Leeds University Union

Volunteering with vulnerable groups

Aims of the session

• Gain a brief understanding of safeguarding

• Learn to identify activities which might require

screening

• Find out more about DBS

• Know where to go for help and how to submit an

application

 

Context

• Increasing focus on safeguarding

• Notable case in the media

•‘Every Child Matters’ agenda

• Legal directives – The Children’s Act (2004), Working together to Safeguard Children (2006) and Safeguarding of the Vulnerable Adult Guidance (2006)

• This helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.

• It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and

Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

• Where volunteers will be engaged in a ‘Regulated Activity’

• Definition of ‘child’: a person aged under 18 (Children’s Act 2004).

• Definition of ‘vulnerable adult’: someone over 16 “who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him/herself or unable to protect him/herself against significant harm or exploitation” (Law Commission, ‘Making Decisions’ Lord Chancellors Dept 1999).

  

When would I need a DBS Check?

Volunteering with: • Children & Vulnerable adults e.g. older people

Where to go: • Come to the Student Activities Office on Level

one and pay £10 deposit

Details: • Lived in the UK more than 5 years• Or, you must get a check from your home

country

When, Where and How?

What happens next?

• DBS checks usually take 2-4 weeks to be completed

• Checks are now only returned to the applicant – it is your responsibility to show us before you can volunteer

• If you have a past conviction or have received a caution, it won’t necessarily preclude you from volunteering so please bring it to our attention.