What is a DBS check?

A DBS check is a record of an individual’s criminal convictions and cautions executed by Disclosure and Barring Service. The DBS was formed to assist employers in taking safe recruiting choices and avoid wrong people entering the workplace with a vulnerable environment, which includes children

The DBS was introduced in 2012 by merging the role and responsibilities of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) under the Protection Freedoms Act 2012. It was introduced to ensure the safety of employees with a vulnerable environment, which includes children such as health caretakers and teachers.

Types of DBS check:

There are 3 types of DBS check, which are as follows:

Basic DBS check

A basic DBS check is a criminal record check which can be requested for an individual by themselves. It is the lowest level of screening; therefore, it is the cheapest. 

Standard DBS check 

A standard DBS check is also a criminal record check for cautions and convictions as well, but it is also used to check warnings and reprimands. It’s an in-depth background check done for specific industries before hiring employees to avoid any misconduct in financial and industry sensitive matters.

Enhanced DBS check

An enhanced DBS check is a criminal record check as well with some important differences. This kind of DBS check is done for people who are closely working with children, such as health caretakers or teachers. It includes the search for an individual’s name on any local police records, and on the two important lists, which are Children DBS Barred List and DBS Adult First.

Conclusion:

A Disclosure and Barring Service check is an essential step before recruiting employees by many organizations who work closely with children or have a vulnerable environment. It is to make sure the employees who are being hired do not have any criminal records, cautions, or convictions. There are three types of DBS check with different eligibility requirements, which are usually recommended by the organizations.