(Newswire.net — September 10, 2017) — DBS checks, previously known as CRB checks, exist to help employers make informed recruitment decisions and determine the suitability of a candidate for a job role. Generally speaking, any employee or volunteer who works with children or vulnerable adults will need one.
Types of DBS Check
Standard Check: This is the most common form of DBS check and contains information about previous convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.
Enhanced Check: This contains the same information as in the standard check, with the addition of any data that has been held by the local police force.
Enhanced with Barred Lists Check: This contains the same information as the standard and enhanced check, and also checks the barred list to see if the applicant has been barred from working with children and/or vulnerable adults.
You may also now take an online DBS check, which will make it easier for all parties going forward.
Criminal Records
DBS checks should be used to determine the suitability of a candidate. If a conviction shows up, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are not able to undertake the job. It’s important for employers to keep an open mind and assess whether or not the conviction is relevant to the particular role and will affect performance. It is illegal to reject an applicant on the basis of a criminal record alone if the conviction is irrelevant to the position.
Applicants have no legal obligation to reveal any information regarding spent convictions – employers must regard such convictions as having never happened. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA)1974 this would also be illegal. If the records provided are wrong or contain any irrelevant information about convictions, personal data or employer’s details, an appeal can be made through Gov.uk’s disputes and appeals page.
DBS Certificate Expiry Dates
While DBS checks don’t have an official expiry date, the information is only accurate up until the date of issue. Therefore, if criminal convictions occur after the check has been carried out, they won’t show up. For this reason it’s best to have DBS checks renewed every one to three years.
Some organizations have their own official requirements regarding how often DBS checks must be renewed. For example, organizations that are regulated by Ofsted or the CQC must abide by specific terms and conditions.
Storing Information
When a DBS check has been undertaken employers must abide by a strict code of practice with regards to storage. Information must not be revealed unless used for the purpose for which it was attained. Additionally, any documentation must be destroyed within six months. The code of practice can be found here.
DBS Check Application
Job seekers are not allowed to apply for DSB checks themselves. The process must be undertaken by an employer or relevant organization. Registration can be conducted through the government portal or an umbrella body; however, employers who conduct less than 100 checks per year should use the latter.