A Guide to DBS Workforces
In the UK, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) deals with criminal background checks. To help employers and recruiters to decide which job roles require a DBS Check, and what level of check is appropriate, the DBS has come up with ‘workforce’ definitions.
It can be challenging to work out the eligibility of various job roles for a DBS Check, but the DBS workforce definitions seek to simplify things. In 2018, the DBS updated the workforce definitions and guidance to make it easier than ever.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the latest DBS workforce definitions and guidance and describe it in an easy-to-understand way.
What are DBS workforce guides?
The DBS workforce guides examine different job roles and relates them to relevant legislation and DBS check eligibility criteria. They use real-life job examples to make it easier for employers to decide which level of check is necessary or appropriate.
The DBS workforce guides are split into three main sections: Child Workforce, Adult Workforce, and Other Workforce.
Standard Check Eligibility
The workforce guides include guidance on which roles may require a Standard DBS Check. For example:
- Solicitors and barristers
- Traffic officers
- Legal clerks and secretaries
- Accountants
- Financial advisors
- Bank workers
- Veterinary surgeons
The Child Workforce Guide
The child workforce guide includes a list of job roles that may need an Enhanced DBS Check and a search of the children’s barred list. For example:
- Teachers, trainers, and instructors of children
- Counsellors or advisors that help with children’s emotional, physical, or educational well being
- Healthcare professionals who deal with children
The Adult Workforce Guide
People that work with vulnerable adults are often required to get an Enhanced DBS Check with adult’s barred list check. For example:
- Prison wardens
- Healthcare professionals
- Social workers
- Psychiatric and mental health care workers.
The Other Workforce Guide
The last workforce guide is for job roles that may require an Enhanced DBS Check, but don’t involve working with vulnerable adults or children. For example:
- Alcohol licensees
- Gambling licensees
- Controlled drug suppliers or manufacturers
Summary of DBS Workforce Guides
There are three main types of DBS workforce that are defined – Child Workforce, Adult Workforce, and Other Workforce. Each guide gives examples of job roles that are eligible for DBS checks and the eligibility criteria that goes with them.
They provide a useful guide for employers to refer to when setting up recruitment policies.
To find out more about DBS workforces or ask any questions you may have related to DBS Checks in general, then contact us today.
