Everything you need to know about Disclosure and Barring Checks and References
Every volunteer over the age of 16 years old needs to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check for Pioneer II. This is a legal requirement and one of the ways that we ensure that our Campers (many of whom are classed as vulnerable adults) and our Volunteers (of all ages) are in the safest hands possible.
We also take references for new volunteers to double check that all of our volunteers will be contributing to a happy and safe camp.
DBS Checks take time to come through, so please read the below information and take the necessary action on your DBS as soon as possible.
DBS Checks
Do I need to hold a DBS check to come to camp?
All volunteers over 16 years old on 10th August 2024 will need a DBS check to come to camp. (If you are under 16 on the 6th august 2016, please tick the relevant box on you application form.)
I have an existing DBS Check, can I use it for Pioneer II ?
Sometimes we are able to accept existing DBS checks. If you have an existing DBS check from the last 3 years please let us know the reference number and we can confirm if it works for us.
If you can use your existing DBS Check, please send a scan of it and/or your DBS number to us via email as soon as possible. The email address is pioneertwo@gmail.com
I need a new DBS Check to come to Pioneer II
Brian Drew is our DBS co-ordinator. If you select on your application form that you need a DBS Check, we will send you his contact details and you should get in touch via email as soon as possible to arrange your DBS Check.
Who can see my personal data?
Our DBS Panel consists of three people - Our Camp Leaders, Cassandra Simpson and Chloe Scott-Mearns our DBS Officer, Brian Drew. If your DBS Check comes back completely clear, only the DBS Officer who processed your DBS Check will have access to your data.
If your DBS Check returns with a flag on your file then all three member of the DBS Panel will have access to your data as they will need to decide whether or not we will still accept your application to camp.
I have a criminal record, can I still come to Pioneer II?
Some offences will mean that you will automatically be excluded from working with vulnerable adults and children.
Other offences do not automatically preclude you from volunteering at Pioneer II. In these instances, the DBS Panel will make the decision on whether or not you can attend on a case by case basis.
Depending on the nature of the offence and when the offence took place, we may, though not always, place conditions on your attendance at Pioneer II. These could include, but are not limited to, not allowing you to work with money or medications or not drinking during the camp week. If you break these restrictions you may be asked to leave site immediately.
If you require ore information about the Woodlarks Campsite Trust DBS policy you can find it here DBS Policy (woodlarks.org.uk).
References
In addition to your DBS Check, all new volunteers over 16 who are new to Pioneer II Camp will need at least one reference.
If you have attended a different camp at Woodlarks before, we will would like to contact your previous Camp Leader for your reference. This is because they will best placed to assess your behavior in a camp environment. We will only need this one reference from you.
If you have not attended a Woodlarks Campsite Trust camp we would ideally look for a professional reference.
If we require a reference from you, please provide contact details for your referee/s on your application form. We will contact them. You should also notify your referees that they will hear from us in advance to speed up the process.