Disclosure process in England, Wales or a National UK appointment
Find out more about Disclosure checking for those who hold roles in England, Wales or National UK appointments.
Interim process for when Compass goes offline
This process will be impacted by Compass going offline for everyone from Thursday 7 November. For details on how this process is impacted and what you'll need to do instead, please take a look at our interim processes.
Find out more about the interim processesCertain roles within Scouting require a Disclosure check to be completed as part of the Appointments Process. To find out which roles require a Disclosure check please see POR Chapter 16: Roles Table.
The Disclosure and Barring Service
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure is an important element for making safer appointment decisions, ensuring that appropriate people can work with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
Find more information about the DBS from the UK Government.
Using Compass and Atlantic Data
The ID checker must follow the DBS ID checking guidelines.
Once an adult has been added to Compass and a Disclosure check has been requested, the applicant's details are passed through to our online disclosure processing system called Atlantic Data.
To process a Disclosure check in Atlantic Data there are two ways to complete all of the sections before a Disclosure application is submitted to the DBS for processing.
The quickest and easiest way to complete a Disclosure application is by completing Option 1 in Atlantic Data.
We understand that it’s not always possible to get the applicant, the ID checker and a connection to the internet all in one place. If this is the case, the ID Checking Form (PDF) /ID checking form (PDF) - editable version can be used. However, the ID checker must still be in possession of the original documents in order to validate them.
The ID checker must ensure that the applicant declares all previous name changes, and provides documentary proof to support this change of name. If the applicant is unable to provide this proof, ID checkers will need to have a discussion with the applicant about the reasons why, before considering validating their identity. ID checkers will also need to see a full and continuous address history covering the last five years and will need to see documentation to confirm this address history, where possible.
The ID Checking Form enables an ID checker to complete Option 1, as shown above, using the form. The form does not collect the details that the Applicant needs to provide in their part of the application as this section must be completed by themselves on Atlantic Data.
It’s important to note that a DBS check does not provide evidence of a person’s right to work in the UK. ID checkers must do a separate right to work check to make sure a job applicant is allowed to work in the UK, which also includes roles for voluntary work.
What ID documents will I need to show?
You will be asked to provide a range of ID documents as part of the DBS check application process. The full list of documents are listed within Atlantic Data and on the ID Checking Form.
You can also view the complete list of ID documents on the UK Government website.
Your ID must be valid, current, and original documentation. They cannot be photocopies or printed from the internet. You will need to provide details of all names by which you have been known plus all addresses for the past 5 years. Please bring evidence of this to your meeting with the ID checker. The ID checker will ask you to clarify any queries they have when cross-matching your ID documents with your application. The application form needs to be fully completed and contain full, accurate information in order to avoid delays.
Issuing of the DBS Disclosure
Once the Disclosure certificate is issued to the volunteer by the DBS, the Vetting Team at UKHQ will inform either the relevant Commissioner or the local Appointment Secretary of the outcome, and whether the volunteer is able to start in their role. The volunteer’s Compass record will be updated to reflect the outcome.
DBS Disclosure checks are just one element of the National Vetting Process and the issuing of the certificate does not mean that the volunteer is able to begin straight away.
How to complete a disclosure application for someone in Atlantic Data using Option 1
To watch in full screen, double click the video
How to complete a disclosure application for someone in Atlantic Data using Option 2
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Information for foreign volunteers
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will need to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK. All non-UK applicants, including those from EEA countries, must follow the correct ID checking route and provide the correct documentation.
For our volunteers who are from outside the UK, the Government process should be followed to confirm they are able to volunteer in the UK; and then follow route 1 (show 1 document from Group 1, and 2 further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a, or 2b) - one of which must show the applicant's current address. For those based overseas, there are now fewer documents to select from.
Check someone's right to work in the UKDBS filtering guidance
Certain convictions or cautions no longer need to be disclosed as part of a Disclosure application. This question is asked directly to the applicant within Atlantic data, so no action is required on the part of ID Checkers/Data Processors.
Further information about DBS Filtering can be found on the UK Government website.
Read more about DBS FilteringUpdate Service
The Scout Association does not currently use the Disclosure and Barring update service to undertake an applicant’s status check, as the current scheme is not practical for the Association to undertake.
Further information about the Update Service can be found on the UK Government website.
Read more about the DBS update serviceFurther Advice
For further advice contact the Scout Support Centre on support@scouts.org.uk or call on 020 8433 7100.
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