DBS checks for governors

All newly appointed/elected governors or associate members will ideally need to be checked as part of the recruitment process, or at the latest have applied for a DBS check within 21 days of appointment (start of term of office).

(The new School Governance (Constitution and Federations) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2016)

They will also need a Section 128 check as outlined in Keeping children safe in Education (KCSIE).

Key points

• All current governors must have a DBS and section 128 check check otherwise they are disqualified from being a governor
• All newly appointed/elected governors or associate members will need to be checked as part of the recruitment process. Checks must be completed within 21 days of appointment or election
• Where a governor is elected or appointed on or after 1st April 2016 and does not hold an enhanced criminal record certificate, the governing body must apply for such a certificate in respect of that governor within 21 days after his or her appointment or election
• Remember also, to record in your single central record.

Rechecking?

There is no mandatory requirement for periodic rechecks. Maintaining up-to-date records and conducting periodic reviews can help ensure the highest standards of safeguarding.

Ealing advice is that DBS checks for serving governors do not need to be redone at regular intervals if there is no break in service. The initial check is sufficient unless there are changes in the individual’s role or new information comes to light that might affect their suitability

Academies and free schools

Although the new legislation is for maintained schools, academy and free school governors must have a DBS check also. The chair’s check has to be done via the DfE – for more details see page three of DBS guide for academies (GOV.UK website).

Regulated activity

As school governors are not engaged in what is referred to as regulated activity with children, in their role as a governor, they do not need the enhanced DBS check to include a check of the children barred list.

If any school have a governor who they feel is engaged in regulated activity, then please make this known when the application is made.

Further information and contact

See related content for more detailed information or contact:

Ealing DBS unit
Tel: 020 8825 9000 option 3, option 1 (recruitment and CRB)
Email: dbs@ealing.gov.uk or CRBUnit@ealing.gov.uk