The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the recent replacement for the old CRB check, commonly known as a criminal record check.
Usually, a DBS check will be run on a prospective employee at the employer’s discretion at the point at which a job offer is made; alternatively, it may be run on an ongoing basis for certain sensitive positions.
As an employer, what are your responsibilities regarding DBS checks? Do you have to run them? What information do you get, how do you have them run, and how long do they stay relevant?
Do I have to DBS check My Employees?
For the majority of positions, whether you want to check if your potential employee has a criminal record is up to you. You may feel better about employing an individual if you know that they have no criminal background; however, some individuals may be put off by the apparent lack of trust if the position does not seem to warrant such a check.
For some positions, however, you are obliged to DBS check your employees. These include, but are not limited to, any positions in schools, children’s homes or hospitals, and any positions for carers or medical professionals.
What types of DBS check are there?
There are three types of DBS check: standard, enhanced, and enhanced with barred list.
For the majority of positions, a standard check, which reveals any criminal convictions or warnings, is all that is required. Enhanced checks will also reveal any information being held by the police. Enhanced with barred list checks also examine whether the prospective employee has ever been barred from working with children or with vulnerable adults.
How do I obtain a DBS check?
To obtain a basic DBS check, or any other check, you can go through an intermediary such as http://www.carecheck.co.uk/basic-dbs-checks. Employees cannot apply for a check themselves; therefore, you will have to make the request if you want the check completed.
How long does a DBS check last?
A DBS check does not have an expiry date; however, it will obviously only reveal information that has already been collected – anything that happens after the check will not show up. For some positions, it may be a good idea to run checks on your employees periodically.