Q If I have a Disclosure Check from another organisation can I use it?

A No, because we need to be assured that the ID checks have been rigorous and that there was no additional information that the registered body received but an applicant did not, for instance that they were currently part of a police enquiry.   Admittedly, this is low risk but not one that the Church is prepared to take!

New legislation, hopefully, with a go live date in Autumn 2009 will minimise bureaucracy  and deliver a system that will, in the vast majority of cases, be quicker and simpler for employers, employees and volunteers to understand and use.   People who work as a volunteer with children/vulnerable adults will apply to be a scheme member.   Thereafter, their scheme records will be kept constantly up to date which means that they will no longer need to undergo a time consuming disclosure procedure each time they change positions.

Q Who sees the information on the Disclosure Application Form?

A The co-signatory has to check ID information.  The form is then sent to the National Collator who checks the form to ensure instructions for completion have been followed accurately i.e. no missing information.   The next step of the process is for your application to be checked by Disclosure Scotland Staff.

Q Why does it take so long for Church Disclosures to come through, my other Disclosure came through in 10 days?

A The Church's approach has been to appoint a National Collator to co-ordinate Disclosure Checks.   All volunteers disclosure forms must go to the National Collator for a final check before being sent off to CRBS/Disclosure Scotland.   This may mean that the process takes a little longer.

Q How long does it last?

A At present, in Scotland, we have had no specific guidance in relation to the length of time the Check lasts.   As you know the Check is only as good as the day it was processed, however, a common sense approach is being used in parishes and associated organisations.   For example, in the case of a parish volunteer in ministry with children and/or vulnerable adults who regularly is part of a parish activity and has been recruited according to Church policy which includes the Disclosure Check we would not plan to carry out another Disclosure Check.   However, if, for example, a volunteer having gone through recruitment including Disclosure for a Lourdes pilgrimage four years ago and has not been involved in parish/Lourdes activities in recent years then it would be appropriate for a new check to be processed.