Introduction to Criminal Records Checks
British Taekwondo is committed to providing the safest possible environment for the welfare of Children and Adults at Risk and has a duty to safeguard and protect all participants from harm.
Criminal Record Checks help us to provide that protection by allowing us to check that an individual has not been barred from working with children and/or adults.
Who needs a Criminal Record Check?
British Taekwondo has determined the following clearance requirements:
| Role | Check Required |
| Coach (whether paid or volunteer) | DBS/ANI Enhanced Check with Barred List Check
PVG Scheme Membership Existing PVG Scheme Member Update if already an existing PVG member and you need to link your membership to British Taekwondo |
| Welfare Officer | DBS/ANI Enhanced Check with Barred List Check
PVG Scheme Membership Existing PVG Scheme Member Update if already an existing member and you need to link your membership to British Taekwondo |
| Referee – with Weigh In Responsibilities | DBS/ANI Enhanced Check with Barred List Check
PVG Scheme Membership Existing PVG Scheme Member Update if already an existing member and you need to link your membership to British Taekwondo |
Any other roles and their requirements can be discussed by contacting safeguarding@britishtaekwondo.org
Who conducts the criminal record check?
Processes vary slightly dependent upon where you live because there are different bodies charged with undertaking these checks across the Home Countries.
More information can be found on the following Disclosure Services websites:
- Disclosure & Barring Service England & Wales – England & Wales – Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scotland – Scotland – Disclosure Scotland (PVG)
- Access Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland – Access Northern Ireland (Access NI)
How do I apply for the criminal record check?
A DBS Check is a Disclosure and Barring Service Check. These are a vital part of safeguarding for an organisation, and help us ensure that only those suitable are in positions of power and trust
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme in Scotland is a membership program managed by Disclosure Scotland that ensures individuals working with children and vulnerable adults are suitable for their roles.
If you are aware that something will show up on your criminal records check, or you have received a caution recently and you wish to discuss this then please contact the Safeguarding, Compliance & HR Manager on 07568 503791 or via safeguarding@britishtaekwondo.org
Please note: Without Disclosure Checks clearance with British Taekwondo, Instructors/Coaches are not covered by their British Taekwondo Insurance.
How often should I renew my criminal record check?
England/Wales: DBS checks must be renewed every three years. If you are subscribed to the DBS Update Service, you must upload your original certificate to your profile on My Club Hub. More infomration about the DBS Update Service and its benefits can be found here .
British Taekwondo will only accept portability of DBS checks in England and Wales where the member is subscribed to the DBS Update Service. We will no longer accept checks carried out by other organisations
Scotland: PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) membership will require renewal every five years starting April 1, 2026, replacing the current lifetime membership.
When the 5-year renewal comes into effect, individuals and groups will be notified three months before the membership period ends to allow for an update to be completed.
If you are an existing scheme member who has recently joined British Taekwondo, you must apply for an Existing PVG Scheme Member update.
Northern Ireland: Access NI checks must be renewed every three years.