The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps organisations make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children and adults at risk.

At Goalball UK, DBS checks are a key part of our safeguarding framework. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals working in eligible roles within the sport are appropriately vetted before engaging in regulated activity.

Who Requires a DBS Check

DBS checks are required for individuals who work directly with children or adults at risk in a role that involves teaching, training, supervising, caring for, or supporting participants.

Typical roles requiring a DBS check include:

• Coaches (paid or voluntary)
• Club Welfare / Safeguarding Officers
• First Aiders / Physiotherapists / Medical Support staff
• Individuals supporting athletes in an unsupervised capacity (e.g. chaperones on trips)

Roles Not Eligible for DBS Checks

Some roles are not eligible for DBS checks where they do not involve regulated activity. These include:

• Club Chair, Treasurer, Secretary
• General administrative roles
• Volunteers with no direct supervisory or care responsibilities

If an individual holds multiple roles, a DBS check is only required where one of those roles meets the eligibility criteria.

If you are unsure whether a role is eligible, please contact Goalball UK for advice. Further information on this can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/find-out-dbs-check/y

DBS Levels

Goalball UK uses the following levels of DBS checks:

Enhanced DBS Check

This is the minimum level required for most eligible roles and includes:

• Spent and unspent convictions
• Cautions, reprimands and warnings
• Relevant information held by local police

Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List

This level is required where individuals are in regulated activity, and includes:

• All of the above
• A check of the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists

The appropriate level of check is determined by the responsibilities of the role, not the job title.

Applying for a DBS Check

Goalball UK operates an online DBS application process with FADV KnowYourPeople

To begin an application:

1. Contact Goalball UK (see contact details below)
2. Provide:
   • Full name
   • Email address
   • Role and club (if applicable)
3. You will receive a secure link to complete your application
4. Complete the online form following the instructions provided
5. Attend an ID verification check arranged by Goalball UK

If you experience any issues during the process, support is available.

Using an Existing DBS Check

In some cases, an existing DBS certificate may be accepted if:

• It is registered with the DBS Update Service
• It is at the correct level for your role
• It covers the correct workforce (children/adults)
• It is less than 3 years old

Goalball UK will carry out an online status check to confirm validity.

If these conditions are not met, a new DBS application will be required.

DBS Update and Renewal

DBS checks are valid for 3 years within Goalball UK.

We strongly recommend registering for the DBS Update Service, which allows:

• Ongoing status checks without reapplying
• Faster renewal processes
• Reduced administrative burden

Updating a DBS Check

DBS checks have a lifespan of 3 years at which point they need to be updated.

The Update Service is an online profile which allows applicants to store multiple DBS Checks. This is beneficial for people who require multiple DBS checks for work, hobbies or charity work they may do. Organisations can carry out a quick online Status check, with consent, to see if an individual’s DBS Certificate is still up to date – saving you both time and money.

Once you have signed up to the Update Service you will never have to complete an application form again (subject to required workforce and level of the check).

Applicants have a six week window to sign up to the Update Service, 28 days prior to your application being submitted to the DBS and 30 days after the issue date on your Disclosure Certificate.

If your DBS check shows new information, Goalball UK may request you to provide a copy of your DBS Disclosure certificate and follow the relevant positive disclosure process.

Please see the Update Service user guide for more information about how you can share another DBS check with Goalball UK.

Positive Disclosures

If a DBS certificate includes criminal record information:

• Each case is considered individually
• Decisions are based on relevance to the role and safeguarding risk
• A disclosure does not automatically prevent involvement in goalball

Goalball UK will follow a fair and confidential risk assessment process.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

All DBS information is:

• Handled securely and confidentially
• Reviewed only by appropriate safeguarding personnel
• Managed in line with data protection legislation

Information is only shared where necessary to safeguard participants.