A Guide to DBS Checks For Security Staff
Security staff work in positions of responsibility as they are often put in charge of protecting people or valuable items.
For that reason, security workers such as guards and stewards need to undergo background checks before starting in a security role. DBS checks form an important part of staff checks as they reveal an individual’s criminal history.
Security industry regulations
Security companies are overseen and regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA is responsible for issuing licences for specific security roles.
An SIA licence can only be issued once the applicant has undergone a standard DBS check. A standard DBS check involves searching through a person’s criminal record to reveal details of any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
Which security roles need a licence from the SIA?
There are a wide range of jobs within the security industry, including store security guards, personal bodyguards, video surveillance officers, nightclub bouncers, event security, patrol guards, etc.
To decide whether the job role needs an SIA licence or not, you need to work out whether it is a “contract for services” that involves a “licensable activity”. A contract for services is when your employer is hiring out your services to another company or organisation. For instance, a security firm providing store security guards to a supermarket.
Roles that are exempt from needing a licence
Within the security industry, there are a number of job roles and activities that do not require an SIA licence, including:
- Volunteer
- Event ticketing staff
- Stewards
- Airport staff (only those who are trained under EU regulations).
Many companies and organisations that employ people in roles that are exempt from an SIA licence, may still request a Basic DBS Check. A Basic DBS Check reveals whether the applicant has any unspent convictions or any conditional cautions on their record.
Do security staff roles need an Enhanced DBS Check?
We’ve already covered the fact that if the role needs an SIA licence then a standard DBS check is required. For most other roles, a basic DBS check will suffice. But what about enhanced DBS checks?
If the security role in question involves frequent working unsupervised and in direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, then an enhanced DBS check may be needed.
A role that’s considered to be a regulated activity may need an enhanced DBS check with barred list check.
If you’d like to find out more about DBS checks for security guards, or you have any other questions regarding DBS checks, then get in touch with one of our expert advisors today.
