18th April 2018.

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the vacancy of up Refuge Support Worker (Asian Language Desirable). The following documents are enclosed in this application pack:

Information about WAIS Job description Person Specification Application form Monitoring form Equal Opportunities Statement of Intent DBS statement

Closing date for applications is Friday 4th May 2018 at 9am, with interviews being held week commencing 21st May 2018.

CV’s will not be accepted.

Applications will be assessed and shortlisted against the person specification so please make sure that you cover all the points in your application.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide feedback on non-shortlisted applications. However, feedback will be provided to candidates who attend interviews.

An enhanced DBS check will be carried out prior to appointment.

It is an Occupational Requirement that applications are open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010.

Please return completed application forms to WAIS Recruitment, 30 Chaucer Street, Nottingham NG1 5LP OR email to vacancy@wais.org .uk

Once again thank you for your interest and good luck with your application.

Yours sincerely

Recruitment Team

About Women’s Aid Integrated Services

We are a free, confidential and independent organisation working with women and their children who have been affected by domestic abuse. Established in 1979, we are run by women, for women.

We have over 30 years experience and we are passionate about helping women and their children to stay as safe as possible and to recover from the harm of domestic abuse. We operate across Nottingham City and the South of Nottinghamshire.  Our services work in Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe and Nottingham city centre. 

All our workers are women who are experienced and specially trained to understand domestic abuse and what impact it has on a woman and her children.  Whether bisexual, transgender or heterosexual, we have an expertise in working with women from all backgrounds, including Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities.  We also have indepth knowledge in honor based violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, unsettled immigration status and no recourse to public funds.

Our aims…….

To reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse and strengthen families To empower women and children To raise awareness about domestic abuse and the effects it has on women

and children

Our services…..What we offer……. 

Freephone 24 hour domestic violence helpline and a drop-in facility Refuge Accommodation for women and their children Pets Project helps women and their children, reluctant to leave abusive

relationships because of their pets, by providing a fostering home for their animals.

Indigo Service is for any woman aged 18 years and over who is experiencing domestic violence or abuse now or in the past. Our team of trained female support workers provide different types of support depending on the woman’s needs.

IDVA Service offers support for the highest risk women experiencing domestic violence. Building stronger families and Hands are Not for Hurting are therapeutic group programmes for children aged 5 to 16 years and their mums. The programme will help children to recover from the harm of domestic violence and abuse whilst mums are supported to understand the impact the abuse has had on their children. The programme also helps to rebuild the relationship between them.

Medium Risk and Medium Risk Plus services supporting women experiencing repeat medium risk domestic violence

Teen Advocate, Over recent years, we have come to recognise that teenagers, aged between 13 and 17 years can experience abuse in their own

Page 2 of 30

boyfriend or girlfriend relationship and so we now have services for teenagers in this situation and we offer a personalised package of practical advocacy and emotional support.

RISE Services is for women and young women aged 16 years and over who have experienced domestic violence and abuse and who live in Nottingham City. This service offers both immediate crisis support and ongoing emotional and practical support

The Freedom Programme is an 8 week course for women who have been affected by domestic violence or abuse. This also looks at any effects of domestic violence on children and improves confidence and self-esteem.

Our funders………

Funding streams change frequently so this is not a complete list. Here are a few of our current funders:

Nottingham City Council Nottinghamshire County Council Broxtowe Borough Council Gedling Borough Council Nottingham Crime and Drugs

Partnership Nottinghamshire Police and Crime

Commissioner Nottingham Clinical

Commissioning Group Gedling Borough Council Home Office Individual donations

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More about our services …

Below is more information about each of our services.

24 hour domestic violence Freephone helpline and drop-in Available for women affected by domestic abuse.  We offer advice, information and support on issues such as housing, child protection, immigration, civil and criminal remedies, welfare rights and health.  We can also arrange refuge or safe accommodation

The helpline is staffed 7 days a week.   There is also a drop in service available between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. The outreach team provide a drop in service out of these hours, by arrangement only. The free helpline number is 0808 800 0340. We also offer a text phone helpline which is open Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm Type talk and instant interpretation is also available from language line.

Refuge Accommodation

WAIS Zola refuge is a self contained accommodation with 9 flats, providing safe temporary accommodation for women and their children escaping domestic abuse. Zola refuge offers support, information, advice, signposting for legal and housing services to enable women and their children to live safely and independently. Zola specialises in supporting women with specific cultural needs from black, Asian and refugee communities.  Zola is skilled and experienced in supporting women with forced marriage and so called honour based violence issues and can also work with some women who have no recourse to public funds. We help women to make informed choices about accessing permanent accommodation, returning home safely or moving to supported accommodation.

Pets Project – Refs 4 PetsThe Pets Project finds foster care for pets of women who are reluctant to leave abusive relationships because of their animals. Pets are cared for by volunteers who have been checked for their suitability, whilst the women continue to pay for their animals feed. 

The Pets Project works with animals across Nottinghamshire and parts of Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

Women's Aid believes in empowering women. This means we will listen and not judge, inform her of all her options and let her make her own decisions, even if that is to do nothing at all.

We are committed to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice in all our work and services.

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Independent Domestic Violence Advocates The WAIS Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA’s) support high risk female survivors of domestic abuse, whose partners are being prosecuted for offenses against them and who are going through Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs).   The IDVAs work with women in Nottingham City and South Nottinghamshire offering support both, before, during and after court.   The IDVAS offer support to women, ensuring they are fully aware of their options. IDVAs can attend pre-hearings, carry out safety planning, help women through the criminal justice system and investigate civil remedies.  The IDVA’s can also signpost to other agencies for further help including counselling.

Even after the relationship has ended, the abuse can continue and women may be in more danger.   The IDVAS can offer support to ensure women are fully aware of their options.

There are two IDVA teams: one to cover Nottingham City and one covering the south of the County (Gedling, Rushcliffe and Broxtowe).

Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference The MARACs are fortnightly meetings, chaired by the Police which bring together agencies, such as probation, police, health, children’s services, education and welfare, alcohol and drug agencies and WAIS.  The aim of the MARAC is to prevent further harm to survivors of domestic violence and their children. All MARAC cases are referred to the IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) team at WAIS. The IDVA's support is delivered in partnership with many agencies including the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Gedling OutreachThis service supports women living in the Gedling area of Nottingham, who have experienced domestic abuse.  It offers emotional and practical support, safety planning and signposting to other agencies as well as encouraging women to consider how they feel about their lives.

The Gedling Outreach worker also currently runs the Gedling Freedom Programme, a 12 week rolling course that helps women recognize what constitutes abusive behavior and helps women gain self-esteem and confidence to improve the quality of their lives.

Stronger Families and Hands are Not for Hurting

The Stronger Families Programme supports children and mothers who have experienced domestic abuse and aims to undo some of the damage caused. 

Children in families where domestic abuse has occurred, can have difficulties expressing their emotions and mothers can also find it difficult to build up their relationship with their children, at a time when it’s needed most.

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Stronger Families and Hands are Not for Hurting are therapeutic group programmes for children aged 5 to 16 years (school years 1 to 11) and their mums. Over a 12 week period, separate groups are held for children and mums. The programme will help children to recover from the harm of domestic violence and abuse and concentrates on building self-esteem putting aside feelings of blame and also helps children to express themselves in appropriate ways. Mothers are helped to better understand their childrens reactions and behaviour whilst being taught skills to support their own children rebuild the relationship between them.

Rise Support Services

The Rise services is for women and young women aged 16 years and over who have experienced domestic violence and abuse and who live in Nottingham City. This service offers both immediate crisis support and ongoing emotional and practical support. This means that you can receive support when it’s needed most which can continue for up to 4 weeks and (or) non urgent emotional and practical support that can last for up to 12 weeks.  All elements of the service can be delivered flexibly in the woman's own home or in safe, accessible community venue. A dedicated support worker will accompany you through the different elements of the service providing end to end support from crisis to independence.

Indigo

Our service is for any woman aged 18 years and over who is experiencing domestic violence or abuse now or in the past.

Our team of trained female support workers provide different types of support depending on your needs. No matter what these are, we will believe what you tell us and respect your decisions. We will help you make the choices that are right for you and your children. All women and children have the right to live their lives free from domestic violence and abuse.

Children and young people

Domestic abuse can be very upsetting and confusing for children and young people who may feel guilty and to blame for what has happened in their family. Domestic abuse is never the fault of the child or the adult being harmed. The only person responsible is the one doing the hurting. 

Domestic abuse can be harmful to children and leaves them with all kinds of very difficult and uncomfortable feelings, even when the domestic abuse has stopped. This is why we provide a range of services to help children and young people talk about their feelings and to feel safer.

Teens

Teen Advocate Service offers a one to one and a group support.

Over recent years, we have come to recognise that teenagers can experience abuse in their own boyfriend or girlfriend relationship and so we now have services for teenagers in this situation.

6

 We offer a personalised package of practical advocacy and emotional support for teenage girls aged 13 to 17 years experiencing abuse in their intimate relationships. Generally lasting for up to 12 weeks, our support includes safety planning which takes into account the specific issues faced by teens including online abuse, sexual exploitation, honour based violence and forced marriage. We also help teens to understand that a healthy relationship is based on respect and consent.

This service is offered in Ashfield, Gedling and Rushcliffe. The Teen Advocate Service is also available to teenage boys experiencing abuse in their intimate relationship.

HR, Finance, Administration and Business Support

WAIS is supported by a central administrative team. The business support team deal with many different functions which include:

HR – for all staff, wages and employment matters  Finance – for all financial matters within the organisation and with our external funders Administration – for general office support for all areas of the organisation, including stationery orders/other office equipment/dealing with all post as well as the reception duties. Facilities and IT -  for all IT, mobile phone and building matters Communications – for all published materials both internally and externally Quality & Research – for all dealings with PQASSO and other quality recognition

7

WOMENS AID INTEGRATED SERVICES

POST TITLE Refuge Support Worker (Asian or Eastern European language desirable)

LOCATION Women’s Aid Integrated Services Zola Refuge

RESPONSIBLE TO Refuge Team leader

HOURS 26-30 hours per week. Some evening and weekend work will be necessary working with a shift system

PAY NJC Scale Point 27- £24,174 pro rata

JOB PURPOSEThe Support Worker is responsible for the support of women and children within the refuge and assisting in the day to day running of the refuge. The support worker will be expected to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the work with the women meets their individual needs as appropriate as possible with regard to families’ cultural, religious backgrounds, any special needs and to actively combat stereotypes.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES1. Provide support to ensure that women and children accommodated at the refuge are

settled and their immediate needs are met. Take referrals and make assessments for women and their children to access

refuge safely Carry out a risk assessment plan for the next 24 hours Carry out Health and Safety tour of the property Supply woman with information to make emergency contacts in terms of

emotional and practical support and repairs Work in partnership with Tuntum Housing Association to provide the Housing

Management support To ensure that the refuge is accessible to all potential service users Assess women at referral stage and ensure that women are safely inducted into

the service Assess women’s needs and produce support plans to meet individual need

2. To undertake regular support meetings with women in the refuge. Conduct regular reviews of support needs including negotiating and providing

time limited holistic short-term packages of support Using risk assessments provided carry out a full risk assessment plan and

complete a safety plan If required complete a DASH RIC assessment and make relevant referrals Sign off Licence Agreement and any other necessary paperwork to confirm the

tenancy after checking woman has full understanding in partnership with Tuntum Housing Association

Carry out regular key working sessions Keep up to date all case notes on WAIS Case Management system

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Make contact with each woman resident at Zola on a daily basis and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities

When appropriate accompany women to appointments

3. Offer advice and information to women regarding a variety of issues including, safety, welfare rights advice, basic legal advice and housing advice.

Make referrals to housing departments as appropriate Keep up to date reports to Gateway and complete resettlement plans. Signpost women to appropriate services Provide direct housing related support to women and their children to ensure that

appropriate and safe accommodation choices are accessed Act as an advocate on behalf of women and children in liaison with Tuntum

Housing Associations Housing Support workers and with other agencies, including assisting with housing applications and accompanying women to appointments

Be responsible for a range of housing management duties e.g. licence agreement, rents, evictions, abandonments etc. Explaining them to women resident and keeping Tuntum Housing Association informed

In conjunction with women complete grant applications In conjunction with women devise safety plans for a variety of situations for them

and their children

4. Organise regular house meetings to encourage women to participate in the day-to-day running of the refuge, and to build mutual support.

Devise and distribute agenda’s for minutes Feedback to the Zola team and wider WAIS when appropriate actions from the

meeting, ensuring women resident at Zola have a voice Consult and inform women resident at Zola of changes in policy and procedures

5. To provide support to ensure that women access educational, training and employment opportunities.

In conjunction with the woman devise ISP’s to meet their needs Signpost and refer women to appropriate agencies and organisations

6. Maintain necessary records of women and children, and where appropriate prepare reports on their behalf.

Keep WAIS electronic case management system up to date Keep Zola day book up to date by using clear and concise notes Write reports and support letters for women e.g. for Social Care and MARAC Keep Gateway up to date by providing regular reports To maintain and update both IT based and paper confidential files and

information and to keep this secure summarising relevant and appropriate information to the management team and Board

7. Assist women and children in their preparation to move on safely from the refuge in conjunction with other staff.

Liaise with Nottingham City Councils Gateway team to prepare resettlement plans and to access appropriate housing

Devise safety plans for safe move on in conjunction with women Assist women to apply for funds for resettlement Provide support to ensure that women maximise their income

9

8. To provide support relating to civil and criminal law and children’s issues including reporting of child protection and safeguarding issues, if necessary.

Adhere to WAIS Safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults Work in partnership with Social Care and the Children’s Refuge Support worker

to ensure that women’s and children’s needs are met Signpost and refer women to appropriate legal remedies to meet their needs Comply with the WAIS Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy

9. Required to vary work hours in response to the needs of the project. On a rota basis be accessible to respond to emergencies at Zola and have

access to a vehicle to access Zola Ensure with team that the shift pattern covers the refuge from 8.30am until 9pm

Monday to Friday and 3 hours over the weekend Take TOIL as soon as possible in agreement with the Team Leader and to meet

the needs of the service Attend regular team meetings and any other relevant meetings Attend appropriate training in agreement with the Team Leader Where appropriate liaise, train and network with other agencies both voluntary

and statutory

10.Work towards anti-oppressive practise in line with WAIS Equal Opportunities policy. Comply with WAIS Lone working policy and procedure and regular use WAIS

Lookout system Comply with WAIS H&S policy Comply with Zola’s Security and visitors procedures and ensure women resident

at the refuge and visitors understand and follow the procedure Work towards anti-oppressive practise in line with WAIS Equal Opportunities

policy To carry out your duties with a feminist perspective and adhere to the Duluth

Model of power and control

11.Support volunteers to work with women in the refuge in liaison with WAIS Volunteer Coordinator.

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Person specification Refuge Support WorkerThe criteria set out below describes the experience and qualities considered essential in the post of Refuge Support Worker. The selection panel will draw up a shortlist according to how well applicants meet the criteria. Please note that the criteria are not listed in order of importance.

PERSON SPECIFICATION A I T DDomestic violence and related fields qualifications, experience and knowledge Understanding of issues affecting women and children experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence

√ √ √

Experience of paid/unpaid work with both women and their children

√ √

Ability to work on own initiative √ √Ability to work as a strong team player √ √Ability to provide safety planning advice and information to women

√ √ √

The Ability to speak at least 2 South Asian languages fluently - desirable not essential

√ √ √

Knowledge of homelessness and housing related support needs

√ √ √

Case Management Experience of managing caseloads √ √ √Experience of working in crisis situations √ √ √Ability to identify and deal with Safeguarding and Child Protection issues

√ √

Excellent time management and organisational skills and able to work to tight deadlines

√ √ √

Ability to support volunteers to help deliver the service √ √Partnership working Experience of and capacity to work in multi agency partnerships

√ √ √

Communication skills Good IT skills including the use of word and Internet √ √Clear verbal and written skills √ √ √Equalities and diversity Clear understanding of the effects of domestic abuse on different groups of women and children

√ √ √

Ability to challenge inappropriate and discriminatory comments in an appropriate manner

√ √ √

Experience of relating to a multi cultural service user group and staff

√ √

Values A commitment to the principles and values of Women’s Aid England

√

A feminist analysis of the causes of domestic violence against women

√ √

Other Ability to be on call to deal with emergencies on a rota basis and access to vehicle for business purposes

√

11

Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and work within a shift pattern

√

Ability to handle petty cash transactions √Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check √

A = Application: I = Interview: T = Test: D = Documentary Evidence

12

WOMEN’S AID INTEGRATED SERVICES

APPLICATION FORM

Post applied for :

Refuge Support Worker (Asian Language Desirable)

Please complete this form and return it to:- vacancy@wais.org.uk orWAIS. HR (Recruitment) 30 Chaucer Street, Nottingham. NG1 5LP

Please complete all questionsTitle …………..

Last name ……………………………………………………………………….. (Block Capitals)

First name(s) ………………………………………………………………………Address for correspondence

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Post Code ………………………………………………………………………….

Telephone Number …………………………. Mobile……………………………

Email Address……………………………………………………………………..

NI Number……………………………….

Are you, or have you been known by any other name? Yes / No If yes, please give details …………………………………………………….Please note that withholding information about being known by any other name could amount to gross misconduct.

To the best of your knowledge, are any relatives or family members employed by WAIS? Yes / No

If yes, what is your relation with them? …………………………………

Are you a member of the DBS update service? Yes / No

If yes, do you give us permission to access this information? Yes / No

13

Applicants should refer to the accompanying job description and person specification when completing this form. Please do not send a CV or other supporting material. 1. Work experience (paid and unpaid)Please begin with your most recent occupation (in chronological order)Job title Dates

from / toEmployer Key tasks Current

salary Reason forleaving

2. Education / Training / Qualifications (gained or being studied for)

School/College/University DatesFrom To

Qualifications Date

14

Relevant non-accredited courses attended:

Course From To Organisation

3. Skills experience and knowledge

15

Using the spaces underneath each box, please use your experience, ability and skills to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria below. Shortlisting will be based on your ability to demonstrate this.

1. Understanding of issues affecting women and children experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence

2. Experience of paid/unpaid work with both women and their children

3. Ability to work on own initiative

4. Ability to work as a strong team player

5. Ability to provide safety planning advice and information to women

6.The Ability to speak at least 2 South Asian languages fluently - desirable not essential

7. Knowledge of homelessness and housing related support needs

16

8. Experience of managing caseloads

9. Experience of working in crisis situations

10. Ability to identify and deal with Safeguarding and Child Protection issues

11. Excellent time management and organisational skills and able to work to tight deadlines

12. Ability to support volunteers to help deliver the service

13. Experience of and capacity to work in multi agency partnerships

14. Good IT skills including the use of word and Internet

15. Clear verbal and written skills

16. Clear understanding of the effects of domestic abuse on different groups of women and children

17

17. Ability to challenge inappropriate and discriminatory comments in an appropriate manner

18. Experience of relating to a multi cultural service user group and staff

19. A commitment to the principles and values of Women’s Aid England

20. A feminist analysis of the causes of domestic violence against women

21. Ability to be on call to deal with emergencies on a rota basis and access to vehicle for business purposes

22. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and work within a shift pattern

23. Ability to handle petty cash transactions

24. Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check

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4. RefereesWe require two referees, one of whom should be your current or last employer, (if any). References will only be taken up on the successful applicant, after the interview.

Name:…….…………………………… Name…………………………………………

Address………………………………… Address………………………………………

………………………..………………… ………………………………………………..

…………………………………………. ………….……………………………………

Post Code……………………………… Post Code…………….……………………..

Tel…………………………………………. Tel…………………………………………..

Email………………………………………Email………………………………………..

Occupation…………………………… Occupation…………………………………..

Relationship to you……………......... Relationship to you…………………..……

5.ConvictionsThis post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 due to the nature of Women’s Aid Integrated Services work and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Have you ever been formally cautioned or convicted of any criminal offence?

YES/NO

The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to discuss this further if required.

I certify that the information contained in this form is correct.

Signed Date

Please indicate where you saw this vacancy: ………………………………….

Please return form marked ‘RECRUITMENT’ by post to the address on the front of this form or via email to vacancy@wais.org.uk

Closing deadline is Friday 4th May 2018 at 9am.

19

WAIS Candidate Monitoring Form

WAIS is committed to promoting and valuing equality and diversity and we seek to recruit staff who contribute to the diversity of the organisation. In order to monitor the effectiveness of the WAIS Equality and Diversity Policy and to ensure that no direct or indirect discrimination is taking place, all staff and candidates are asked to complete the WAIS Equalities Monitoring Form. WAIS assures you that any information you provide here will only be used to monitor the effectiveness of our policies and we will take steps to ensure this information remains confidential to a limited number of staff in our HR department.

Monitoring questions:

How would you describe your ethnicity?Choose ONE section from A to E, and then tick the appropriate box

A WHITE

British (English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish) Irish

Gypsy or Irish Traveller

Any other White background, please describe ___________________________________

B MIXED/MULTIPLE ETHNIC GROUPS

White & Black Caribbean White & Black African

White & Asian

Any other mixed/multiple ethnic background, please describe

_________________________

C ASIAN/ASIAN BRITISH

Indian Pakistani

Bangladeshi Chinese

Any other Asian background, please describe _____________________________

D BLACK/AFRICAN/CARIBBEAN/BLACK BRITISH

African Caribbean

Any other Black/African/Caribbean back ground, please

describe_______________________

E OTHER ETHNIC GROUP

Arab

Any other ethnic background, please describe _____________________________

F Prefer not to say

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What is your first language? ________________________________________________________

Do you speak any other languages, if so which? _______________________________________

Disability & Limiting Long-Term Illness (LLTI)

The 2010 Equality Act defines disability as ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse [negative] effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.

‘Long Term’ is defined as lasting at least 12 months, where conditions can sometimes fluctuate (sometimes absent or less severe)

Do you consider yourself to have a disability or limiting long-term illness (LLTI)?

Yes No Prefer not to say

If yes, please tick any of the following that apply;

Physical Learning

Mental Health Deaf/Hearing impaired

Blind/Visually impaired Prefer not to say

Other, please state ______________________________

Would you describe yourself as:

Female Trans Male to Female

Prefer not to say Other, please state ___________

Please indicate your age bracket

18 – 19 50 - 59

20 – 29 60 +

30 – 39 Prefer not to say

40 - 49

What is your sexual orientation?

Bisexual Gay Woman / Lesbian

Heterosexual / Straight Prefer not to say

Other, please state ______________________________

Please tick the box that best describes your religion and belief:

Buddhist Christian

Hindu Jew

Muslim Sikh

No Religion Prefer not to say

Other Religion or Belief, please state _____________________________________

WOMEN’S AID INTEGRATED SERVICES21

Equality and Diversity Policy statement

We are an organisation run by women for women and children and are committed to promoting and valuing equality and diversity in all of our activities. We welcome and celebrate the richness and diversity of the communities in Nottinghamshire and are strongly committed to achieving equal opportunities and access for all in society.

We seek to create conditions whereby all staff and volunteers are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of age, appearance, body size, caring responsibilities, caste, class, culture, disability, ethnic or national origin, family circumstance, gender, gender reassignment, HIV status, homelessness, immigration status, learning ability nationality, race, religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.

Equality and diversity is the cornerstone of all of our policies and procedures. We are proud of our diversity and the actions we take to eliminate discrimination and prejudice, to ensure inclusion and engagement for everyone who works and volunteers with us or wishes to use our services. We will continue to strive towards a culture that is diverse and which recognises and develops the potential of all our staff, volunteers and service users.

22

Disclosure and Barring Policy

Purpose of Policy

WAIS aims to carry out a fair, safe and consistent approach to all recruitment.

The purpose of the policy is to outline the disclosure and barring (DBS) policy

and procedure that WAIS adopts in relation to all its employees, trustees and

volunteers. This was previously known as a CRB check.

WAIS is required to check everyone’s criminal record if they apply to work with

WAIS, in either a paid or voluntary capacity, due to the nature of our work with

women and children who may be in crisis or at a vulnerable stage in their lives.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, trustees and anyone applying for

a paid or voluntary position at WAIS.

The aim of the policy is to outline the process that WAIS will follow to check for

DBS clearance.

What is a Disclosure?

A disclosure is a document containing information held by the police and

government departments. It can be used by employers to make safer recruitment

decisions. These are provided by the Disclosure & Barring Service.

The Disclosure and Barring Service offers organisations a means to check the 23

background of job and volunteer role applicants to ensure they do not have a

history that would make them unsuitable for posts they are trying to fill.

Disclosures will provide details of a person’s criminal record including

convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings held on the Police National

Computer.

Which Level of Disclosure is applicable?

All roles at WAIS will require an enhanced disclosure with children and/or adults

barred list check. This is because all roles within WAIS give individuals access to

sensitive information and/or access to vulnerable adults and children.

Can you refuse to apply for a Disclosure?

WAIS will only make offers of appointment to paid positions, volunteer or trustee

roles subject to the receipt of a satisfactory disclosure. If an individual refuses to

apply, the offer of appointment to paid or voluntary work will be withdrawn.

What if I already have a Disclosure?

WAIS will need to apply for a new DBS for each new candidate.

Do I need to pay for my Disclosure?

No, WAIS will meet the cost at the present time.

DBS Update Service

An applicant can now subscribe to the DBS Update Service which allows

Applicants to keep their DBS certificate up to date

Employers to check a DBS certificate on line24

There is an annual charge of £13 for this service, WAIS does not currently pay

for this service.

Applicants will be asked on their application form if they are members of the DBS

update service and whether or not they give WAIS permission to access this

information. Where an applicant is already a member of the DBS update service

they will be asked to provide WAIS with a copy of their latest DBS certificate in

order that we can carry out an instant online check to see if any new information

has come to light since its issue. The applicants latest DBS certificate must be an

enhanced certificate.

How is an application made?

Potential employees, trustees and volunteers, or existing employees, trustees or

volunteers for renewals, will be contacted by Nottinghamshire County Council via

email. This email will contain login details for the employment check website

where the applicant will complete an online form. HR will then verify the

applicant’s identity using documentation provided from the lists described in the

next section.

Agency workers are expected to provide their own DBS clearance via their

agency.

What documents to provide

All documents must be in your current name. At least one document must show

your current address and at least one of the documents must show your date of

birth.

The number of documents needed will depend on whether you can provide any

documents from Group 1. If you are able to provide a document from group 1 25

then 3 documents must be seen. One document from Group 1 plus any two

documents from Group 2. If no document from group 1 can be provided then 3

documents must be seen from Group 2 comprising of 1 document from Group 2a

AND 2 further documents from Group 2a or 2b one of which verifies your current

address.

Please note: Where no documentation from Group 1 is provided, the applicant will be checked by an external validation service that will carry out checks against their name and living history footprint.

List of Valid Identity Documents:

Please note that ONLY the following documents are acceptable:

Group 1 – Primary Trusted Identity Credentials

Any current valid Passport

Biometric Residence Permit (UK)

Current Driving Licence Photocard (UK) (Full or provisional)

Birth Certificate (UK &Channel Islands) - issued at time of birth – full or

short form acceptable including those issued by UK authorities overseas,

such as Embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces (Photocopies are

not acceptable)

Group 2a – Trusted Government/State Issued Documents

Current Driving Licence photocard (full or provisional)

Current Driving Licence (full or provisional) if issued before 1998

Birth Certificate (UK & Channel Islands) - issued after the time of birth by

the General Register Office/relevant authority i.e. Registrars – Photocopies

are not acceptable

Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate

HM Forces ID Card (UK)

Fire Arms Licence (UK & Channel Islands)26

Group 2b – Financial/Social History Documents

Mortgage Statement (UK or EEA)** (Non-EEA statements are not

acceptable Bank/Building Society Statement (UK or EEA)* (Non-EEA

statements are not acceptable

Bank/Building Society Account opening confirmation letter (UK)

Credit Card Statement (UK or EEA)* (Non-EEA statements are not

acceptable

Financial Statement ** - e.g. pension, endowment, ISA (UK)

P45/P60 Statement **(UK & Channel Islands)

Council Tax Statement (UK & Channel Islands) **

Work Permit/Visa (UK) (UK Residence Permit) valid up to the expiry

date

Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider (Non-UK/Non-

EEA only – valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of

application)

Utility Bill (UK)* – Not Mobile Telephone

Benefit Statement* - e.g. Child Allowance, Pension

A document from Central/ Local Government/ Government Agency/

Local Authority giving entitlement (UK & Channel Islands)*- e.g. from the

Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service , Customs

& Revenue, Job Centre, Job Centre Plus, Social Security

EU National ID Card

Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo (UK and Channel Islands)

Letter from Head Teacher or College Principal (UK only) (16/17 year

olds in full time education – only used in exceptional circumstances

when all other documents have been exhausted)

Please note:

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If a document in the List of Valid Identity Documents is:

denoted with * - it should be less than three months old

denoted with ** - it should be issued within the past 12 months

not denoted – it can be more than 12 months old

How long will my application take?Between 3-6 weeks although they can take longer

What will happen if the Disclosure reveals a criminal record?

If a Disclosure reveals a criminal record, the appropriate Senior Manager, HR

Manager or Chair of the Board of Trustees will discuss this with you.

Potential employees, trustees and volunteers will not be automatically excluded

from employment or voluntary work because of the existence of a criminal record

but the nature, pattern and lapsed time of any offending behaviour are factors

that will be taken into account in the decision making process. However, WAIS

are unlikely to employ anyone with an unspent criminal conviction for a violent

crime or crimes concerning fraud. The final decision regarding paid employees

and volunteers will be with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and for Trustees

the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

What if I disagree with the information provided by the DBS?

The DBS has a dispute line: Tel: 0300 0200 190

You can dispute the information on the Disclosure.

What happens if I obtain a criminal record during my employment with WAIS?

Failure to inform WAIS of your conviction will result in disciplinary action being

taken. With the introduction of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, WAIS may 28

also be informed of a criminal offence either by the DBS or by the Police. Once a

conviction is received you should immediately notify, either HR and/or your line

manager for employees and volunteers, or the Chair of the Board of Trustees for

Trustees.

Employees, volunteers or trustees will then be invited to a meeting to discuss the

conviction. The CEO or Chair of Trustees will decide on next steps. If the

conviction is of serious nature, includes violent crime or an entry on to the child /

vulnerable adult barred lists this matter will be dealt with under the disciplinary

policy for employees.

Who will see the information from the DBS and where will it be kept?

Only the HR Department, Senior Management and/or Trustees within WAIS will

have access to the Disclosure information. This will be on a ‘need to know’ basis

only. You will receive written confirmation when the Disclosure has been returned

from the DBS and if further discussion is needed.

WAIS will keep a record of your disclosure reference number and further checks

will be carried out every 3 years throughout the duration of your employment.

WAIS has undertaken to comply with the DBS Code of Practice which is there to

make sure the whole process works fairly.

The DBS is committed to compliance with the Data Protection Act, 1998 and the

Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and WAIS is registered under the Acts to hold

information of a confidential and personal nature and share information as

required to protect vulnerable adults and children. Further information can be

found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice

How long will the information be held?

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The DBS will hold your data for a period of 3 years after your application has

been made. This will allow for any repeat applications, complaints or disputes.

Some basic information will then be held by them for a period of 10 years.

WAIS will retain the information for the length of your employment. Should you

leave, your information will be kept for 6 years after the last date of employment.

Approved

Signature Date April 2017

Signature Review March 2020

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