Unobvious Jobs that Require DBS Checks
If you ask someone to give an example of a job role that needs to get a criminal record check, known in the UK as a DBS Check, they will most likely say something like a teacher, doctor, nurse, or childminder.
The jobs listed above all have a high level of responsibility and involve working with children or vulnerable adults, so it stands to reason that a DBS Check will be required.
But there are plenty of jobs that also require a DBS Check that are not so obvious and that’s what we’re going to explore in this article.
DBS Checks for Scrap Metal Dealers
A job that requires a DBS Check that may surprise some people is the role of a scrap metal dealer. Anybody that deals in scrap metal needs to get a licence issued by the local authority. The licence will only be granted if the individual gets a DBS certificate.
The reason for this is that scrap metal dealers sometimes come into contact with criminals that have stolen metal from somewhere else. Therefore, the scrap metal dealer needs to be an honest individual who won’t accept stolen goods.
A Basic DBS Check is sufficient to get a scrap metal dealer licence as it will reveal any unspent convictions for offences such as theft or handling stolen goods. Any person aged 16 years or over can apply for a Basic DBS Check and it can be done easily and quickly online.
DBS Checks for Traffic Wardens
Traffic wardens, or parking enforcement officers to give them their official title, are one of the ‘excepted professions’ that is mentioned in the guidance of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, also known as ROA. An ‘excepted profession’ is one that is not eligible for criminal record filtering and a DBS Check is required.
The ROA ‘excepted professions’ are ones that usually have an above average degree of responsibility, often involving law enforcement. A traffic warden needs a DBS Check as they are potentially open to bribery if someone doesn’t want to pay the full fine, so they need to be honest people.
Anyone that wants to become a traffic warden needs to apply for a Standard DBS Check, which will reveal all spent and unspent convictions on their records, alongside any cautions, reprimands, or warnings.
DBS Checks for Football Stewards (and other event officials)
The ROA legislation also covers football stewards, which means that they need a DBS Check to be suitable for that role. Football stewards need to get a Standard DBS Check, as well as anybody involved in the management or supervision of football stewards.
The reason that football stewards need to get a DBS certificate is that they play a vital role in keeping people safe at football matches, or other spectator events. Therefore, they need to be trustworthy individuals and a criminal background check is one way of trying to ensure this.
DBS Checks for Legal Professionals
People that work in the legal profession are often members of a professional body called CILEx, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives which covers chartered legal professionals and executives, as well as apprentices, paralegals, and legal clerks.
A law firm that comes under the regulation of CILEx is given the title “Authorised Entity”, which means that they need to appoint a CILEx approved manager. The approved manager must have a standard DBS Check under the rules of the orgnanisation.
DBS Checks for Gambling Licensees & National Lottery Providers
Any organisation or person that wishes to hold a licence issued by the UK Gambling Commission or National Lottery, either an operating licence or personal licence, must first get an Enhanced DBS Certificate.
Gambling licences are covered in the ROA and also in the Police Act of 1997 ( Criminal Records).
The Enhanced DBS Check will reveal details of any spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any relevant details held on the individual in local police files.
A Summary of Less Obvious Jobs that Require A DBS Check
It is becoming more and more common for employers and organisations to ask potential recruits to get a DBS Check carried out.
Often, employers will only require a Basic DBS Check, which is the lowest level possible. However, sometimes a higher level criminal background check, such as a Standard DBS Check or Enhanced DBS Check, will be needed.
The jobs listed above are a small selection of some of the less obvious job roles that require a DBS Check.
If you need help deciding whether a specific role needs a DBS Check or not, or to find out how to use our convenient online DBS Check service, then get in touch today.
