Safeguarding Checks
British Orienteering is not a registered body for the purpose of DBS checking as we do not process enough DBS applications to qualify. We use the umbrella body Online Disclosures to process applications on our behalf. Learn more about how to complete applications for a DBS below.
The DBS Disclosure Process in England and Wales
If you need to make an application for a DBS disclosure and are based in England and Wales, please follow the steps below. The application process is all done online.
Please note: All Safeguarding checks are required to be renewed every three years.
Step 1: Determine if you are required, eligible, or need to apply for a DBS disclosure
Use the DBS Flow chart for children or the DBS Flow chart for adults at risk to determine if you do or do not need a DBS check.
Step 2: Complete the DBS Eligibility Form
If you decide that you need a DBS check, please complete the form below and return to info@britishorienteering.org.uk at the British Orienteering National Office.
If you wish to make a private and confidential disclosure prior to your DBS application, you can return your form to pbrooke@britishorienteering.org.uk.
- The information provided will be used to asses if your role meets the eligibility criteria for a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure as it illegal for us to process an application if the applicant is ineligible.
- We will also confirm your eligibility status; are you coaching in a volunteer or paid capacity?
- You will then receive an e-mail containing further instructions as to how to begin your application.
Step 3: Include information that verifies your identity
When completing the online form you will need to provide a range of information that can be used to verify your identity and address. You will need to provide:
Full name and other personal details
National Insurance number if you have one
Driving Licence number
Passport number, nationality and country of issue
Full, current address
Step 4: Complete the verification process
As part of the process someone will need to verify that the forms of identification you provide are genuine. This will either be one of our ‘Document Checkers’ or a member of the staff at the National Office. In either case, you will need to provide the following documents:
A document showing your National Insurance number
Your UK Driving Licence (paper or card)
Your Passport
A utility bill with your name and current address
If you have used a Document Checker to verify the documents they will be able to login to the system and confirm that they have verified your documents.
Nominated staff based at the National Office can see the status of all applicants’ check at all times, therefore once verified we will countersign and submit to DBS via the online system.
Step 5: Complete your payment for the DBS
Due to British Orienteering now using the Online Disclosure system there is a charge of £12.60 inc. VAT per application that will need to be paid by the applicant.
Step 6: DBS is processed and records updated
The DBS will carry out the checks. Their stated aim is to complete standard disclosures in 2 weeks and enhanced disclosures in 4 weeks, but it is better to allow longer than this.
Once the DBS has completed the checks it will send one copy of the disclosure to your home address. British Orienteering will be also be notified of completed checks. If there is nothing recored, your records will be updated. Should there be a disclosure, you will then need to copy the disclosure and send it to the National Office, this can be a paper copy or a scanned version.
Should there be a disclosure, it will be assessed by the Lead Safeguarding Officer and potentially then reviewed by the Case Management Group (CMG).
For more information go to the DBS’s own step-by-step guide to the disclosure process.
*If documents have been sent to British Orienteering to conduct a check, these are returned to the applicant following verification, deleted or distroyed. No copies of anyones personal details provided for the prupose of the DBS check are held on file.
Scotland PVG Scheme
For more information about the Scotland PVG Scheme, visit the Scottish Orienteering Association's website.
Northern Ireland - Access NI
Coaches in Northern Ireland can apply for their check via this link. Coaches are expected to apply for an enhanced check and pay the NI Sports forum who act as the umbrella body.
It is recommended that coaches renew every three years and you should follow the flow diagram as per DBS requirements to see if you require a check.
More information can be found on the NIOA website.
To obtain a pin number contact Chloe safeguarding@niorienteering.org.uk
DBS FAQs
We have provided some FAQs about British Orienteering and the DBS process below. If you have any further questions please email info@britishorienteering.org.uk.
Yes, British Orienteering will accept a DBS through the DBS update service. In order to complete the check, you will need to give the Lead Safeguarding Officer permission to view your document and the following:
- Your certificate number,
- Your surname on the certificate,
- Your date of birth,
- Provide a copy of your original DBS certificate.
Information on how to sign up for the DBS update service can be found here. You can apply if you have a DBS certificate that has been issued within 30 days of applying for this service.
If you are a member that subscribes to the Update Service and your three year renewal is due, please inform British Orienteering that you would like a recheck on the Update Service to be made. British Orienteering will not automatically recheck at the end of your three years.
British Orienteering is unable to accept a DBS (In England and Wales) that has been issued from another employer or sport.
Should there be a disclosure or report of a concern/ incident, it will be assessed by the Lead Safeguarding Officer and potentially then reviewed by the Case Management Group (CMG).
Potential outcomes may be:
- No further action and the individual may continue their role within orienteering.
- The disclosure/ concern/ incident will be investigated but the individual may continue their role within orienteering (This may be supervised or unsupervised).
- A temporary suspension from orienteering will be implemented pending an investigation.
If an investigation is undertaken, the CMG will consider the various submissions and make a final recommendation. Considerations will include, the risk to others participating in orienteering, submissions from those affected, has an individual broken any British Orienteering codes of conduct and are there any other legal processes currently being undertaken.
In the case of any legal proceedings, the CMG will only implement a temporary outcome pending the conclusion of the legal proceedings.
The final CMG recommendation will then be submitted to the board for final approval before the case is closed.
Potential outcomes include:
- No further action and the individual may continue their role within orienteering.
- A period of suspension from orienteering is implemented.
- A supervision order is implented for a period of time.
- The individual is permanently excluded from orienteering.