A Guide To DBS Checks For Contractors
Contractors, as their title suggests, usually work on temporary contracts. Contractors are used in many different industries, including construction, engineering, business, and healthcare.
In some industries, such as healthcare, it is necessary for contractors to get a DBS Check as part of the hiring process.
In this brief guide, we’ll look at what types of contractors need DBS Checks and how to go about getting them.
DBS Checks And Contractors
DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, which is the body in charge of criminal background checks in the UK.
A DBS Check involves a search of the police national computer to help employers decide whether a specific individual is suitable for the role in question. DBS Checks are especially important if the role involves working closely with children or vulnerable adults.
There are three levels of DBS Check:
- Basic DBS Check – reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions only. A Basic DBS Check can be requested by any individual aged 16 years and over.
- Standard DBS Check – reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. A Standard DBS Check application needs to be validated and submitted by a registered employer or third party.
- Advanced DBS Check – reveals the same as a Standard DBS Check, as well as police notes that are relevant. A Standard DBS Check application needs to be validated and submitted by a registered employer or third party to ensure that the eligibility criteria is met.
Any contractor can apply for a Basic DBS Check, whether they are requested to or not by the employer. However, to get a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check they must be eligible for one.
Higher level checks are usually requested if the contractor is going to be working in a role or environment that requires one, such as working in a hospital, care home, or in a school.
In order to work out whether a contractor needs a DBS Check, you can use the online DBS check eligibility tool here.
Examples Of Contractor Jobs That Require An Enhanced DBS Check
Enhanced DBS Checks are the highest level of criminal background check in the UK.
To be eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check, the individual must work in a safeguarding-critical role such as a school or a care home, on at least three occasions within a thirty day timeframe. They must also be in direct, unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Examples Of Contractor Jobs That Require An Standard DBS Check
An example of a contractor that may need a Standard DBS Check, as opposed to an Enhanced DBS Check, is a contractor who works in a hospital, but they don’t come into unsupervised contact with patients.
Examples Of Contractor Jobs That May Require A Basic DBS Check
Not all jobs require a high level DBS Check. There are plenty of other jobs that a contractor may do that may only need a Basic DBS Check, such as:
- Bank worker
- Restaurant chef or waiting staff
- Shop assistant
- Residential home support staff
Summary of DBS Checks For Contractors
Most contractors that are employed in non-safeguarding roles will only require a Basic DBS Check.
If there are safeguarding elements, or high responsibility levels, then a higher DBS Check will be needed.
You can apply for a Basic DBS Check using our handy online service. You will get the result within 48 hours of applying.
To find out more, get in touch with one of our expert advisors today!
