You will be aware that, over several years, the arrangements for Diocesan / Parish processing of SVP DBS applications for new members of your Conference have varied in speed and efficiency.
In response to ongoing challenges, and to ensure that new members are welcomed into your Conference without unnecessary delay, the Board of Trustees agreed to bring DBS processing in-house for a trial period of 12 months starting on 16th February 2026. During the period, DBS applications will be processed directly by the SVP rather than through Diocesan and Parish Safeguarding Representatives.
To support this initiative, your Conference will be asked to nominate a member to assist with DBS-related document verification. This is not complicated and will be practical and limited in scope and the SVP Safeguarding team will provide support to your Conference with the process.
We appreciate that changes to long-established arrangements can raise questions. Please be assured that this pilot has been designed with care and respect for our Diocesan relationships, but also with the realities of Conference life firmly in mind.
Existing members who already hold a satisfactory DBS can continue to carry out Conference activities without any interruption and the DBS team will be in touch when it comes time to renew or update your DBS.
All DBSs required by your Conference will be processed by the SVP safeguarding team.
Once submitted you will receive a notification that we have the form and you should delete the photos from your device. We will register the applicant with our DBS provider, Ucheck, who will send a link by email to complete the DBS form online.
Alternatively; DBS Verifiers can contact dbs@svp.org.uk with the name and email of anyone who needs a DBS; and the team will get back to you to initiate the process.
Click on the links below for further guidance and information: