The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is supporting Wales Safeguarding Week, taking place from 10-14 November 2025, by assisting voluntary and charitable organisations across Wales in understanding DBS check eligibility rules.
Enhancing Safer Recruitment Through DBS Checks
DBS helps employers make safer recruitment decisions by processing and issuing criminal record checks and maintaining Barring Lists for working with children and vulnerable adults. These lists contain individuals barred from regulated activities involving children and/or vulnerable adults.
National Awareness Initiative Across Wales
Wales Safeguarding Week is a national awareness initiative coordinated by Regional Safeguarding Boards in Wales. The week focuses on improving understanding of adult and child safeguarding by highlighting best practices and sharing resources.
Regional Board Activities
- Cardiff and Vale Regional Safeguarding Board – Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)
- Central and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board – Positive Safeguarding Practice
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Safeguarding Board – Online Harm: Staying Safe for Yourself and Others
DBS Focus During Safeguarding Week
During the week, DBS will support organisations in understanding when DBS checks are needed, what counts as ‘regulated activity’, how to obtain free checks for eligible volunteers, and how to apply for them.
Free Online Myth-Busting Session
In partnership with Wales Safeguarding Week, the Council for Voluntary Action in Wales (CVAW) is hosting a free online myth-busting session on 11 November. The session will address common misconceptions about DBS eligibility and provide practical guidance to help organisations make safer recruitment decisions while supporting their volunteers.
Owain Rowlands, Regional Safeguarding Adviser at DBS, said:
“Many voluntary organisations want to do the right thing but are not always sure of the DBS requirements. National Safeguarding Week in Wales is a great opportunity to engage with the voluntary sector. This free workshop will give leaders the confidence and knowledge needed to understand when checks are required and how to access free DBS checks for eligible volunteers.”
DBS Regional Advisers offer free support throughout the year to organisations across Wales. For more information, contact Owain Rowlands at [email protected].