How To Protect Your Business Interests By Using DBS Checks
DBS checks have become a frontline defence against hiring potentially dangerous people for jobs that involve the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. The DBS define any role that involves direct, regular contact with those vulnerable groups of people as “regulated activities” which must be protected with the highest level of criminal background check – the Enhanced DBS Check.
But what about jobs and roles that do not involve working with vulnerable groups? Plenty of businesses these days are requesting that potential and existing employees apply for a DBS certificate as it helps them to protect their business interests.
This article will take a brief look at how DBS checks can help any type of business to protect themselves against costly hires.
5 Ways That DBS Checks Help Protect Businesses
1. Find Trustworthy Staff
It doesn’t really matter what kind of business you run, from a corner shop to a graphic design company, it’s always a good idea to hire the most trustworthy staff possible. You want people that are going to turn up on time, do a good job, and not break the rules or laws. By revealing details of an individual’s criminal record, you can vet candidates to make sure that they are not repeat offenders. If somebody has several recent convictions for shoplifting, for instance, you would probably think twice about hiring them to work in your shop.
2. Protect Yourself Legally
Nobody can claim that you haven’t done your hiring due diligence if you have checked references thoroughly and carried out DBS checks. If something does go wrong with a recruit later on down the line, it makes it harder for you to be accused of negligence.
3. Improved Brand Image
Your business is your brand. If you have staff that provide some kind of customer service, then you want to make sure that you have the best possible people in those roles. In other words, you don’t want an unreformed criminal representing your brand. The DBS check will reveal convictions and if there are lots of recent ones, you may want to question whether the individual is genuinely rehabilitated and a reformed character or is still criminally inclined.
4. Protect Against Fraud
We’re not talking about people who take home the occasional pen or pencil. We’re talking about major fraudsters who can seriously damage your business. Business fraud can bankrupt businesses if it is not caught early enough, so you need to be on your guard. Better yet, you should try to prevent potential fraudsters from ever getting on your payroll by carrying out a DBS check.
5. Business Growth
Getting your new and existing staff to apply for a DBS check can help to stimulate growth over the long term. DBS checks help you to ensure that you employ high calibre people for your job which will boost productivity, increase profits, and create accelerated growth.
Tips For Introducing DBS Checks
If you don’t already request DBS checks from potential employees and existing staff, you may want to read the following tips on how to do it securely and legally.
Make Everybody Aware
You should be completely up-front about your intentions. Make sure that applicants and existing staff know that they will be subject to a DBS check ahead of the event and what level of check you intend them to undertake.
Request The Right Level Of DBS Check
You need to make sure that you carry out the right level of DBS check suited to the job role. Requesting a higher DBS check level than is required can cause serious problems. For instance, if you ask for an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List for a job role that is not defined as a regulated activity by the DBS is illegal and you can face prosecution or fines for doing so.
Know what to do with DBS check results
You need to familiarise yourself with the law surrounding DBS checks and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). The UK Government website has guidance on what to do if a spent or unspent conviction shows up on a DBS check – are you allowed to refuse employment or is that seen as discrimination? What length of time should have expired between the conviction and being allowed to refuse employment to the person?
Keep an open mind
If an individual discloses a previous offense or conviction, or it shows up on a DBS check, make sure you don’t just write them off straight away. First of all, they may have rights under the ROA and you may be punished for discrimination if you do that. Secondly, they may be a really good fit for the job and turn out to be an exemplary employee if they have turned their lives around, or simply made a bad mistake earlier on in their lives. Everybody deserves another chance.
Summary
DBS checks are a handy safeguard against hiring or employing troublesome individuals. They can help to protect your business interests in many ways and make your workplace safer and more secure.
To find out more about DBS checks, including how to apply for them online, get in touch today.