The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Ann Craft Trust have teamed up during National Safeguarding Adults Week to support organisations to develop safer working practices.

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.

The Ann Craft Trust – which is hosting Safeguarding Adults Week – is a leading UK authority supporting organisations to safeguard adults and young people at risk.

The two organisations are working together focused upon the theme of ‘Creating Safer Organisational Cultures’, helping organisations understand issues such as where there is a legal duty to refer, and types of checks required when recruiting new employees. Activities being provided will include:

• Workshops to better inform safeguarding best practice for local authorities and organisations from across the voluntary, health, educational and faith sectors.
• A free webinar on Thursday (24 November) providing support and information around ensuring safe and fair recruitment: DBS, Safe & Fair Recruitment when Working with Adults at Risk – Ann Craft Trust

Dr Suzanne Smith, Barring and Safeguarding Director for the Disclosure and Barring Service, said: “DBS performs a critical role in helping protect the most vulnerable. We support employers to make safer recruitment decisions informed by our different levels of DBS checks and by barring individuals who pose a risk to vulnerable groups from working in certain roles.

“We are pleased to work alongside the Ann Craft Trust, who share a commitment to safeguarding excellence, and look forward to sharing our expertise with organisations working to protect adults at risk.”

Dr Deborah Kitson, CEO of the Ann Craft Trust, said: “The Ann Craft Trust is now committed to safeguarding adults at risk and disabled young people of any form of abuse and harm. As part of Safeguarding Adults Week this year, we are pleased to be working with the DBS to host a free webinar discussing safe and fair recruitment.”