We have been made aware that our DBS administrator, APCS have encountered a data breach.
PCCs are separate data controllers and therefore have a responsibility to manage data breaches.
We have taken legal advice on this situation and have shared this below in order to assist you:
Please contact APCS directly to request an update on their investigation and to understand the extent to which individuals in your PCC may have been affected. They can be contacted on enquiries@accesspcs.co.uk and on 0343 611 2727.
If APCS confirms that the data breach affects individuals in your PCC, you should take the following steps:
- Consider whether the data breach is likely to result in a high risk of harm to those individuals (such as identity theft where passport, driving licence or national insurance information etc. has been accessed) and if so, report the data breach to the ICO using this link within the next 72 hours.
- Consider whether to inform those individuals impacted about the breach that their personal information has been compromised – there is helpful information on the National Cyber Security Centre about this - Data breach guidance for individuals - NCSC.GOV.UK
- Keep a record of the data breach including any updates from APCS as when further details about the incident become available.
Overarching Principles
- Certain roles within religious organisations require a DBS check, depending on the type of role undertaken and how often that role is carried out.
- The need to apply for a DBS is not based on job title, but on the responsibilities the individual undertakes.
- It is important that guidance is followed and allows a DBS check to make certain that the applicants data protection rights are not breached.
I need a new DBS or to renew a DBS check
Every Parish should have a DBS Administrator (sometimes known as an ID checker), this is often, but not always, the same person as the Parish Safeguarding Officer. In most cases this would be your first port of call. They will give you an ID number and website link to complete your DBS application. If you have any queries contact safeguarding@newcastle.anglican.org.
PLEASE do not apply for a DBS online without this information from your DBS admin or using a search result. This may result in you incurring charges that are not necessary.
I have a query regarding an ongoing DBS check
APCS should be contacted about any DBS checks that are currently being processed or DBS eligibility queries.
Website: https://criminalrecordchecks.co.uk/
Email: Enquiries@accesspcs.co.uk
Phone: 0845 643 1145
I’m not sure who is eligible for a DBS check
The government provide a useful online DBS Eligibility Tool which parishes can use to determine if a DBS check is required for a role and the level of check.
https://www.gov.uk/find-out-dbs-check
We also hold sessions regarding Eligibility with a representative from DBS leading these sessions. These are a good chance to bring your queries regarding eligibility
This document can also give you additional information on Eligibility.