Recommendation 14
Recommendation 14:
By 1 January 2024, chief fire officers should:
- immediately review their current background checks arrangements, and make sure that suitable and sufficient background checks are in place to safeguard their staff and communities they serve; and
- make sure that appropriate DBS check requests have been submitted for all existing, new staff, and volunteers, according to their roles as identified by the Fire Standards Board.
ECFRS action:
April 2023:
In relation to background checks, a full Safer Recruitment audit was carried out with feedback provided on 1 March 2023. This resulted in some recommendations which have been implemented.
On 9th August 2022, the CFO and SLT approved an approach to requesting basic DBS checks for all FRA staff and representatives of the service.
On 15th November 2022, an implementation plan was approved by the CFO and SLT. This began with a consultation period which concluded on 28th April 2023.
Implementation is proceeding as planned.
October 2023
DBS check process has been updated in line with legislative change.
January 2024
In line with new legislation, updated checks progressing:
- 1235 requested
- 829 ID submitted
- 775 checks submitted
- 654 completed
Process in place for progressing remaining checks.