*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, i.e. the DBS will continue to process applications for criminal record checks to assist the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to make informed recruitment decision, the terminology will change.

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 March 1st 2013 onwards, the Disclosure & Barring Service will no longer accept CRB application forms.

The Welsh Football Trust is committed to the safeguarding of children and ensures all candidates comply with the FAW Welfare Regulations; in particular regulation 6 which states "Any individual who is in a position of trust or a regulated position must adhere to the FAW’s requirement to undergo any appropriate measures to ensure the safety of children, young persons and vulnerable adults in football". This includes, but is not limited to, a background check utilising an external agency of the FAW’s choosing.

With this in mind, the implementation of a DBS verifier is now mandatory for all organisations. Liaising with the football development officer and FAW safeguarding representative, the verifier will ensure that all employees hold a valid DBS check and FAW number. The following steps will need to be taken prior to the auditing process:

1. Organisation to identify a Verifier (who can be the organisation administrator) whose responsibility will be to assist employees in the completion of DBS forms and FAW Safeguarding Scheme card application forms;
2. Verifier to arrange date with their area football development officer to complete DBS forms and FAW Safeguarding Scheme card application form (if not done so already);
3. Verifier to complete personal details form and submit to their football development officer and Safeguarding team together with a completed initial spreadsheet of employees for your organisation;
4. Verifier to apply to the Safeguarding team for Junior Football Portal ("Portal") login details (Junior Football Portal Administrator Registration Form available in pack or by emailing safeguarding@faw.co.uk). Verifier to be responsible for updating the details of all staff and coaches onto the portal (see Guidance Pack given with login details). Important that details are updated as applicable throughout the year. Your portal will be reviewed as part of your organisation's annual audit process.
5. Verifier to complete DBS Request Form for further DBS forms for remaining coaches and return to the FAW Safeguarding team using the following details:  
   1. Email: safeguarding@faw.co.uk
   2. Telephone: 02920 435830
   3. Address: The Football Association of Wales, 11/12 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff. CF24 5PJ.
6. Verifier to assist remaining employees with the completion of DBS forms and FAW Safeguarding Scheme card application forms utilising the DBS Guidance Pack. Verifier to liaise directly with the FAW Safeguarding team from this point.