*On 1st December 2012, the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to become the Disclosure & Barring Serivce (DBS). Whilst the service will remain the same the terminology will change. The DBS will continue to process applications for criminal record checks to assist the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to make informed recruitment decision.

Although the new DBS application forms will have the same "look and feel" as the old CRB application forms, there are slight amendments. Both DBS & CRB application forms are currently in use, however from 1st March 2013 onwards, the Disclosure & Barring Service will no longer accept CRB application forms.For further information please go to - http://www.faw.org.uk/news/FAW89968.ink

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The FAW was one of the first national governing bodies in Wales to introduce a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It was introduced in the 2004 / 2005 season and has concentrated on junior and youth football where the majority of young people play.

To support the implementation of the DBS the FAW entered into a partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action’s Criminal Records Unit (CRU). This acts as an umbrella body managing the distribution, collection and submission of DBS forms on the FAW’s behalf.

The Club Safeguarding Officer plays a key role within this process. For further guidance on registering yourself as a Club Safeguarding Officer with the FAW please read the following guidlines carefully:

Club Safeguarding Officer Booklet - 2012/13

For clear guidance on how your volunteers can complete a DBS form, please read the resource below carefully:

CRB booklet for volunteers - 2012/13

For further information regarding FAW Safeguarding please click here.

Further roles and responsibilities of a Club Safeguarding Officer are:

1. Dissemination of the FAW Safeguarding Policy within the club;
2. Oversee and manage player and vulnerable adult safeguarding issues within the club;
3. Contact point within club for National, Area Association and League Safeguarding Officers;
4. Undertake necessary training and attend meetings relevant to the Safeguarding Policy;
5. Act as a role model and demonstrate good practice in relation to the FAW Football Code of Conduct;
6. Act within the guidelines as detailed within the FAW Safeguarding Policy Procedures and Practices document;
7. Promote the 'Behind the line, Behind the team' campaign within your club;

Portal Administrators

All existing Club portal administrators will have recieved a letter from the FAW Safeguarding Department asking them to confirm that they are still the administrator for that club.

If you are a new portal admininstrator, you will need to request a username and password to access your club site. This is an integral part of the Accreditation process and is mandatory for all affiliated clubs. Your local Football Development Officer will have introduced you to the portal but please find below some useful resources to aid you with this process:

Portal Username and Password Request Form