Published Wednesday 24 July 2024 at 12:30
A proposal for all Blackburn with Darwen’s councillors to undergo enhanced security checks for criminal convictions is to be debated at a meeting this week.
In a report to Thursday’s Council Forum meeting, the recommendation is in response to an Independent Review of the Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) initiated by the government in February 2022.
It recommended all Unitary and Upper Tier local authorities (of which Blackburn with Darwen Council is one) undertake DBS checks on all elected members who are being considered for appointment to any committee involved in children’s services or services for vulnerable adults.
With the role of a councillor viewed as a position of trust in the community, elected members are being asked to agree to further scrutiny of their roles.
When the full 51 councillors meet at Blackburn Town Hall on Thursday, they are being asked to agree to have an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check within three months of the scheme’s implementation.
Members are also being asked to consider lobbying the Government to make Enhanced DBS Checks for all Elected Members a legislative requirement.
The report advises councillors should be checked given their position in the community and the potential for vulnerable adults and children to share personal documents and information with them.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps organisations make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
The report states: “As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and transparency within our local governance, the Council is recommended to introduce enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all Elected Members.
“This new measure is hoped to help build public trust and ensure that those in positions of authority are held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”
Enhanced DBS checks go beyond standard checks by including a more comprehensive search for criminal records, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. They also check against the children’s and adults’ barred lists, identifying individuals who are legally barred from working with these vulnerable groups.
The report adds: “This thorough approach is crucial for Elected Members who often engage with diverse community members, including children and adults at risk.
“The implementation of enhanced DBS checks is a critical step in protecting vulnerable individuals within our communities, including children and adults at risk.
“This proactive approach not only enhances the safety of our constituents but also reinforces the credibility and reliability of our elected representatives.
“It is important to clarify that this process is designed to protect everyone involved and to promote a culture of openness and trust. The checks will be conducted with full respect for privacy and in accordance with data protection laws, ensuring that only relevant information is disclosed.
You can read the full report here: Disclosure and Barring Service DBS Enhanced Checks for Elected Members.pdf (blackburn.gov.uk)