We use two safeguarding platforms to support parishes to deliver safer recruitment and people management practices. This page explains how to manage DBS checks and safeguarding information using these two platforms, which are:
- the Parish Safeguarding Hub
- the thirtyone:eight DBS checking service
It also explains how the systems work together and how to get support.
The Parish Safeguarding Hub
The parish safeguarding hub (the hub) is a central, easy-to-use platform that brings together safer recruitment and safeguarding training in one place. Funded by the diocese, and developed by Clearly Simpler, the hub is available to all parishes and is designed to make storing and managing safeguarding information simple, fast and efficient.
What you can do in the hub
- Start and manage DBS checks in one place
- Keep up-to-date records of safeguarding training for volunteers and staff
- Create role descriptions and person specifications
- Generate and store key recruitment documents
- Track safer recruitment and monitor the progress of new volunteers through the recruitment process
The Clearly Simpler Safeguarding Hub brochure gives an overview of how the platform works.
thirtyone:eight: DBS checking service
We use thirtyone:eight, a Christian charity, as our DBS provider.
They are one of the largest umbrella organisations in England and Wales, processing over 72,000 DBS checks every year. They support a wide range of organisations and offer a reliable, user-friendly system tailored to safeguarding needs in church settings.
Key features - with thirtyone:eight, you can:
- Complete DBS checks through a reliable, user-friendly system
- Carry out digital ID checks*, reducing the need for in-person verification
- Speed up the overall DBS process for volunteers and staff
*Digital ID checks are currently available in mainland UK only. Development is underway to extend this to the Channel Islands.
How the platforms work together
Using both systems creates a simple, seamless process:
- Request DBS checks directly from the hub
- DBS results are automatically recorded in the hub
This means all safeguarding information is stored securely in one place, making it easier to manage and review.
The team at Canford Magna share their experiences of using the two platforms in this video.
User guide
Visit the User Guide for practical tips and advice on using the hub and thirtyone:eight. Need help? See the Support section below.
Getting started
If you haven’t signed up for either the hub or thirtyone:eight, follow these steps. Need help? See the Support section below.
1. Complete the registration forms
You need to complete two forms:
- Parish Safeguarding Hub registration form: download here Parish safeguarding hub registration
- thirtyone:eight disclosure registration form: download here thirtyone:eight (31:8) disclosure registration form
You can also visit the definitions page for explanations of key roles and terms to help you complete the forms.
2. Send your completed forms
Send your forms to the safeguarding team:
By email: safeguarding.admin@salisbury.anglican.org
By post: Safeguarding team, Emmaus House, The Avenue, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0FG
3. Receive your login details
Once your forms have been processed, the safeguarding team will contact you with:
- your login details
- guidance on getting started
Please note:
- The thirtyone:eight form acts as your agreement with them and your PCC
- When you first log into the hub, you will be asked to accept a similar agreement
Support
If you need help with either platform, support is available from the Parish Safeguarding Support Assistants (PSSAs).
They offer:
- Online and in-person support sessions
- Flexible appointment times
You can:
- Book a session via the Safeguarding Team Support for Hub and ThirtyOne:Eight page
- Email: safeguarding.admin@salisbury.anglican.org
Additional online tutorials are available through the Diocese of Salisbury Learning Hub, Courses, Events & Resources - Diocese of Salisbury Learning Hub.
You can read our Parish Safeguarding Hub and DBS management policy here