leaders, and leaders completing five-yearly DBS rechecks (Disclosure Milestones).
Identity Verification
The applicant’s identity must be verified by an authorised Identity Checker. This role can be carried out by the Company Captain/Correspondent or Battalion Official. The Identity Checker must not be related to the applicant or live at the same address.
The Identity Checker and the applicant should meet in person to verify the applicant’s original identity documents and complete the BB online DBS Application Form. During the application, the Identity Checker will be asked to provide details from the forms of identity being checked.
Only original documents are acceptable. Photocopies, scanned copies and digital versions cannot be accepted. The documents must confirm the applicant’s full name, date of birth and current address. Three original identity documents are required, with at least one showing the applicant’s current address.
Identity documents must be checked using one of the following routes:
Route A: The applicant provides at least one Group 1 document, together with two additional documents from either Group 1, Group 2a or Group 2b.
Route B: If the applicant cannot provide a Group 1 document, they must provide at least one document from Group 2a document, together with two additional documents from either Group 2a or Group 2b. Route B cannot be used by non-UK nationals.
Once the application has been submitted, the information is sent directly to BB Headquarters. Both the applicant and the Identity Checker will receive an email confirming receipt of the submission. BB Headquarters will review the application and will submit the DBS application through Disclosure Services. If there are any queries, the applicant and/or Identity Checker will be contacted as appropriate.
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.
Completing a Registration
Once a new or returning leader has a satisfactory DBS certificate and completed the required mandatory e-learning modules, BB Headquarters will verify that all registration requirements have been met and activate the leader’s registration.
The leader will receive an email confirmation confirming that they are permitted to volunteer. A registration card will then be sent by post, usually within 4-6 weeks.
Any questions
If you have any questions about this process, please email us at support@boys-brigade.org.uk or phone 0300 303 4454.
