A Guide To Cabin Crew DBS Checks
Cabin crew members are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of passengers and making sure that the flight goes smoothly. As it is a high responsibility job, DBS checks are the ideal way to filter out people that are not suited to the role due to their criminal past.
What are DBS checks?
DBS checks are criminal background checks that are processed by the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service). They are used to highlight convictions that are on an individual’s file and help to check suitability for the role of cabin crew member.
When it comes to what convictions the DBS check searches for, it depends on the level of the DBS check. There are 3 levels of DBS check – basic, standard, and enhanced. The types of convictions highlighted on each one depends on the level of check.
Basic DBS checks show unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Standard DBS checks show spent and unspent convictions, reprimands, cautions, and warnings.
Enhanced DBS checks show spent and unspent convictions, reprimands, cautions, warnings, and any other relevant notes held on file.
What level of DBS check is needed for cabin crew?
Cabin crew members need to have a basic DBS certificate before they can start work with most airlines that fly from and to the UK. Becoming authorised to work as cabin crew for an airline is often referred to as getting an “airside pass”. A basic DBS check is one of the requirements for an airside pass in most instances.
If they previously lived abroad, the cabin crew applicants also need to provide overseas certificates as criminal background checks, for any country that they lived in for more than six months consecutively, within the past five years.
How to get a basic DBS check
The good news is that an individual can apply for a basic DBS check themselves and the application doesn’t need to be verified by an authorised employer or agency, unlike a standard or enhanced DBS check.
Some airlines cover the cost of the DBS check as a part of the application process, but others ask the individual to obtain the basic DBS check themselves. The only eligibility requirement for a basic DBS check is that you are aged 16 years old or more.
To get a DBS check, you need to fill in personal details such as name, date of birth, and your address history going back five years. You also need to provide identity documents to verify and authorise your application.
Apply online for a fast, reliable service
The easiest and quickest way to get a basic DBS check is to apply for it online, right here. The average time taken to process the DBS check after receiving the online form is just 48 hours. After 48 hours, the results of the check can be viewed online and at this point the Basic DBS Certificate will be posted out to your home address.
If you have any questions about DBS checks, get in touch with one of our expert team today.
