Can A DBS Check Be Completed Without Your Consent?
A DBS check is required for different kinds of job roles and responsibilities. An employer may wish to check several things about your record before finally moving on with the job application.
However, is it possible for your employer to carry out a DBS check without your consent?
Is it Illegal To Complete DBS Checks Without Applicant’s Consent?
Short answer? Yes, it is illegal to complete a DBS check without the applicant’s express permission or consent. An applicant is required to provide information, and if no information is provided, there is no consent given.
When applying for a new job, especially when working with children and vulnerable adults, an employer will most certainly require a DBS check before proceeding with the onboarding process. Some employers will state that they will carry out the DBS check on your behalf; this way, you are made aware before deciding to carry out the DBS check. If you agree, then you would have given consent.
You should pay attention to the contract given to you to be aware of any DBS checks they might carry out in the future. So there won’t be any surprises when the assessment confirmation is received.
How To Know When A DBS Check As Been Carried Out.
You might wonder if an employer carries out a DBS check on your behalf; how will you know about it?
Well, the assessment confirmation we discussed earlier is sent to the applicant, regardless of who applies on your behalf. It could be through the online DBS application by the applicant themselves or the employer applying on your behalf. Confirmation is still sent to the individual.
Since the applicant will get notified, it is easy to know which you consented to and which you did not.
What To Do If You Recieve a Confirmation Letter Without Applying For a DBS Check
What if you received a confirmation letter when you did not apply or consent to any DBS check? What are you to do?
You are to reach out to the Disclosure and Barring Service as soon as possible to explain the situation for a quick solution. You may have fallen victim to identity theft, meaning someone is trying to use your information to gain access to many things, including getting a job.
It could also be a result of an administrative complication at your company. If you’re not scheduled to undergo any DBS check, but somebody else with an identical name happens, your name could be the one sent for a DBS check by mistake.
You must contact all the relevant authorities, like the Disclosure and barring Service, and your company to figure out what’s happening quickly.
Pre-Approved DBS Checks
While applying for a DBS check without consent is illegal, pre-approved DBS checks are not. If you have agreed to pre-approved DBS checks with your company earlier, meaning a DBS check is required at intervals, your company does not need to ask every time a pending DBS check is ready.
Contact our trusted advisors today to learn more about DBS checks and how to get started on your application.
