Newham councillors have approved mandatory basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all elected members, enhancing transparency and public assurance.
The decision was made during a Council meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026, following a motion proposed by Councillor Tahir Mirza and seconded by Councillor Syed Naqvi.
The motion argued that councillors hold positions of public trust and should adhere to a proportionate baseline standard of transparency. A basic DBS check is described as a low-cost measure that provides additional assurance without undermining democratic mandates.
The approved motion resolves to update the CRB Protocol for Members and set compliance timelines for both existing and newly elected councillors. Existing members are required to submit their applications within one month, while new members will have one month from their election or appointment to complete the check.
This measure aims to ensure that elected officials meet a reasonable standard of vetting, aligning with the Council's expectation for transparency in public-facing roles. The process will be handled lawfully and securely under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, with strict access, retention, confidentiality, and destruction arrangements.