DBS Checking

NODA is an umbrella organisation for DBS checks

If you need advice on the DBS process, you can get lots of information on the government website.

You can also call NODA Membership Services on 01733 374 790 or email dbs@noda.org.uk with any questions you have.

Referred to as the ‘DBS’ the Disclosure and Barring Service, this helps societies make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with children.

There is no initial charge for sending blank application forms, but if replacement forms have to be sent repeatedly because of completion errors, an admin charge of £5 will apply.

Before your group can apply for DBS checks:

1. The group needs to appoint a DBS contact. This can be any committee member of your group.
2. A letter then needs to be sent to NODA and signed by two group officials (i.e., Chairman and Secretary) confirming who the society’s DBS appointed contact is, and providing your chosen DBS appointed contact’s name, address, telephone number(s) and email.
3. Along with the letter, please enclose a copy of your group’s Child Protection Policy (NODA has a model Child Protection Policy template available to download on the online resources page. Please note you can email the letter and policy information to speed up the process. A scanned copy of the letter will be accepted. Please email all information to dbs@noda.org.uk
4. Once NODA has received this information, this will be kept on file for future checks for your society.

This is a one-off procedure unless you change your DBS appointed contact in the future.

We have six documents below to assist you with the process.

1. The Easy Step by Step guide to the DBS process - This guide helps you to understand how to make an application for checking the suitability of an individual.

2. The DBS Update Service: A guide for societies - A guide to help you make use of the update service to check on the suitability of individuals to work with you if they’re a member of the update service.

3. Introduction to the new update service (societies & their members) - This guide tells you about what the DBS Update service is and the benefits available.

4. Code of Practice - This fact sheet covers the code of practice we as a registered body must follow when processing DBS Checks on behalf of members.

5. What is entailed in the various levels of DBS checks?

6. NODA abides by its Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.

7. DBS ID Checking Guidance - External link to the DBS website.