Criminal Records Disclosures 

The RYA can help clubs and centres to access Criminal Records checks on volunteers or staff who will work with young people or vulnerable adults. 

In Scotland the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme has replaced Disclosures for people undertaking 'regulated work' with children or protected adults.  Please see the guidance document on the right for more information. 

There have been changes to the eligibility criteria for AccessNI Disclosures and Barred List checks, please see the guidance on the right which has been updated to refer to the new forms. 

In England and Wales, there were a number of changes to the DBS (formerly CRB) process in 2012-13.  Please ensure that you are using the DBS form and referring to the latest guidance.

In particular, please note that whilst regularly teaching or training children, if unsupervised, is regarded as 'Regulated Activity' and eligible for a check of the Children's Barred List, teaching adults is not 'Regulated Activity' even if the adults could be regarded as vulnerable.  The 'Yes' box to request a check of the Adults Barred List should only be crossed if the applicant provides personal care.

Update Service  When an applicant applies for a DBS check, they now have the option of joining the online Update Service within 14 days of their certificate being issued. Future employers or voluntary organisations will be able to confirm online that no new information has been added and they will not have to fill in another form, provided that the original check was at the right level and for the same vulnerable group.  Registration for this service is free for volunteers and costs £13 per year for paid staff, in addition to the initial Disclosure fee.  This should be useful for people who work for several organisations.

For more information call 023 8060 4104 or e-mail disclosure@rya.org.uk