England Netball have taken the decision to temporarily suspend processing of all new DBS applications, all DBS renewals and any applications where documentation is not yet verified.
This comes into effect from 15th April 2020 and will remain in place at least until further notice.
This decision has been made in light of the current suspension of netball activity, the government requirement to socially distance which prevents face to face verification and the demand on the DBS service due to the current health crisis and urgent DBS checks for key workers.
All volunteers and paid staff carrying out regulated activity with U18s (in accordance with DBS guidance) require an Enhanced DBS with a check of the Children’s Barring List before they commence their role within netball. This is current practice and will remain in place.
However, we ask that new DBS applications are not submitted from 15th April 2020 whilst Netball activity remains suspended and any new applications submitted during this period will not be processed.
For the avoidance of doubt all volunteers and paid staff carrying out regulated activity with U18s (in accordance with DBS guidance), still require a satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List check before taking up a role with young people or adults at risk and without this in place will not be permitted to carry out regulated activity.
All individuals whose DBS checks are due to expire during the period where DBS checks are suspended will be given a 3 month maximum extension by England Netball before the renewal must be completed by from when the suspension is lifted if the individual remains in regulated activity. This extension has been given due to the exceptional circumstances faced during the current health crisis.
Please note that the changes outlined above are temporary and England Netball reserves the right to review and amend our position.
The above changes are made to support the netball community and to support a return to netball activity in the longer term whilst ensuring our commitment to safeguarding remains in place.
For queries please contact besafe@englandnetball.co.uk.
