DBS & Safeguarding Process
Service Status Update
The Government has stepped up control measures to help delay the peak in COV-19 cases into the summer when the NHS will be better able to cope.
Special Schools are not affected by the announcement of school closures. Home to School Transport is a critical service and will need to run as normal as far as circumstances allow and we are now operating under Business Continuity Plans. We are waiting for information from each setting outlining the children that will continue to need transport from Monday and will circulate the details as soon as we are able.
Please make sure you keep up to date with the latest guidance to protect yourself, your staff and the young people you transport, many of whom have under lying health issues. Further information can be found on the Direct Gov website.
We are seeking clarification on the issue of payments for contracts that are unable to operate and will let you have information when we can.
DBS Checks
It has been necessary for us to consider the way in which the DBS/badging process will operate in order that safe services be maintained and with immediate effect and until further notice:
Training - All face to face training is suspended, and replaced by online training provided by Staffordshire & Stoke Safeguarding Childrens Board (SSSCB). This is the only online training that we are able to accept and full details can be assessed at our DBS & Safguarding Page.
DBS Certificates - In cases where we would previously have asked to see an Enhanced DBS Certificates in its paper form, we will now accept an emailed copy, providing:
- All pages must me in colour
- Each & every page is sent in its entirety,with no parts missing, one page per photograph only
- The most effective way of achieving the above is to lay out the DBS certificate on a flat surface, take a mobile telephone photograph of each page with all of each page included.
- when sending the email attachement, select the medium or large option for the attachement to ensure that there is sufficient detail for the picture to be enlarged and read.
- Please attach a scan of the persons picture driving licence or photo page of their passport when sending the DBS Certificate photographs.
IDV Checks - Appointments for Identification Verification are outlined in the email that was sent to you 27 July 2020
It is hoped that these proposals will enable you to continue to provide the services, with the minimum of disruption. On your part it is imperative that you continue to keep track of staff’s update expiry dates to ensure compliance is maintained.
Procurement
- It may take longer than usual to make decisions on tender award – please bear with us.
- Tenders will be issued fortnightly from Wednesday 18 March 2020
How to get staff badges to work on Staffordshire County Council Transport Contract
Please note: this service is only available for individuals that will be working on SCC Home to school Transport Contracts
This process is currently exclusively for companies approved for
the framework PC555 & DPS to operate our school contracts. Once the dynamic purchasing system for transport IA1349 has been completed new operators may then apply for DBS badges.
Applicant has a DBS certificate & Signed up to the Update Service
If the applicant holds a DBS certificate which is enhanced (working with children & adults) and subscribed to the update service:
- Initial Application
- Provide Documents
- Update service
- Verified and training completed
- Badge will be issued
Applicant does not have a DBS certificate
If the applicant does not hold a DBS certificate which is enhanced (working with children &adults) and subscribed to the update service:
- New acceptable DBS required
- Arrange an appointment to provide documents
- Update service
- Subscribe to the update service
- Badge will be issued
Notes
If an applicant has an up to date level one safeguarding certificate they need to provide documentary evidence, if proof cannot be provided the individual must book onto the approved training.
If a DBS certificate details any convictions/cautions or soft information, then the original certificate is required to be seen, we can accept a clear image (smart phone photo for example) of a DBS certificate (all parts of all pages). A suitability decision will be made to either refuse or approve the individual. Individuals will not be seen without an appointment
There is a deadline set by the DBS to sign up to the update service: 30 days. If the deadline is missed or you fail to renew subscriptions, individuals will need to start the process again and pay again.
Badges issues through Staffordshire County Council DBS & Safeguarding are transferable to other contractors.
Whenever requests are received for new drivers and passenger assistants to go through the process unit staff will be checking the numbers of contracts held against the number of staff cleared. We reserve the right to refuse applications if we feel that it is not essential for the operation of your company.
You are obliged to ensure that we are kept up to date with staff changes.If an individual leaves your employ you are required to notify us as soon as possible, please email dbs.notifications@staffordshire.gov.uk
If you still have the individuals badge it must be returned to us.