Voluntary sector (third sector) strategy

Guidance notes have changed for vetting and barring

An organisation has a legal duty to ensure they are entitled to submit a DBS application for a person for a job. This is to apply for a criminal record check.

There are 3 levels of record check. Before any check is made, the organisation must check the job role is eligible.

• Standard checks – The position must be included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975
• Enhanced checks – The position must be included in both the ROA Exceptions Order and in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) regulations
• Enhanced checks with children’s and/or adults’ barred list check(s) – The position must be eligible for an enhanced level DBS certificate as above. Also it must be specifically listed in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) regulations as able to check the appropriate barred list(s)

Full guidance details for vetting and barring [external link]

Darlington Compact

This is a statement of partnership between the public sector and the voluntary and community sector. It is a commitment to work closely together and to respect each other's rights and responsibilities.

Healthwatch Darlington

This is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in Darlington. The organisation will help to shape and improve local health and social care in our community. It is part of the Healthwatch national network. This was set up by the Government. It ensures local patients and users have a greater input to shape and design local services.

To find out more visit Healthwatch Darlington [external link].

Funding opportunities for the third sector

The Council funds the third sector by offering discretionary rate relief to charities who qualify for Mandatory Rate Relief.

A broad range of grants are given out by County Durham Community Foundation [external link]. They give over £2m in grants per year to organisations in Durham and Darlington.