Transparency data

DBS Governance Framework

These framework documents replace the DBS Board Constitution.

From:
Disclosure and Barring Service
Published
25 August 2020
Last updated
27 November 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Governance Framework Document

PDF, 322 KB, 21 pages

Annex A: Standing Orders

MS Word Document, 71.3 KB

Annex B: Scheme of Delegation

MS Word Document, 78.5 KB

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Annex C: Board and Committee Terms of Reference

MS Word Document, 102 KB

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Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies

PDF, 437 KB, 8 pages

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Details

These framework documents replace the DBS Board Constitution and consist of:

  • DBS Framework document
  • Annex A: Standing Orders
  • Annex B: Scheme of Delegation
  • Annex C: Board and Committee Terms of Reference
  • Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies

Updates to this page

Published 25 August 2020
Last updated 27 November 2025 show all updates

  1. Changes to the Disclosure and Barring Service Terms of Reference, Scheme of Delegation and Standing Orders The Terms of Reference have been updated to reflect new job titles within the Executive Team. The Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) has been renamed the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee (ARAC). There have been amendments to the responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee. Changes to the Scheme of Delegation: Qualified Person decisions under section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 will now be retained by the Board for approval. For business cases based explicitly on exercising a contract extension or not exercising a break clause, the subsequent decision to extend the contract or not exercise the break clause is not retained by the Board. Where a procurement business case did not explicitly address these points, the decision to exercise an extension or not exercise a break clause will be considered a new procurement subject to normal conditions. The appointment of all Very Senior Posts, other than temporary appointments not exceeding six months, will be conducted in consultation with the Board (Remuneration Committee). Temporary appointments of Very Senior Posts should be reported promptly to the DBS Chairman and the Remuneration Committee Chairman. Changes to the Standing Orders: If the Chairman decides that a decision is needed before the next scheduled meeting, and it is not suitable to call an urgent meeting, the Chairman may choose to seek the decision through correspondence.

  2. Updated versions of the standing orders, Board Scheme of Delegation, and Board and committee terms and references have been uploaded -04.12.24

  3. Update to Annex A: Standing Orders.

  4. All documents have been update.

  5. Updated with the latest versions.

  6. Annex A and B updated.

  7. Framework documents updated, as agreed by the DBS board.

  8. First published.

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