DBS Checks for School Contractors and Maintenance Staff
Do All School Workers Need a DBS Check?
Since 2012, DBS checks have been a requirement for all those who are working in schools as teaching staff. You must apply for a DBS check whether you’re going to be teaching in a college, in a university setting, or if you are offering private tutoring.
Although those working in schools must apply for an enhanced DBS check, it is often unclear whether this applies to regular maintenance or contract workers.
If they do need a DBS check then which level would they require? This guide should help with any questions regarding DBS checks for contractors working in schools.
Levels Of DBS Checks
DBS checks can be applied for at three different levels: a basic, standard or enhanced DBS check.
A basic DBS check only discloses the details of any unspent convictions and it’s also the only one that an individual can apply for themselves. However, a standard DBS check also shows spent and unspent convictions, warnings, cautions and reprimands. An enhanced DBS check shows everything that is revealed on a standard one, as well as any relevant information held by their local police. Additionally, employers may request an enhanced DBS check along with a barred list check. This may be necessary if the individual is participating in regulated activities with children and vulnerable adults.
List Of Regulated Activities
The term regulated activity is used to describe certain roles. In this case, those that involve working with children such as teaching on a regular basis. This is defined as an activity which is done 3 or more times in a 30 day rolling period.
These regulated activities can involve various roles such as foster carers, healthcare providers or those who drive vehicles that transport children. Additionally, if the individual is working within an organisation where there is an opportunity for contact with children, these may include schools, childcare settings or play centres, then this would also be classed as a regulated activity. Although the role may not require the person to have contact with children, there is still an opportunity for them to do so. Those individuals who supervise these tasks and manage them on an ongoing basis are also classed as undertaking regulated activities.
Which DBS Checks are Needed for Contractors?
Enhanced DBS checks are necessary for school contractors as they are often on site for more than 3 days in a rolling 30 day period. Unless they are participating in qualifying activities they would not need to complete the additional barred list check. It’s always worth asking the school that they’re working for which DBS checks to apply for, as they all have policies that they adhere to.
All schools should have a safeguarding officer on site who can check that everyone working there is suitable to do so. The school should also be ensuring that contractors have up to date, valid and appropriate DBS certificates before they begin working on site.
If you’d like to find out more about DBS Checks for school contractors or ask any other questions regarding DBS checks, then get in touch with one of our expert advisors today.
