DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE - DBS

The three churches in the Benefice apply for Enhanced Disclosures as per the policy of the Diocese of Canterbury.

A disclosure contains information about a person held by police and government departments.  It can be used by employers and voluntary organisations to make safer recruitment decisions.  Disclosures are provided by the DBS, which is an executive agency of the Home Office.  By providing access to criminal records information, the DBS helps organisations to identify applicants who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially work involving contact with children or other vulnerable members of society.

The Rector and the two Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) are responsible for ensuring that anyone working in the Benefice with children, young people and vulnerable people are appropriately appointed, trained and supported; this includes paid or voluntary work.  

In deciding whether a disclosure is required, the PCCs and the Rector jointly consider the nature and extent of the involvement which the work would involve.  A disclosure is obtained, where appropriate, as part of a recruitment process.  It is understood that failure to comply may 1) put children and/or vulnerable adults at risk, 2) compromise the Parishes’ insurance cover and 3) damage the reputation of the wider church.