If you’re looking for a new job, there is a good chance that you might need to get a basic DBS check. For those wondering what this procedure actually entails, this article provides the answers to all the essential questions – who needs it and why, and how can they get it.
What is a DBS Check?
As an employer, making someone part of your team is a big decision and you want to be sure you have made the right choice by hiring someone with a clean background. Back in 2012, the Criminal Record Bureau had joined forces with the Independent Safeguard Authority (ISA) and the DBS or Disclosure and Barring Services were created. This platform allows you to get information about a person’s criminal history and is pretty much essential for those who work in healthcare and education, among other business spheres. The main goal is to prevent certain individuals from doing jobs for which they are not suited for.
The Types of DBS Checks
To ensure an efficient working environment and cooperative atmosphere among all members of your team, it would be a good idea to check the backgrounds of all high-ranked candidates. Thanks to this you will be able to make a better recruitment decision and secure a safe space for all your employees. After all, you don’t want to miss this step and be held liable for any criminal acts and incidents that could happen in the office. Depending on the types of information you want, there are 4 possible types of DBS checks you can request:
- Basic
- Standard
- Enhanced
- Enhanced with barred list
The first two can be obtained for anyone and for any reason but you will need their permission to do so. However, that’s not the case with the last two. They are regulated by the law and the candidate must be applying for a certain role for you to get access to the information they provide.
Basic DBS Check
This is the lowest level of information disclosure available and you can pretty much get it for anyone you want. Also known by its old titles CRB check, the basic form of DBS will be given to the potential employer with the information regarding your criminal history. This document included unspent convictions (fines and sentences of 4 or more years of imprisonment) and conditional cautions. Fixed penalty notices such as speeding tickets, spend criminal records, and allegations will not be available.
When is the Certificate Necessary?
As mentioned above, those applying for a job that will require them to work with vulnerable groups such as children will need to get this certificate. So, if you’re hoping to start working in a hospital, school, or nursery, you will have to get a DBS check. It might also be necessary for some people entering certain professions such as solicitors and barristers.
The DBS checks are a vital part of any employment strategy, and they will ensure employers hire the person that is right for the job. By providing an insight into candidates’ criminal records, these certificates serve as another layer of security for companies and organizations.