Pre Employment Checks

A DBS check is a criminal records check and stands for the Disclosure and Barring Service check. Formally known as a CRB check, Criminal Records Bureau check, it is a record of an individual’s convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. If someone has a criminal record, this will show up on a DBS check and may prevent them from being able to work with vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly. The Disclosure and Barring Service are responsible for processing requests for criminal records checks and placing or removing people from the DBS children’s barred list and adults’ barred list for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The DBS check is a vetting process which searches the applicant’s name and personal details against criminal records and other sources, including the PNC (Police National Computer).

DBS Checks and licensing bodies can request a DBS check. An employee cannot apply for a DBS Check themselves, instead, they can request a basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland as you don’t have to be from Scotland to do this. An employer will get an application form from DBS or an umbrella body, which is a registered body that gives access to DBS checks. The employer will then need to give the paper application form or online form to the applicant to fill in. The applicant will then return the form, along with all the relevant documents to prove their identity. The employer will then send this to the registered body or DBS.

Individuals can apply for a Basic DBS check. However, DBS does now allow individuals to request Standard or Enhanced checks. Standard and Enhanced checks can only be requested by organisations that are allowed to see your full criminal record history as per ROA Exceptions Order 1975.

CRB checks came into place in 2002. Previously people were only checked against List 99, a list of those barred from working with children monitored by the Department for Education. The new vetting system offered by the CRB included the introduction of the local police authority checks. This allowed employers to have more information about a potential employee before making recruitment decisions. CRB Checks are now referred to as DBS Checks which means you cannot request a CRB Check. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) was formed from a merger of the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) and the ISA (Independent Safeguarding Authority) in 2012. Previously CRB did all criminal record searches and the ISA managed the Adults and Children’s Barred Lists. Enhanced DBS checks can provide any additional information from local police authorities.

Enhanced DBS checks are required for any role included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. This included (but not limited to), roles working near children and vulnerable adults, teachers, foster carers, carers, NHS professionals.

Standard DBS checks are required for roles including (but not limited to) solicitor/barrister, accountant, veterinary surgeon, football stewards, traffic warden, members of the Master Locksmith Association, applying for security industry licence and FCA ‘Approved Persons’ roles.