The Standards Committee of Hackney Council met to consider whether to adopt a new policy on Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for the Elected Mayor and Councillors.

Policy on Disclosure and Barring Service Checks for the Elected Mayor and Councillors

A report was presented to the Standards Committee for consideration at its meeting on 02 September 2024 that recommended the adoption of a new policy on Disclosure and Barring Service checks for the Elected Mayor and Councillors. ¹ The report recommended that the Standards Committee recommend to the Full Council that it adopt the new policy. The report explained that, at present, there is no requirement for Hackney Councillors to obtain DBS checks. The report proposed the adoption of a policy that would require the Elected Mayor and all Councillors to obtain an enhanced DBS check. The report explained that the reasons for recommending this policy included that it would:

1. Help to ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are protected.
2. Provide an appropriate level of reassurance to the wider public and external bodies. The report noted that, although there is no evidence of problems in Hackney, the Council may be open to significant criticism if it does not take reasonable steps to assess and mitigate risk. The report explained the four types of DBS check, and explained that the enhanced DBS check was the most appropriate level of check for Hackney Councillors. The report explained that > The enhanced DBS check ... shows the same as a standard check, plus any information held by local police that is considered relevant to the role. The report also explained the filtering rules that determine what information will be disclosed on an enhanced DBS check, and the circumstances in which a DBS check is transferable from one position to another. The report concluded by explaining what the process would be if the new DBS policy were adopted. Councillors would be required to apply for a DBS check within one month of the policy being adopted. The outcome of the DBS check would then be assessed using a risk assessment form. The risk assessment would consider factors such as the seriousness of the offence, how long ago it took place, the Councillor's attitude to the offence and whether the Councillor's circumstances have changed. The report explained that all information relating to a DBS check will be kept strictly confidential and that DBS certificates would be securely stored electronically and password protected.