Blyth Town Council is taking significant steps to enhance safeguarding and transparency by agreeing a new policy framework that will introduce Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for its members and all officers. Alongside this, a dedicated safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults has been adopted—signalling a stronger commitment to public trust and risk management.

While there is currently no legal requirement for town or parish councillors to undergo DBS checks, recent discussions within the Council reflect growing public expectations around safeguarding, particularly where councillors are involved in community engagement or ceremonial roles.

The policy move which encourages all councillors to voluntarily undertake a Basic DBS check was welcomed by all councillors. This builds on existing practice where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are required to have enhanced DBS checks due to their interaction with young people as part of the developing Mayoral Cadet programme—a responsibility tied to the Council's support for the Armed Forces Covenant.

Beyond the checks themselves, the Council has also adopted a formal safeguarding policy that outlines how it protects children and vulnerable adults in its services, events, and activities.

These combined measures not only strengthen internal safeguards but also send a clear message: Blyth Town Council is serious about creating a culture of accountability