Changes to APS guidance
CRB checks
As a precaution, therefore, the following additional guidance has been added to Question 9 of the APS Guidance Notes, which covers screening procedures and personal protection arrangements (new text is in bold and italics):
“For example, all projects dealing with young people or vulnerable adults must provide evidence of the use of CRB checks. CRB disclosure should be backed up with other screening processes, including a structured interview/assessment process, effective recruitment and training of staff and procedures for anyone to raise concerns about an individual.
In addition, all projects have a ‘duty of care’ towards the people they work with and to protect them from harm. A risk assessment should therefore be carried out to decide whether clients are at risk if volunteers are not screened.
Where appropriate, depending on the nature of your project and client group involved, please outline what arrangements are in place for the following:
- Screening of all volunteers, including CRB checks (including a risk assessment to decide whether clients are at risk if volunteers are not screened).
Fully amended APS Guidance Notes here
These new arrangements will come into force for all organisations currently in the process of applying for APS or seeking accreditation.
[1] According to CRB, the definition of vulnerable includes any adult who has: i) a learning or physical disability; ii) a physical or mental illness, chronic or otherwise, including an addiction to alcohol or drugs; or iii) a reduction in physical or mental capacity.
