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 for people undertaking 'regulated work' with children or protected adults is now open for retrospective checks on people who were previously checked under the old Disclosure system.  Please see the guidance document on the right for more information. 

A new AccessNI application form will be on the AccessNI website from 1 March but can't be submitted until 1 April. The previous version can be submitted up to 30 April.  AccessNI will also be offering an online application process in the near future.

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 most recent version of the DBS form with a reference number commencing F01 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 19 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