Are DBS checks required every 3 or 5 years?

The answer to this question depends on which diocese you belong to.

What does the latest guidance say?

Section 9 of the Church of England's Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance states that:

"For all roles requiring an enhanced or enhanced with barred list DBS check, a re-check must be carried out every 3 years, as a minimum."  Item 9.7

Prior to January 2022, the requirement was every 5 years.

What does your dashboard say?

Some dioceses are asking parishes to implement 3-yearly checks with immediate effect.

Other dioceses are asking parishes to move to 3-yearly checks by January 2024.  This two-year transition period is permitted by the National Safeguarding Team. 

Your parish dashboard ought to reflect the requirement for your diocese.  If not, please contact your diocesan safeguarding team.

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