Introduction: Is My DBS Transferable?
If you find yourself changing jobs or sectors and hold a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate, you may ask yourself, is my DBS transferable? The very simple answer is, yes, you can take your DBS certificate from one role to the next, unless your employer requests you get a new certificate, or you need a certificate for a different type of ‘workforce’ (You currently have a ‘children’s workforce’ certificate but now need an ‘adults workforce’ check) but there are many other factors to consider.
Understanding the DBS
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) plays a vital role in the safeguarding of many professions in the UK. It offers crucial information about an individual’s criminal record, and it assists employers in making informed recruitment decisions by disclosing convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. DBS certificates are typically issued for positions involving work with children or vulnerable adults. It is important to note that there are three types of DBS checks: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced, each with varying levels of disclosure.
Transferring a DBS:
When it comes to finding out, is your DBS transferable, it is important to understand that it is not directly transferable between individuals or employers. DBS certificates are issued for specific roles within an organisation and are tied to the individual being checked. Consequently, if you change jobs or switch employers, employers can ask you to apply for a new DBS certificate. However, there are instances where organisations may consider accepting a recently issued DBS certificate from a previous employer, provided it remains valid and relevant to the new role. This acceptance is at the discretion of the employer and depends on factors such as the type of check, level of disclosure, and specific requirements of the position.
Factors to Consider:
When contemplating is your DBS transferable, several factors come into play:
- Validity: Some companies will require that DBS certificates are renewed either annually or every two years as part of their safeguarding protocols. If your certificate is still within its validity time frame, it may be considered by a new employer, especially if the level of disclosure matches the requirements of the role. However, some organisations may still require a fresh DBS check regardless of how long you have had your existing certificate.
- Level of Disclosure: The level of disclosure on your DBS certificate (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced) can impact its transferability. Different positions may necessitate different levels of disclosure, and if the new role requires a higher level of scrutiny, a new DBS check might be mandatory.
- Employer Policies: Each employer may have their own policies regarding DBS checks. Some organisations may choose to conduct their checks, even if you possess a recent certificate from a previous employer. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with the prospective employer’s requirements and expectations.
- Regulatory Bodies: Certain professions, such as healthcare, education, and social work, are governed by specific regulatory bodies that dictate the DBS requirements within their sectors. These bodies may have additional criteria for transferring DBS certificates. It is advisable to consult the relevant regulatory authority or professional body for guidance.
Summary: Is My DBS Transferable?
To answer the question, Is my DBS transferable, while a DBS certificate is not directly transferable between individuals or employers, there are situations where a recently issued certificate may be accepted by a new employer. However, this ultimately depends on the discretion of the employer and the specific role requirements. It is crucial to communicate with your prospective employer and comprehend their policies regarding DBS checks during the transition process.
How Can Aaron’s Department Help?
Aaron’s Department is a Registered DBS Umbrella Body, able to process all manner of DBS checks for employers. If your company is looking for DBS Checks, then look no further than Aaron’s Department. We offer,
◉ Low-cost Enhanced DBS check admin fees, starting from £6.26
◉ An error-proof system that identifies mistakes as you go, ensuring your application is not returned by the DBS.
◉ 3-step, free-of-charge registration – sign up and start getting your Enhanced DBS results in just a few hours.
◉ Professional and knowledgable customer support services ready to answer all your DBS check queries.
◉ Eligibility guidance, both on our website and through our customer support.
◉ A built-in tracking system.
If you have any more questions, you can contact us at contact@aaronsdepartment.com or 0113 877 0171. We’re always happy to help.
If you are looking to begin your DBS Checks, then you can access our registration screen via the buttons below and start your applications today.
Further Reading
For further articles about DBS checks, you can read one of our other informative articles such as, The Importance of DBS ID Documents or our article about Martyn’s Law, Martyn’s Law: What Businesses Need To Know.