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)
Safer recruitment practice guidance (2016)
Code of Safer Working Practice
Safer Recruitment – Permission to Officiate
DBS eligibility FAQs (February 2017)
Confidential Declaration Privacy Notice 2023
Model interview discussion template
Eligibility for an enhanced criminal records check
Model volunteer reference request
DBS application fee matrix (valid from 6 April 2022)
| DBS Type | A | B | C | ||
| Paid by parish | Paid by Diocese | DBS fee per app | APCS admin fee | Total per application = A+B | |
| Basic | ✔ | £18 | £4.79 | £22.79 | |
| Enhanced DBS – Parish employee | ✔ | £38 | £4.79 | £42.79 | |
| Enhanced DBS – Clergy & LLM | ✔ | £38 | £4.79 | £42.79 | |
| Enhanced DBS – volunteer | ✔ | Free | £4.79 | £4.79 | |
| Update Service – enhanced only | ✔ | £13 per year ** Free for volunteers | |||
| Standard – Do not use |
Notes:
DBS charges valid from 6 April 2022 Fee reduction for DBS checks – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
APCS admin charge remains the same.
** Applicant pays for update service registration and reclaim via expenses
DBS Update Service – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)