DBS and Premier League support football club safeguarding activity
DBS and the Premier League are working to enhance football clubs’ approach to safeguarding vulnerable people.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is providing tailored support to Premier League football clubs as part of an ongoing joint project. The aim of this project is to develop the clubs’ approach to safeguarding vulnerable groups, including children.
As part of this project between the Premier League and DBS’ regional outreach service, football clubs will:
- be able to access bespoke information and guidance relating to DBS processes and legislation, including eligibility for DBS checks and the legal duty to refer
- receive training throughout each season to support the safe recruitment of employers and volunteers working with children, young adults, and adults at risk
- be able to connect with a regional outreach adviser from within DBS, who can offer support and share best practices, enabling direct communication between football clubs and DBS
- have access to resources, publications, and other relevant information relating to DBS products and services, alongside other safeguarding materials to help prevent incidents and protect individuals via the Premier League Safeguarding Hub
The Premier League – which is also working closely with the NSPCC – is seeking to help clubs and their community organisations implement effective safer recruitment procedures and practices, ensuring staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and adults at risk.
Eric Robinson, CEO of DBS, said:
Our Regional Outreach Service will be providing clubs with a single point of contact for all DBS-related queries and questions, as well as the opportunity to access tailored, DBS training for their staff and volunteers. Our team also collates feedback to ensure future improvements can be made to DBS services and processes.
DBS is committed to working with organisations through our Regional Outreach Service so we can keep the most vulnerable in our society safe. Any organisation of any size can access free support. Find out more by accessing the regional outreach guidance on our website.
Jess Addicott, Head of Safeguarding at the Premier League, said:
Our work with DBS has been invaluable in providing clubs and their community organisations with additional support with their and safer recruitment procedures and practice. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work in this space to create safe environments and cultures.