The Role of Volunteer Befrienders and DBS Checks in the Charity Sector
In the heart of the charity sector, there's a powerful force at work. It's not just about raising funds or providing services; it's about creating meaningful connections that can transform lives.
This force is known as 'befriending'.
In this article, we'll delve into the world of befriending, explore the role of volunteer befrienders, and highlight the importance of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
Understanding Befriending
Befriending is a simple concept with profound impacts. It involves volunteers spending time with individuals who may be lonely or isolated, providing companionship and a friendly ear.
Organisations like Age UK have embraced befriending as a way to combat loneliness among the elderly, offering a lifeline to those who may otherwise feel forgotten. Befriending can be a game-changer for those in need.
It's not just about having someone to chat with over a cup of tea, though that's certainly part of it. It's about having someone who cares, someone who takes the time to listen and engage. It's about creating a sense of belonging and community for those who may feel left out.
The Role of Volunteer Befrienders
Volunteer befrienders are the heart and soul of befriending services. They are individuals from all walks of life who share a common desire to make a difference. Their role is to provide companionship, lend a listening ear, and engage in activities with those they befriend. This could be anything from sharing a laugh over a board game to swapping stories and experiences.
Becoming a volunteer befriender is not just about doing good; it's also about personal growth. It's an opportunity to develop empathy, improve communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others. It's about making a difference, one friendship at a time.
DBS Checks for Volunteer Befrienders
While the desire to help is the first step to becoming a volunteer befriender, it's not the only requirement.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of those they befriend, volunteer befrienders must undergo a DBS check. This is a process that checks a person's criminal record and assesses whether they are suitable to work with vulnerable groups.
DBS checks are crucial in the charity sector, especially in roles like befriending where volunteers work closely with potentially vulnerable individuals.
There are different types of DBS checks, but for volunteer befrienders, an Enhanced DBS check is typically required. This is the highest level of check and provides a thorough screening of an individual's criminal history.
However, the DBS recognise the valuable work that volunteers do. Enhanced DBS Checks for volunteers are offered at a significantly reduced cost. Personnel Checks can process Volunteer DBS Checks for £18.50 per person, compared to £62.99 for the full price Enhanced.
What is the DBS definition of a volunteer?
As they offer a reduced rate for volunteers, the DBS also have strict definition to identify volunteers. Under DBS rules, someone who answers no to the following 4 questions, is classed as a volunteer:
Is the applicant in receipt of any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)?
Is the applicant on a Placement/Work Experience?
Is the applicant on a course that requires them to do this job role?
Is the applicant in a trainee position that will lead to a full-time role/qualification?
Case Study: Befriending Services at Age UK
Age UK's befriending services offer a shining example of the power of befriending. They provide a carefully matched, volunteer befriender to lonely or isolated people aged 50 or above. These befrienders offer a kind, patient listening ear and may also provide details of other services that may be helpful.
To ensure the safety of those they serve, all Age UK volunteer befrienders are carefully chosen, and DBS checked. This ensures that the individuals they serve can trust their befriender and look forward to their visits without worry.
So, if you're considering becoming a volunteer befriender, remember that you're not just signing up to help others. You're also joining a community that values safety, trust, and the power of human connection. And that's something truly worth being a part of.