DBS AND SAFER RECRUITMENT
The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham require DBS checks to be renewed every 3 years, these are currently completed by APCS. The Diocese will only accept DBS certificates completed by other agencies if they are registered with the DBS Updating Service.
There is an expectation that all clergy, readers, Church Wardens, and all PCC members and other Church Officers (paid or volunteers) who lead or help with children’s or adults’ activities, are DBS checked. The level of check will vary from a basic check to enhanced check depending on the role of the individual and their duties within the church.
Helpful resources
(Contact the Safeguarding Team if you have any questions regarding your DBS)
Levels of DBS and training required for church officer roles
Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance
Code of Safer Working Practice
Safer Recruitment – Permission to Officiate
Safer Recruitment and People Management FAQs
Personal Specification Template
Application Form for Volunteers Template
Reference Request Forms for Volunteer Positions
Confidential Declaration 2023 & Confidential Declaration Privacy Notice 2023
DBS application fee matrix (valid from 2 December 2024)
| DBS Type | A | B | C | ||
| Paid by parish | Paid by Diocese | DBS fee per app | APCS admin fee | Total per application = A+B | |
| Basic | ✔ | £21.50 | £4.79 | £26.29 | |
| Enhanced DBS – Parish employee | ✔ | £49.50 | £4.79 | £54.29 | |
| Enhanced DBS – Clergy & LLM | ✔ | £49.50 | £4.79 | £54.29 | |
| Enhanced DBS – volunteer | ✔ | Free | £4.79 | £4.79 | |
| Update Service – enhanced only | ✔ | ||||
| Standard – Do not use |
Notes:
DBS charges valid from 2 December 2024. Please note that applications received after 29 November 2024 may not complete before the price increase therefore may be subject to the higher charge. (Government article about changes to DBS fees.)
APCS admin charge remains the same.
** Applicant pays for DBS Update Service registration and reclaim via expenses.