A Guide To DBS Checks For Cleaners
It may not be the first job that springs to mind when you think of DBS checks, but there are some good reasons why cleaning staff may need to have a DBS certificate in place.
For instance, some cleaners may work in environments where children and vulnerable adults are present, such as medical or care facilities. Another instance that may influence the employer to request a DBS check is if there are valuable items at the working location.
This brief guide will give you all the information you need to decide whether a DBS check is necessary for a cleaning position or not by looking at some different examples.
Adult Care Home Cleaners
If the role of cleaner is to take place at an adult care home, then it is highly likely that the cleaner will be in direct contact with vulnerable adults on a frequent basis.
The Department of Health defines a vulnerable adult as an adult that may need some kind of care services, either in the community or in a care setting, due to issues of mental or physical disability, illness, or old age. It refers to people that are unable to care of their own wellbeing without support or they are unable to protect themselves adequately from harm or exploitation.
Therefore, cleaners that work in an adult care home will usually be required to get an enhanced DBS check. The cleaner probably won’t need an adults barred list check though, as the cleaning activity is unlikely to be classified as a ‘regulated activity’ by the DBS.
School Cleaners
For cleaners that work in schools an enhanced DBS check will be appropriate as they will come into contact with children on a frequent basis.
It is also possible that the cleaner will be required to get a childrens barred list check too, especially if they perform other duties such as a playground supervisor. However, it is not mandatory and the school and authorities will decide whether it is required.
Hospital Cleaners
Hospital cleaners may come into contact with patients in a hospital, so they may need to get a DBS check. However, it is unlikely that they will be unsupervised during contact with vulnerable adults or children, so a basic or standard DBS check may suffice.
If the cleaner is frequently expected to clean wards and patient rooms, then the hospital is likely to request a standard DBS check.
Cleaners in GP Surgeries & Dental Practices
Most cleaners that clean medical centres such as GP and dental practices, will only need a basic DBS check, as the cleaning will take place after opening hours and they will not come into contact with patients.
However, as they may have unsupervised access to expensive medical equipment or pharmaceuticals, a DBS check is a good way to ensure that they are honest and responsible enough for the role.
A Summary of DBS Checks for Cleaning Staff
Most cleaning roles will not be classed as a regulated activity, which means that they do not require an enhanced DBS check.
Some cleaning roles will require either a standard or basic DBS check, depending on the location and type of cleaning that they are doing.
Basic DBS checks can be applied for by the individual easily using an online service like ours. If you want to ask any questions about the details provided above, or you want to find out more about DBS checks in general, get in touch today.
