How Do DBS Checks Work in Recruitment?
Background checks such as DBS Checks are a crucial part of recruitment, whether taken care of by a department within a business or a recruitment agency.
DBS Checks are especially important as they help to ensure that new recruits are safe, reliable, and suited to the role. They also provide a fair playing field for job candidates.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development advises that pre-employment checks and vetting should be a fundamental part of the recruitment process, especially for jobs with a high level of responsibility.
The main role of DBS Checks is to ensure that safeguarding and safety standards and policies are met within a company or organisation, especially when children and vulnerable adults are involved.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the recruitment requirements related to DBS Checks and how procedures can be followed.
How to decide on the appropriate level of DBS Check
When recruiting new staff and requesting background checks, there should be a system in place to make sure that the correct level of DBS Check is being requested.
There are three levels of DBS Check – basic, standard, and enhanced.
The Basic DBS Check is available to anyone aged 16 or over and can be applied for by the individual themselves for any role, whereas standard and enhanced check applications must be submitted by an employer or registered third party.
For the higher level DBS checks, a decision must be made as to whether they are required for the role, using the guidance set out by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In general, if the role demands frequent and direct contact with vulnerable adults or children, such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and carers.
Whoever is in charge of the recruitment process within a company or organisation needs to decide which level of check is appropriate for each role. Applicants need to be made aware that a DBS Check will be requested at the time of application.
Enhanced DBS Checks in Recruitment
The highest level of DBS Check is an Enhanced DBS Check. These checks are reserved for job roles that are safeguarding-critical.
Some job roles are defined as a ‘regulated activity’ by the DBS and usually involve working unsupervised and directly with vulnerable adults or children on three or more occasions over a 30 day period.
If the role is deemed to be a regulated activity, then the recruitment process will need to involve getting all applicants to complete an application for an Enhanced DBS Check with barred list check of either the children’s or adult’s barred list, depending on the responsibilities involved.
What convictions are revealed on DBS Checks?
Each level of DBS Check reveals different things from an individual’s criminal record.
A Basic DBS Check reveals only unspent convictions and conditional cautions from a search of the Police National Computer (PNC).
A Standard DBS Check reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands that are listed on the PNC.
An Enhanced DBS Check reveals all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands that are listed on the PNC, as well as any relevant notes or intelligence held on file by local police forces.
How to get a DBS Check Online
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) processes criminal record checks in England and Wales, and they are dealt with by Disclosure Scotland north of the border.
These days, the easiest and quickest option is to apply for DBS Checks online, using a portal like ours. You can fill out the application form online and it will be automatically checked for mistakes or omissions. Once submitted, the average waiting time is just 24 hours to receive the result by email and the certificate in 3-5 working days.
Summary of DBS Checks for Recruitment
It is essential to ensure that safeguarding procedures and guidelines are followed to the letter, as it guarantees people’s safety and protects businesses and organisations from making bad hires.
Companies and organisations need to make sure that their recruitment policy covers the DBS Check requirements carefully and that the correct level of DBS Check is requested for each role.
The Enhanced DBS Check is usually used for roles that involve direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, and if the job is classified as a regulated activity, then a barred list check will also be required.
If you have any questions regarding DBS Checks for recruitment, or anything else related to DBS Checks, including how to use our handy online service, get in touch with one of our expert advisors today.
