The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is participating in Wales Safeguarding Week, a national awareness initiative taking place from November 10-14, 2025. The event aims to promote understanding and best practices in safeguarding adults and children. The DBS is supporting volunteer and charity organizations in Wales by providing guidance on DBS check eligibility rules. The DBS helps employers make informed recruitment decisions by processing criminal record checks and maintaining lists of individuals barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.
During Safeguarding Week, each Regional Safeguarding Board in Wales will host activities focused on specific themes, including safeguarding adults and children. The DBS will focus on helping organizations understand when DBS checks are required, what constitutes “regulated activity,” and how to access free checks for eligible volunteers. The DBS will also provide guidance on the application process.
To support Safeguarding Week, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) is hosting a free online session on November 11 to address common misconceptions about DBS check eligibility. The session will provide practical guidance to help organizations make safer recruitment decisions while supporting their volunteers. Owain Rowlands, Regional Safeguarding Outreach Adviser for Wales at DBS, emphasized the importance of the event, stating that many volunteer organizations want to do the right thing but are unsure about DBS check requirements.
The DBS offers year-round free support to organizations across Wales through its Regional Outreach Service. Organizations can access this support by visiting the DBS website or contacting Owain Rowlands directly. By participating in Safeguarding Week, the DBS aims to provide organizations with the confidence and knowledge they need to understand DBS check requirements and access free checks for eligible volunteers. This initiative is crucial in promoting safer recruitment practices and protecting vulnerable individuals in Wales. Overall, the DBS’s involvement in Safeguarding Week demonstrates its commitment to supporting organizations in making informed decisions and promoting a safer environment for everyone.