Criminal record checking
Every country in the parkrun family has different laws and best practice when it comes to who we should and shouldn’t be carrying out criminal record or background checks on.
After careful assessment, and taking into consideration our extensive data and experience of delivering parkrun events since 2004, we have decided that currently no roles at 5k events are of suitable risk to necessitate criminal record checks. This position is, however, under continual review based on our own internal insight alongside advice and guidance from third parties.
Safeguarding Checks at junior parkrun events (UK, Ireland, Australia)
parkrun UK has determined that all Run Directors of junior parkruns are eligible for an enhanced DBS/PVG/Access NI check. In addition, given that all junior parkrun Event Directors must be trained as Run Directors, they must also undergo a check.
parkrun Ireland has determined that anyone who volunteers at junior parkrun on a regular basis needs enhanced Garda vetting.
parkrun Australia has determined that all volunteers at junior parkrun are required to have a valid working with children check in the state they wish to volunteer before volunteering at an event.
If someone is unwilling or unable to have a check, for whatever reason, they cannot volunteer in the relevant (checkable) role at junior parkrun events.
If appropriately checked volunteers aren’t available, that week’s event must be cancelled. See the “Cancellations” principle at volunteer.parkrun.com
We produce weekly reports of all volunteers and volunteer roles where checks are required, to ensure full compliance.
The relevant criminal record checking requirements are outlined for the following countries below: