What Job Roles Need A DBS Check?
Although criminal background checks are becoming increasingly common when applying for a job these days, there is still some confusion as to which jobs, exactly, require a DBS check.
In some cases, having convictions on your record may prevent you from being accepted for the role, so your application may be rejected.
But not every single job out there requires a DBS check, so all is not lost if you have offences on your record and you are looking for employment.
What Is A DBS Check?
DBS checks involve checking through an individual’s criminal record on the police national computer database to see whether there are any convictions. Depending on the level, some or all of the convictions will be displayed on a DBS certificate.
The DBS check covers convictions for offences committed as an adult (over 18) over the past 11 years, or over 5.5 years for offences committed as a minor (under 18).
Standard and enhanced DBS checks also reveal cautions given over a six year period for adults and two year period for under 18’s.
If a DBS check reveals any convictions on an individual’s record, then there is a chance that the application will be rejected or employment terminated if the person is already employed in the role.
What Type Of Jobs Need A DBS Check?
There are numerous jobs that require a DBS check these days. In general, any job that has moderate to high levels of responsibility will require a DBS check. Some examples include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Lawyers
- Accountants
- Social workers
- Healthcare workers
- Childminders or childcare workers
- Foster carers
- First aiders
- Counsellors
- Taxi drivers
- Vets
- Financial service providers
- Cashiers
- Locksmiths
- Casino croupiers
- Security guards
This is not a comprehensive list. As mentioned earlier, any job that involves being responsible, or is safeguarding critical, may require a DBS check.
If the role requires a Basic DBS Check, you can get this done yourself and you can apply online.
If the role requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, the DBS check application needs to be submitted by the employer or a registered third party.
What Is The Law Surrounding DBS Checks?
The law only states that job roles that include “regulated activities” (defined by the DBS as roles that involve close, direct, unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults), require an Enhanced DBS Check with barred list check.
When it comes to Standard DBS Checks, employers usually request these for moderate to high responsibility roles such as those that involve handling finances. There is no legal obligation to do these checks, but some governing bodies such as the FCA recommend them in their guidelines.
For Basic DBS Checks, there is nothing written in law that an employer should request one or that an individual must consent to one. The employer is within their rights to reject the application if the individual does not consent to one, but they are not allowed to discriminate against an individual based on the result of the Basic DBS Check.
How Do I Track A DBS Check Application?
In recent years, it has become possible to apply for a DBS check online. This means that you can track the progress of your application more easily.
The DBS offers a tracking service which is usually used if the process is delayed. A typical DBS application takes 24 hours for us to process.
Find Out More About Online DBS Checks
If you are applying for jobs and have any questions about DBS checks, including how to go about applying for one online, then contact us today.
