The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is supporting Wales Safeguarding Week, taking place on 10-14 November 2025, by helping volunteer and charity organisations across Wales understand DBS check eligibility rules.
DBS supports employers to make safer recruitment decisions by processing and issuing criminal record checks and by maintaining the Adults and Children’s barred lists. Barred lists are records of people not permitted to work in a regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults.
Wales Safeguarding Week is a national awareness initiative coordinated by Wales’ Regional Safeguarding Boards, working collectively to better inform understanding around safeguarding adults and children by highlighting best practice and sharing resources.
Each Regional Safeguarding Board is hosting activities throughout the week dedicated to a specific theme, including:
DBS’ focus during Safeguarding Week is to help organisations understand when DBS checks are required, what constitutes ‘regulated activity’, how to access free checks for eligible volunteers, and the application process.
In conjunction with Safeguarding Week, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) is hosting a free online myth-busting session focussed on the Disclosure and Barring Service. Taking place on 11 November, the session will tackle common misconceptions around DBS check eligibility and provide practical guidance to help organisations make safer recruitment decisions whilst supporting their volunteers. Register here
Owain Rowlands, Regional Safeguarding Outreach Adviser for Wales at DBS, said:
Many volunteer organisations want to do the right thing but aren’t always sure about DBS check requirements. Wales’ National Safeguarding Week provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the voluntary sector, and this free workshop will give leaders the confidence and knowledge they need to understand when checks are required and how to access free DBS checks for eligible volunteers.
DBS Regional Outreach Advisers provide year-round free support to organisations across Wales. For more information, visit the DBS Regional Outreach Service or contact Owain Rowlands at owain.rowlands@dbs.gov.uk.
