TDLC DBS Policy
TDLC DBS Policy
TDCL are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff, students
and visitors. Ensuring the safety of our learning community is of paramount importance
to us and this policy reflects our dedication to creating a safe environment where
learners are cared for appropriately and safeguarded from harm.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks replaced Criminal Record and
Background (CRB) checks in 2012. DBS checks enable TDLC to ascertain an
individual’s suitability to work in an educational environment. This policy has been
created to inform staff, learners and partner organisations of the measures taken by
TDLC to ensure all employees and learners are safe and cared for.
In addition, it outlines our commitment to meeting legislative requirements, DfE standards, data
protection responsibilities and Ofsted guidance as outlined in the Policy.
This document should be read in conjunction with the DBS Code of Practice; The
Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education DfE guidance; The Data
Protection Act 1998; The Freedom of Information Act 2000 and The Education Act
2002.
Background Information on DBS checks
Checks are legally required on those working with children and young people under
18, and with vulnerable adults.
There are two categories of DBS check; standard and enhanced. The category is
determined by the risks involved in the situation.
‘Portability’ is the term used to describe the re-use of a DBS disclosure, obtained in
one organisation and later used in another organisation.
Individuals are unable to apply for a DBS check on their own behalf; checking is done
through an umbrella body. TDLC not an umbrella body and uses Medway Council HR
Dept as its bureau.
There is a cost for the check itself but TDLC absorbs this cost and
there is no recharge
DBS checks are usually processed within approximately 3 weeks at the current time
of writing this policy.
Expectations of TDLC
Where DBS checks are required they must be enhanced and current (less than 5
years old).
Portability: the DBS check must relate to actual working situation. A DBS check
obtained through another organisation would be accepted only if the working situation
matched TDLC’s working situation and was current and enhanced. The main
consideration is likely to be one of the level of supervision.
TD TDLC DBS policy
Those required to provide proof of an appropriate DBS check to TDLC
All permanent staff.
All contract or perapatetic staff – in some instances this may be a portable certificate
if provided by another school within the Local Authority specifically for supply teaching.
Anyone providing services at TDLC who is working with our learners at any stage of
the learner journey
Procedure for checking DBS disclosures
The disclosure will be sent direct to the applicant. On receipt of a disclosure it is the
responsibility of the person undergoing the check to supply The Academy with the
disclosure number and date endorsed.
TDLC is responsible for ensuring that those it requires to be checked, have received
an appropriate disclosure. This means that someone in the organisation has to have
sight of the document and record details in its own record system. Copies of the
documents are not permitted. Relevant data will be stored on TDLC’s Central DBS
Record.
TDLC contracts will include a requirement to provide evidence of an appropriate DBS
disclosure and all advertisements will state this requirement.