DBS

This week we talked about DBS or previously known as CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check, now being Disclosure and Barring Service check. It’s no way again I can have attached that to my success stories hero Leonardo, as I doubt there was anything like that in place back in the day.

But now – especially in UK is very important as it means for employers to make informed and safe recruitment decisions. Carrying out DBS checks allows businesses to safeguard their organisation by preventing unsuitable candidates from working with vulnerable people.(Gov.uk, 2018)

The checking service allows employers to access the criminal record history of people working, or seeking to work, in certain positions, especially those that involve working with Children or Adults in specific situations.

4 million DBS certificates are issued by the DBS every year, according to (Checks, 2018) Depending on the role that is applied for, applicants are eligible for one of the 3 levels of DBS checks available.(Gov.uk, 2018)

Basic Check:

This level of check is available to anyone in any role. A Basic Check reveals any unspent cautions and convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Standard Check:

This level of check is suitable only for specific trusted roles such as security guard for example. This check shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands and any other information that is held on the Police National Computer. 

Enhanced Check:

An Enhanced check searched the applicant’s criminal history for convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands with an option to check the applicant doesn’t appear on any barred lists. This level of check is suitable for people working directly with children and vulnerable adults.

Please note that Individual applicants can only request a Basic level check. Standard and Enhanced checks must be applied for by a company or organisation.

Not only DBS check help employers to decide whether you’re a good fit, it’s also a legal obligation for many jobs now days.

For example – you’ll always need a DBS check to work as a:

• Teacher
• Childminder
• Social Worker
• Medical professional
• Foster Carer

Those working in particular settings – such as schools, nurseries, hospitals and children’s homes will always need to have a DBS check.

In some cases, may also require you to have a DBS check when you first enter the profession as solicitors, barristers, accountants, vets etc.

As for an artists or freelancers who working (on a paid or voluntary basis) in certain environments – such as running workshops in schools or with vulnerable adults – also requires undertaking a check by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

However, if work in certain environment is less than 4 hours a week DBS is compulsory. (Gov.uk, 2018)

Related links:

https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/news/posts/2018/february/dbs-in-partnership-to-tackle-check-fraud/

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

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Gov.uk. (2018). Apply to check someone else's criminal record - GOV.UK. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record [Accessed 7 Mar. 2018].