What is a Disclosure and Barring Service Check?
A Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) is a record of criminal convictions and cautions.
Employers can make better hiring decisions by conducting a DBS check. This will help prevent people from working with children and other vulnerable groups.
The Disclosure and Barring Service is replacing the Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Who is responsible for the DBS service
The Disclosure and Barring Service conducts DBS checks. They search for relevant information from the police and, in certain cases, the barred list before issuing a DBS certificate.
A DBS is not required by everyone.
A DBS check can be done on any individual, but it must relate to the job that they are being recruited for. It will depend on what the job requires.
DBS checks shouldn’t be performed unless the successful candidate has completed pre-employment checks.
What are the different types of DBS?
There are four levels to the DBS check:
Basic
Standard
Enhanced
Enhanced with Barred Liste
The gov website provides additional guidance regarding DBS types and details about the information contained in each DBS certificate.
How can I determine which type of DBS I should apply for?
To determine if a DBS Check is required for a particular role or what level of check is required, please visit the DBS website. You can compare the DBS specifications to the Job Description (JD), for the post you are applying for. You can also use the DBS eligibility guide for guidance.
HR Services don’t decide who needs a DBS test.
For further guidance, contact your employer’s Human Resources and Organisation Development team (HR and OD).
What is the process for completing a DBS?
The candidate will be emailed a copy of the offer letter. They will also receive a link to the online DBS application.
After the form has been completed, a countersignatory will verify the identity and right to work documents of the candidate, countersign the application, and then submit it to DBS.
A certificate will be sent to candidates if the DBS checks are clear. Trac will also update the status of the ‘Convictions.’ This will show the candidate as a ‘Successful’.
If the DBS certificate is returned with comments that cannot be cleared, it will display as an ‘Await Certificate’. HRSS will email the candidate with a copy to the Recruiting Manager (RM), asking that they request that the DBS certificate be reviewed by Corporate HR Team. HRSS will not conduct a DBS check until Corporate HR confirms that the candidate has received it.