Safe Recruitment

Safe recruitment processes help to create a solid foundation for ensuring that those in safeguarding ministry, be they staff or volunteers working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are comfortable in those roles and have access to support and training. They also help to ensure that no one who is unsuitable for work with those who are vulnerable is in role and to demonstrate publicly that the institution of the church is committed to safe practice. All will be selected and expected to work in accordance with current National and Diocesan Policies and Procedures and in line with the Guidelines on Equality and Diversity (Catholic Bishop’s Conference England & Wales)

DBS Checks

All employees and volunteers who have involvement with children, young people and/or adults at risk within the work they undertake are required to comply with the Diocesan Safe Recruitment procedures. Each individual must complete a Volunteer Registration Form to register for the role they wish to undertake, provide two independent referees and sign a confidential declaration form. In conjunction with this they are required to undergo a DBS process*.

Failure to comply with the requirement will mean an individual will not be able to undertake their ministry. (Having a criminal record will not necessarily mean a person cannot undertake their role. Each application will be assessed in accordance with appropriate procedures. Any detail contained on a DBS certificate will not be divulged within the parish). *Please refer to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act documentation contained within the application pack for further relevant information. A DBS Form and the required safer recruitment documents can be can be obtained from your local Parish Safeguarding Representative or via contact with the diocesan safeguarding office on 0151 652 9855. Please note that all DBS checks should be renewed every 3 years.