Ukraine: Safeguarding and Modern Slavery

Homes for Ukraine: unaccompanied children new applications scheme

Welsh Government has published a supplementary guidance note in relation to the Ukraine unaccompanied children new applications scheme which includes links to the main UK Government guidance and documents and other sources of advice and support: https://gov.wales/homes-ukraine-unaccompanied-children-new-applications-scheme  

The following attached resources are also available: 

Recordings from UK Government’s Teach in sessions in July: https://we.tl/t-dhck64Wl1Z 

Presentation from the Teach in sessions.
Q&A arising from the Teach in sessions in July.

DBS checks for Ukrainians seeking employment

In relation to DBS checks for Ukrainian citizens seeking employment, the UK Government provides an outline of the process for employers to undertake DBS checks: DBS checks: guidance for employers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and there is a specific section on ‘Overseas applicants’: Countries Q to Z: applying for a criminal records check for someone from overseas - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Within that link there is Ukraine-specific information to enable individuals to get certificates of good conduct from the Ukrainian authorities. Ukrainians can apply for an overseas police check from Ukraine; via the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine https://vytiah.mvs.gov.ua/ . The requested information will be emailed to them. To apply for this service, the Ukrainian citizen will need an electronic signature. After receiving an extract in Ukrainian language, they will need to apply for a confirmation letter from the Ukraine Embassy, these documents can be translated by a third party. 

For Ukrainians who do not possess an electronic signature, applications must be made in person at the Consular Section of the Ukrainian Embassy in London. A valid passport is required as proof of ID and should be presented on the day. Applicants are expected to provide the Consular Section with the applicant’s former address(es) in Ukraine. Enquiries can be made via consul_gb@mfa.gov.ua  

DBS colleagues have also confirmed that its ID guidelines make it possible for immigration and ‘documents from local or central government that demonstrate entitlement to benefits’ to be submitted for ID purposes. It is the DBS position that these documents alongside any Ukrainian ID should be sufficient to satisfy the DBS application criteria.

Ukraine: Safeguarding and modern slavery 

As we work together to support the humanitarian response to Ukraine, we know that local authorities and other partners are dealing with new situations and challenges. 

We have established a designated inbox to take queries on: 

• Safeguarding checks including DBS.
• Homes for Ukraine: Safeguarding and Modern Slavery guidance clarification on advice.
• Advice on responding to safeguarding and modern slavery concerns.
• Homes for Ukraine unaccompanied children new applications scheme 

Please also use this email address to let us know about any emerging safeguarding or modern slavery issues in your area. 

For urgent safeguarding and modern slavery concerns 

• where a person(s) from Ukraine is assessed to be at risk of immediate harm from a potential host sponsor and a Border Force intervention is required or
• where an unaccompanied child(ren) has been identified. 

Local authorities can log issues via Jira. Local authorities will need to select the area where they require support and be linked through to a Jira Registration page to log their issue. Users will only need to register once. Each case requires a unique Jira ticket. 

Local authorities can log in using this link: https://digital.dclg.gov.uk/jira/servicedesk/customer/portal/11 

Alternatively, call the Telephone Desk: 0303 444 4445

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm: Monday - Friday (except Bank Holidays) 

On resolution of your issue, please report a summary of it and the outcome to the Welsh Government mailbox below.

Contact: Ukraine.Safeguarding@gov.wales

Update: 29th June, 2022

This week, Welsh Government introduced a national approach to DBS checks to support local authorities’ work facilitating the move-on of Ukrainian citizens from Welcome Centres. The attached communication issued from the WLGA this week provides information about this.

The following information has been issued by Welsh Government: 

In respect of the Ukraine response work, please see details below for a reporting process in respect of serious and urgent safeguarding concerns and requests for more general advice about safeguarding and modern slavery. 

As we work together to support the humanitarian response to Ukraine, we know that local authorities and other partners are dealing with new situations and challenges.

We have established a designated inbox to take queries on:

• Safeguarding checks including DBS.
• Homes for Ukraine: Safeguarding and Modern Slavery guidance clarification on advice.
• Advice on responding to safeguarding and modern slavery concerns.

Please also use this email address to let us know about any emerging safeguarding or modern slavery issues in your area.

For urgent safeguarding and modern slavery concerns: 

• where a person(s) from Ukraine is assessed to be at risk of immediate harm from a potential host sponsor and a Border Force intervention is required or
• where an unaccompanied child(ren) has been identified.

Local authorities can log issues via Jira. Local authorities will need to select the area where they require support and be linked through to a Jira Registration page to log their issue. Users will only need to register once. Each case requires a unique Jira ticket. 

Local authorities can log in using this link: https://digital.dclg.gov.uk/jira/servicedesk/customer/portal/11 

Alternatively, call the Telephone Desk: 0303 444 4445

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm: Monday - Friday (except Bank Holidays)

On resolution of your issue, please report a summary of it and the outcome to the Welsh Government mailbox below.

Contact: Ukraine.Safeguarding@gov.wales 

Please note that the information outlined above does not replace the existing processes for reporting safeguarding or concerns regarding anyone arriving in Wales from Ukraine.  Local Authorities must adhere to the Wales Safeguarding Procedures and follow the normal process for reporting safeguarding concerns. All safeguarding concerns must continue to be reported as normal. 

Reporting suspected abuse, harm or neglect (safeguarding) | GOV.WALES

Homes for Ukraine: safeguarding and modern slavery guidance | GOV.WALES  

Contact: Ukraine.Safeguarding@gov.wales