What we check
- ID & right to work: original documents verified.
- References: at least two, including the most recent and, where possible, one from child-facing work; all references phone-verified.
- Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List: required for all Buddies. We prefer the DBS Update Service so we can run real-time status checks and re-check regularly.
Why Enhanced, not Basic? A Basic DBS only shows unspent convictions. Enhanced can include spent and unspent convictions, cautions, police information and, where requested, the Children’s Barred List—the correct level for child-facing roles.
Your safeguarding training covers
- Recognising abuse or neglect and reporting concerns immediately.
- Professional boundaries, including one-to-one time, language and physical contact.
- Online and social-media conduct: no private messaging; keep communications professional and through agreed channels.
- Safer working practice in homes, on trips, during travel and activities.
- Record-keeping and incident reporting, including near-misses.
- Whistleblowing routes if you’re worried about a child or an adult’s conduct.
Day-to-day expectations
- Follow the family’s agreed house rules, care plan and routines.
- Keep clear notes of incidents, injuries, medication given and safeguarding concerns.
- Never share photos or video of children without written parental consent routed via the agency.
- Maintain punctual, professional communication with parents and the agency.
Reporting a concern
- If a child is at immediate risk, call 999.
- Otherwise, report to the agency DSL straight away: Carly Adams—office@mybigbuddy.com.
- We’ll guide next steps and, where appropriate, liaise with the LADO or other services.