We require DBS checks to be re-done every 3 years. For clergy, the Diocese sends out reminders to ensure that re-checks are completed at the 3-year point. For parish staff and volunteers, it is the responsibility of the parish to have a system in place to ensure that re-checks are completed every 3 years.
Full Church of England guidance on DBS checks can be found by clicking on this link. We have produced a simple summary below, and a separate page for the more complicated issue of DBS checks for PCC members.
Summary of DBS Requirements for Different Roles (Updated for changes effective from 1 September 2026)
Clergy holding the Bishop's Licence
All clergy must undergo an Enhanced DBS check with Children's and Adults' Barred List checks, as appropriate to their ministry. This includes clergy with Permission to Officiate (PTO).
Lay People Working or Volunteering with Children or Young People
Most people who teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children will require an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List information if their role meets the frequency criteria.
From 1 September 2026, being supervised no longer removes a person from regulated activity with children. Therefore, volunteers and workers who meet the regulated activity criteria will require a Children's Barred List check whether supervised or not.
Frequency Criteria means activity that takes place:
- Once a week or more
- On more than three days in any 30-day period
- Overnight
Individuals who work with children but do not meet these criteria may still be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check without Children's Barred List information, depending on the nature of their role and level of contact with children.
Lay People Working or Volunteering with Vulnerable Adults
Most people working with vulnerable adults will require an Enhanced DBS check without Adults' Barred List information, provided their role satisfies the relevant eligibility criteria.
Some roles will require an Enhanced DBS check with Adults' Barred List information, particularly where the role involves regulated activity with adults, such as:
- Providing personal care
- Assisting with cash, bills or shopping because of an adult's age, illness or disability;
- Other activities that fall within the legal definition of regulated activity with adults.
Please note that Lay Ministers of Communion will not normally be eligible for a DBS check if this is their only role.
Examples of Roles to Which These Criteria May Apply
The following roles will generally require an Enhanced DBS check, with the level of check determined by the nature of the role:
Ministry and Pastoral Roles
- Readers
- Worship Leaders
- Authorised Lay Ministers
- Licensed Evangelists
- Parish Pastoral Assistants
- Pastoral Home Visitors
- Street Pastors
- Authorised Listeners
- Pastoral Outreach Workers
- Cathedral Vergers with pastoral responsibilities
Children's and Youth Ministry Roles
- Youth Workers and Youth Leaders
- Children's Workers and Children's Leaders
- Sunday School Teachers and Leaders
- Family Workers who work with children
- Leaders of Parent and Toddler Groups
- Choir or Music Leaders where children participate
- Head Servers who supervise or train children
- Bell-ringing instructors who teach or train children
- Tower Captains who manage those teaching or training children
Where these roles involve teaching, training, instructing, caring for or supervising children and meet the frequency criteria, they will normally require an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List information, regardless of whether the individual is supervised.
Transport Roles
- Volunteer drivers transporting children or vulnerable adults for church-organised activities
(NB: Private arrangements between parents, family members or friends are exempt.)
Safeguarding Roles
- Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers
- Cathedral Safeguarding Advisers
- Parish Safeguarding Officers
- Members of Diocesan Safeguarding Teams
- Members of the National Safeguarding Team
Where these roles manage, organise, direct, advise or supervise individuals working with children, young people or vulnerable adults, they will normally require an Enhanced DBS check at the appropriate level.
Education Roles
- Diocesan Education Staff who have substantial contact with children
- Diocesan Education Staff who manage those who work directly with children
Religious Communities
Members of religious communities (for example monks, nuns, brothers and sisters) who are engaged in active ministry with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
Key Change from 1 September 2026
The previous exemption for supervised volunteers working with children has been removed. Individuals who teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children and who meet the frequency criteria are now in regulated activity whether supervised or unsupervised, and will normally require an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List information.