From 27 April 2018, our provider of online DBS applications changed to thirtyone:eight, previously known as the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS).
What is a Lead Recruiter and why do we need one?
To process DBS certificates through the Diocese of Chelmsford, your parish or benefice must have at least one individual registered as a Lead Recruiter (DBS Administrator) with our Ebulk provider, thirtyone:eight.
Note: Although many PSOs also take on the role of Lead Recruiter, this is NOT mandatory.
- The role of Recruiter requires a high degree of honesty and integrity. The Recruiter will have access to confidential and sensitive information.
- The Lead Recruiter will be the main point of contact between thirtyone:eight and the parish.
- It is advisable to appoint at least one Additional Recruiter, so there is always a point of contact if the Lead Recruiter is unavailable or needs a DBS check themselves.
- If you are going to be a Recruiter for more than one parish, please email ebulk@chelmsford.anglican.org before submitting your registration form, as a joint title may be needed.
All potential Recruiters must agree to:
- Follow the instructions contained within thirtyone:eight guidance
- Not proceed with any online DBS check until applicants have completed and returned a Confidential Declaration to the Recruiter
- Keep all User Account details safe and secure
- Not share User Account details with any party not explicitly authorised by thirtyone:eight
- Ensure any DBS checks requested are justified and allowable
- Ensure identity verification is done with due diligence in compliance with DBS guidance
Email requirements for Recruiters
Each Recruiter must have a secure, individual email address. The email address forms part of the secure login details and can only be used once - the Lead and Additional Recruiter cannot share an email address. It should not be a shared email address or one associated with employment outside the church role.
How to register a new Lead/Additional Recruiter
- Download a DBS Recruiter Registration Form
- Tick the 'Update Registration' box and enter your parish's 10-digit Organisation Reference Number. If unsure, email ebulk@chelmsford.anglican.org
- Select the parish name from the drop-down box, next to parish field, or type in the parish name.
- The person(s) approved by the PCC must complete their details and sign by hand. Note: the Incumbent/Priest-in-Charge/Chair of a PCC in vacancy cannot sign the bottom of page 2 if they are themselves a Recruiter.
- Submit the completed form by email to ebulk@chelmsford.anglican.org or by post to the Safeguarding Team, Diocese of Chelmsford, 53 New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1AT
- On receipt, we will email the Recruiter(s) with the next steps
- Once registration is complete, thirtyone:eight will send login details and full guidance to each registered email address
DBS checks for Recruiters
The role of Lead/Additional Recruiter alone is NOT eligible for an Enhanced DBS check. If the Recruiter is also a PCC member, they may be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check without the barred lists.
For Recruiters not eligible for an Enhanced check, a Basic DBS check can be processed if it is parish policy.
See the DBS Guidance & FAQs page for the difference between DBS levels
Church of England courses required for Recruiters
Note: Professional or secular safeguarding qualifications do not replace the Church of England courses, with the exception of Methodist Church training which covers both child and adult safeguarding in a Christian faith setting.
Online DBS guidance
Once your parish is registered, thirtyone:eight will send login details and guidance to each Recruiter's registered email address. Useful links to thirtyone:eight guidance pages (including video tutorials):
Initiating and processing online DBS applications
The process is as follows:
- The Lead/Additional Recruiter sends an invite email to the DBS applicant including: a link to the relevant applicant guide, your parish Organisation Reference number and Passcode, and the Position Applied For (this must reflect the role's eligibility for the DBS check).
- The applicant uses this information to log in to thirtyone:eight and create their online DBS application.
- Once the applicant has completed their part of the form, they arrange for the Recruiter to check their identity documents.
- The Lead/Additional Recruiter checks the applicant's identity evidence and adds it to the online DBS application.
- Only the Lead Recruiter can then amend any incorrect information (with the applicant's consent), complete section Y, and click Approve to electronically submit the application to thirtyone:eight.
- thirtyone:eight checks the application before countersigning it and forwarding it to the DBS for processing.
Contact thirtyone:eight
For advice about any aspect of the electronic DBS application process, contact the thirtyone:eight disclosures team:
- Tel: 0303 003 11 11 (select Option 1)
- disclosure@thirtyoneeight.org