British Orienteering is fully committed to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults and there are very useful resources on their web site.

CLOK's Welfare Officer is Carolyn Rigby.  If you have any concerns, please contact her at the earliest opportunity.  She checks emails several times a day and will get back to you as soon as possible.  Alternatively, leave a message on 01287 633143.

You can also contact British Orienteering directly.  The Lead Safeguarding Officer, Peter Brooke, can be contacted via 07540-150963.

British Orienteering have produced comprehensive guidelines in their O Safe Policy.  Please refer to this document for details.

The most important thing to remember is that Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.  Don't assume that someone else will act.  If you have a concern or are unsure about anything then please discuss it with Carolyn Rigby or contact Peter Brooke.  Every concern will be taken seriously.

British Orienteering has some excellent E-learning on Safeguarding which is highly recommended for everyone.  It only takes about 45 minutes.

DBS checks

In May 2021, British Orienteering provided an update on the requirements for DBS's and when those involved within the sport – particularly within the coaching and junior environments – should apply for a DBS.

DBS's play a crucial role in ensuring that those who are unsuitable to work within certain areas of the sport are prevented from doing so.  It's important to note that there has been a change in who requires a DBS and, as a result of this, more people may be eligible for a check and should have a DBS.  Also, the required level of DBS might have changed.

The flow chart on page 17 of the O Safe document provides an easy-to-view assessment of whether a particular role requires a DBS.  If you think you need a DBS – with or without a barred list check – then you will need to complete the DBS eligibility form and send it to British Orienteering, where it will be checked and, if appropriate, you will sent further details and directed to the online portal to complete the check.  Please fill in the form in good time before you need the DBS.

A DBS from another organisation maybe acceptable if it meets the requirements of the Orienteering role.  For more details on this, visit the DBS page on the British Orienteering web site.

For more information about DBS, visit the DBS page on the British Orienteering web site or contact Lead Safeguarding Officer Peter Brooke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  Do CLOK members with existing DBS checks need to register them with British Orienteering?

Answer:  If someone has a current and valid DBS that is an enhanced check – with or without a child barred list check – then it can be registered with British Orienteering, as long as this is done by the end of April 2022.

From 1st May 2022, British Orienteering will only be able to accept DBS's that have been either (a) processed by British Orienteering or (b) obtained via the DBS Update Service.

If you have a DBS that was issued by another body and is registered with British Orienteering before 1-May-2022, it will remain valid until its expiry date.  After that, you will need to get a new DBS via either British Orienteering or the DBS Update Service.

If you are registered for the DBS Update Service then please let British Orienteering know so that this can be added to your qualifications record.

Question:  If someone needs to register an existing DBS check with British Orienteering, how should they do that?

Answer:  Send a scanned copy of the certificate to Peter Brooke.

Question:  Does CLOK's Welfare office need to do any additional checks on DBS certificates that have been registered with British Orienteering?

Answer:  No.  Any DBS showing in the British Orienteering members' records will be valid.  The club Welfare Officer does not need to do any additional checks.

Question:  Who is responsible for alerting clubs or individuals to the expiry dates of DBS checks?  Does the club need to send out reminders?

Answer:  It's up to each individual to check their DBS expiry date and to arrange a new DBS when needed.  In their records – which they can view by logging in to the British Orienteering web site – their DBS check will turn amber when it's within three months of expiry.  It's always helpful if clubs have a system for checking their members' DBS status and giving a nudge when appropriate.

You can use this link to go to the CLOK web site home page.