Completing criminal record checks

The safeguarding of young people in our care is our priority. At Scouts, we have various processes in place to make sure only appropriate adults can volunteer with us. This includes a criminal record check.

Which roles require a criminal record check?

When an adult starts volunteering at Scouts, they need to complete some checks on scouts.org.uk.

Depending on the role, scouts.org.uk will automatically send out a notification to remind volunteers to complete their criminal record check. It’ll also send regular reminders before a criminal record check expires, so this should allow enough time for those who need, to get a new one.
  
As well as direct notifications, relevant Lead Volunteers will also receive regular notifications if someone in their team needs to complete a new criminal record check.
  
Please note, it’s really important to keep your email address up to date on your profile, so you don’t miss these alerts.
  
POR: Chapter 16: Teams Table sets out in full which roles require a criminal record check.

How do I complete a criminal record check?

Completing your criminal record check depends on the nation you’re volunteering in. Click the relevant nation below for more information. 

• England and Wales
• British Scouting Overseas
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

What happens if a criminal record check expires?

Any adult volunteer at Scouts whose criminal record check has expired, but has submitted a new application, may carry on volunteering under supervision. They won’t be able to stay overnight at an event until their new criminal record check is in place and the National Vetting Process is complete. 

The relevant Lead Volunteer will be notified of any volunteers who haven’t submitted an application. They’ll then need to suspend these volunteers from Scouts until a valid criminal record check is in place and the National Vetting Process is complete. 

Responding to criminal record check reminder emails 

Please note, all reminder emails related to criminal record checks need to be acted on as soon as possible. Reminders will be sent through email at 90, 60 and 30 days prior to the criminal record check expiry date. If a volunteer hasn’t had a criminal record check after this time, they’ll be suspended.  

Volunteers can see the status and expiry date of their criminal record check on scouts.org.uk.

What happens if adverse information is found?

Having a valid criminal record check from the relevant agency (DBS, ANI, PVG or relevant local check), together with completing our UK Headquarters checks, plays an essential part in safeguarding young people at Scouts. 

Having adverse information on your criminal record check doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t volunteer with Scouts. If you know your criminal record check will include adverse information, you can read our guidance about self-disclosure.  

We assess all information provided from a criminal record check using the Safeguarding and Vetting Decision Guidance document (see POR Chapter 16: Adult Roles) to make sure only appropriate adults are volunteering at Scouts.  

During this process, it’s critical that all information provided by the authorities, applicants and references are held in line with the Codes of Practice of the authorities and Data Protection legislation. 

Lead Volunteers can read guidance on what to do when there is adverse information on an applicant’s criminal record check. 

If you’re a current member with a valid criminal record check and you know of some information that’s about to be added to your record, please contact the Safeguarding Team as soon as possible either by emailing safeguarding@scouts.org.uk or by calling 020 8433 7164.