My RLSS UK

Welcome to My RLSS UK, an online area dedicated to providing our qualification holders, members, stakeholders, and supporters with easy access to the latest industry safety guidance, policies, resources, and opportunities. As well as providing specialist information, the area signposts you to relevant services and features within your RLSS UK Account (powered by tahdah). 

Every individual, organisation, club, branch, and group in our community is invaluable to us, and we endeavour to provide solutions and added value wherever possible in the hope that you will become a lifelong ambassador of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Together we can work towards the Charity's mission to be the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding in the UK and Ireland. By sharing our combined expertise and knowledge, with as many people as possible, we can provide everyone with the potential to save lives and enjoy water safely. 

We hope you find the area useful, if you require further support please call 0300 323 0096 or email [email protected]. 

Vetting Check Service

We are pleased to announce that the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) now offers an accessible screening solution as an umbrella organisation for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, England and Wales).

Value added

RLSS UK has a consistent and strong track record in processing vetting applications, specifically in the aquatic and leisure industry. We currently process in excess of 1,000 vetting checks each year and offer a variety of practical and accessible solutions to facilitate your check.

Our checks and what does it cost?

Standard DBS Check

£18.00 + £12.95 admin fee – total £30.95

A standard DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is an in-depth background check used to verify if a candidate is suitable to hire for work in a specific industry.

Enhanced DBS Check

£38 + £12.95 admin fee – total £50.95

An Enhanced DBS is the highest level required for positions that can involve caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children or adults.

Register your organisation

RLSS UK also offers screening under the PVG (Scotland) and Access NI (Northern Ireland) schemes. Please contact [email protected] to discuss your requirements. All prices are charged at the organisation’s regular fee plus £12.95 admin fee. This service can be paid for by cheque, bank transfer or card payment over the telephone. Please ask for further details.

How to register

  1. Register your organisation with RLSS UK using this form. 
  2. We will contact you with further details to complete your registration and explain our next steps.
  3. We will post out some forms to you, talking you through the process.
  4. Give the form to the applicant/s to fill in.
  5. The applicant/s will return the completed form to you along with documents proving their identity.
  6. Send the completed application for the attention of:
    RLSS UK Safeguarding Case Officer
    Red Hill House
    227 London Road
    Worcester
    WR5 2JG
  7. DBS will send a certificate to the applicant. The applicant is then required to show you (the organisation) their certificate so you can keep a record. NB: Certificates will not be sent directly to you as the employer, or RLSS UK as the administrator. Forms will be sent directly to the individual.

How long does it take? 

Processing time is different for each application and the completion time can vary. Checks can take longer if:

  • The details given for the check are incorrect or incomplete
  • Several police forces need to be involved in the check

Pool Lifeguard and DBS eligibility

The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) published a briefing in 2017 to assist pool operators, managers and staff to establish a consistent approach to decisions about the eligibility of pool lifeguards for DBS Checks. Read the briefing.

  • What checks do I need to provide? – The DBS briefing outlines guidance and criteria for eligibility checks on lifeguards.
  • Do I need to go through an Umbrella Organisation to check lifeguards? – Organisations have two options to provide vetting checks. You can choose to use an umbrella organisation or go through the process to become a registered body, providing you meet the relevant criteria. Check the DBS website for more information
  • Whose responsibility is it to check Lifeguards – Lifeguards require a check when they are actively engaged in employment or volunteering. As part of the employment process it’s the employer’s responsibility to decide whether, in light of the guidance provided, their employees (paid or volunteers) are undertaking regulated activity with children, or are otherwise in roles eligible for a DBS check without the barred list check.

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Author: James Soley

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