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Last updated 23rd January 2026

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

A DBS check is a background check that shows whether someone has a criminal record.
It helps organisations make sure a person is safe to work with children or vulnerable adults. There are different levels to a DBS depending on requirements of their role.

DBS checks replaced the old CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks in 2012.

 

Blackburn Diocese Disclosure and Barring service is provided by Thirtyone:eight. Each church will have to register individually to access the system. 

If your parish has not yet signed onto Thirty One: Eight, please complete Thirtyone:eight Diocese of Blackburn Disclosure Registration Form and email this to safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org

If your parish is already signed up and you are looking to add new recruiters, please complete the  Thirtyone:eight New Recruiter Appointment Form and email this to safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org

Before registration any queries can be dealt with by the Safeguarding Administrator on 01254 503088 or safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org

After registration Thirtyone:eight should be contacted directly on 0303 003 11 11

Types of checks

Basic DBS Check

Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Used for roles that do not involve work with children or vulnerable adults but still require a basic level of assurance. Parishes can choose to basic check all their volunteers as a standard, escalating to enhanced, or barred checks, if required.

Enhanced DBS Check

Includes everything in a Standard check plus relevant police information.
Commonly used for church roles involving children’s ministry, youth work, pastoral visiting, etc.

Enhanced DBS with Barred List Check

Includes the Enhanced check plus a check of the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists.
Required for regulated activity, such as:

  • children’s workers in supervisory roles
  • pastoral care involving adults at risk
  • some leadership or safeguarding roles

Work counts as regulated activity if it is regular and unsupervised, such as:

With children:

  • Teaching, training, instructing, caring for, or supervising children
  • Providing advice or guidance on wellbeing
  • Driving children as the main part of the role

With adults:

  • Personal care (washing, dressing, feeding)
  • Healthcare
  • Assistance with finances, bills, or shopping
  • Transport to or from places where care is provided

A standard guidance on what roles typically require what level check-

Role Category DBS Level
Clergy & Licensed Lay Ministers Enhanced + Barred List(s) 
Children’s Leaders (unsupervised / frequent) Enhanced + Children’s Barred List 
Children’s Helpers (supervised / infrequent) Enhanced (No Barred List) 
Youth Workers Enhanced + Children’s Barred List 
Adult Pastoral Care with personal care Enhanced + Adults’ Barred List 
Adult Pastoral visits (no personal care) Enhanced (No Barred List) 
Safeguarding Officers Enhanced (Barred List depending on role) 
Churchwardens Enhanced (case-dependent) 
PCC (children/vulnerable adult charity) Enhanced 
Roles with no contact (e.g., tea/coffee) No DBS 

 

For guidance on more church roles you can find this on Thirty One: Eight's webiste.

If a role does not require a DBS, it does not mean they should stop following the steps of safer recuitment.

Confidential Declaration Forms 

When an enhanced check is being done: Enhanced self declaration form

When a non-enhanced check is being completed:Non Enhanced declaration form

 

 

Safeguarding