The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched its Supporting Safer Sports campaign, to help sporting organisations make safer recruitment decisions by providing best practice safeguarding guidance and advice. 

Sports organisations perform a vital role, providing huge physical, mental, and social benefits to millions of children and adults across the country so it is essential that this important work is done as safely as possible.

With this in mind, the DBS Supporting Safer Sports campaign has launched resources focused upon those working and volunteering in the sporting arena, hosted on a new a dedicated Supporting Safer Sports campaign website. The campaign will provide support to all sports sector organisations, from grassroots to elite level, to make informed recruitment decisions when hiring new staff and volunteers.

The newly launched campaign website campaign website provides:

• concise, easy to follow guidance around the eligibility for DBS checks across a range of sports roles
• information on the legal duty to refer, as well as how to make a quality barring referral when necessary
• vital information such as how organisations can contact DBS’ Regional Outreach team and access free bespoke training and guidance to help with any queries or concerns their organisation may have

Sports organisations, and their employees and volunteers, play a crucial role in overseeing and shaping the safeguarding of vulnerable groups, including children across the sports sector. It’s crucial that sport is accessible to all, and organisations have a responsibility to ensure that safeguarding remains a priority so that all groups can access physical activity safely.

DBS checks play a key role in helping make sport safer for the most vulnerable groups by providing a record of a person’s criminal convictions and cautions, to help employers make decisions about their suitability for the role.

There are 4 levels of DBS check, Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List(s). The check an individual will need depends on the activities and responsibilities within a role that the person will carry out.

Deciding which check is right for the employees and volunteers of different organisations is where the Supporting Safer Sports campaign website comes in. Sports organisations can utilise the guidance and advice available on the website to help make this decision and do their part to ensure that sports remain safe all.

Eric Robinson, Chief Executive for the Disclosure and Barring Service, said:

“All sports organisations have a responsibility to ensure that safeguarding is their priority, so that everyone can safely access the wealth of tremendous benefits that sports clubs or activities can bring.

“DBS has a strong track record of engaging with and providing guidance and assistance to sports organisations, clubs and individuals through our Outreach and Partnerships team who work closely with the likes of the Premier League, local authorities, National Youth Association, NSPCC-CPSU, Ann Craft Trust, and national governing bodies”

“The launch of the DBS Supporting Safer Sports campaign is designed to provide additional support and resource tools to support those operating in the sporting sector at all levels, protecting those at risk of harm in the process.

“We hope these valuable resources will be welcomed and provide great benefit for employers, employees, volunteers, participants, families and carers.”