What is a DBS check?
So what is a DBS Check? A DBS check, or Disclosure and Barring Service check, is a process that involves checking an individual’s criminal record and other relevant information, allowing employers to decide whether it is suitable for them to be able to work with Vulnerable Adults and Children.
What Is The DBS?
The DBS, Disclosure and Barring Service, are a non-departmental public body of the UK government that provides criminal record checks for employers and voluntary organisations.
The DBS check is designed to help organisations make safer recruitment decisions by identifying individuals who may be unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups, such as children and vulnerable adults.
What is a DBS Check?: Who Needs a DBS Check?
Not everyone needs a DBS check. It depends on the nature of the work or volunteering role you are applying for. In general, roles that involve regular contact with children or vulnerable adults will require a DBS check.
Some examples of roles that require a DBS check include:
- Teachers and teaching assistants
- Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and dentists
- Social workers and care workers
- Youth workers
- Taxi and private hire drivers
- Security personnel
- Volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults
If you’re unsure whether you need a DBS check for your role, you should speak to your employer or the organisation you’re volunteering with.
What is a DBS Check? What’s Involved In A DBS Check?
A DBS check involves checking an individual’s criminal record and other relevant information to determine if they pose a risk to vulnerable groups. The level of the check will depend on the role you’re applying for.
There are three types of DBS checks:
- Basic DBS check: This checks an individual’s criminal record for unspent convictions only.
- Standard DBS check: This checks an individual’s criminal record for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
- Enhanced DBS check: This checks an individual’s criminal record for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, as well as any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role.
The table below shows the differences between the different DBS checks:
The type of DBS check required for your role will depend on the nature of the work and the level of contact you will have with vulnerable groups. Your employer or the organisation you’re volunteering with will be able to advise you on the types of DBS check you need. We have a video that goes further into what is a DBS Check that you can watch here. DBS Check Video
What is a DBS Check: How to Apply
If you need a DBS check, your employer or the organisation you’re volunteering with will usually arrange this for you. To apply for a DBS check, you will need to fill in an application form and provide some identity documents to your employer/prospective employer.
If you are an employer, looking to obtain DBS Checks for your staff, please register below for more information.
What is a DBS Check: Conclusion
In conclusion, to answer the question, What is a DBS Check? A DBS check is a process that involves checking an individual’s criminal record and other relevant information to determine if they pose a risk to vulnerable groups. A DBS check is an important tool for helping to safeguard vulnerable groups. It’s a legal requirement for some roles, and organisations that fail to carry out a DBS check when required can face legal consequences. If you’re unsure whether you need a DBS check for your role, you should speak to your employer or the organisation you’re volunteering with.
A Bit About Us
If you’re an employer needing DBS checks for their staff, here at Aaron’s Department we understand the need for a quick, efficient service. As an Umbrella Body, we provide a fast and easy-to-use DBS application & checking service. Our error-proof system detects mistakes as they’re being made, giving you time to correct them, and every application is checked by one of our experienced countersignatories. You can read more about the role of a DBS Umbrella Body in our handy article here. DBS Umbrella Body
This, alongside our in-built tracking system, allows us to confidently send out any DBS application we get within the same day (before 4pm) at no extra charge.
If you would like to find out more, you can use the buttons below to register for our services, or contact us at contact@aaronsdepartment.com or call today on 0113 877 0171
About The Author
John Schofield-Antoncich
John has processed more applications than days he has been alive, and has become the DBS expert. Got a question? He knows the answer!