If you are applying for a job that involves working with children or vulnerable adults, you may be asked to undergo an Enhanced DBS check. This is the most detailed level of criminal background check that the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) can provide. It shows not only your spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands, but also any relevant information that the police may hold about you, such as allegations or investigations that did not result in a conviction. It also shows whether you are barred from working with certain groups of people by the DBS.
An Enhanced DBS check is required by law for certain roles, such as teachers, social workers, foster carers, health professionals and taxi drivers. It is also required for some voluntary positions, such as sports coaches, mentors or charity workers. The purpose of an Enhanced DBS check is to help employers make safer recruitment decisions and protect the people they serve from harm.
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How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check
You yourself will not be able to apply for an Enhanced DBS check. You need to have a recruiting organisation that needs you to get the check for a specific role. The organisation will usually provide you with an application form and guidance on how to complete it. You will need to provide some personal details, such as your name, date of birth, address history and identity documents. You will also need to give your consent for the DBS to access your criminal record and share it with the organisation.
The organisation will then send your application to the DBS through a Registered Body, which is an organisation that has been authorised by the DBS to process applications. The Registered Body will check your details and identity documents and submit your application online. The DBS will then search through various databases, such as the Police National Computer, the Children’s Barred List and the Adults’ Barred List, and gather any relevant information about you. The DBS will then issue a certificate that shows the results of the check and send it to you by post. The organisation will also be able to view your certificate online if you have registered for the DBS Update Service.
The time it takes for an Enhanced DBS check to be completed varies depending on several factors, such as the complexity of your criminal record, the availability of police information and the workload of the DBS. It usually takes around four weeks, but it can take longer in some cases. You can track the progress of your application online using the DBS tracking service.
What to Do with Your Enhanced DBS Certificate
Once you receive your Enhanced DBS certificate, you should check it carefully for any errors or discrepancies and contact the DBS if you find any. You should also keep it safe and secure, as it contains sensitive personal information. You should not share it with anyone who does not need to see it for a legitimate purpose.
You should also show your certificate to the organisation that requested it as soon as possible, so they can verify your suitability for the role. The organisation may ask you to provide them with a copy of your certificate or give them permission to view it online through the DBS Update Service. The organisation will then decide whether to offer you the job or not based on their own policies and procedures.
If you want to use your certificate for another role in the future, you may be able to do so without applying for a new check if you have registered for the DBS Update Service. This is a service that allows you to keep your certificate up to date and lets employers check if anything has changed on your criminal record since your last check. You need to register for the Update Service within 30 days of your certificate being issued and pay an annual fee of £13 (unless you are a volunteer). You can then use your certificate for any role that requires the same level or type of check.
What are the Benefits of Enhanced DBS Checks?
Enhanced DBS checks have many benefits for both employers and applicants. They help to ensure that people who work with children or vulnerable adults are suitable and safe to do so, and that they do not pose a risk of harm or abuse. They also help to protect the reputation and integrity of the organisation and the sector they work in.
Some of the benefits of Enhanced DBS checks for employers are:
- Better-quality staff maintenance and cost savings: Enhanced DBS checks allow to lessen staff turnover as employers are even more than likely to hire people suited to the job position.
- Workplace safety and security: Enhanced DBS checks help to improve the safety and security of other employees, customers, clients, patients or students.
- Compliance with regulations: Enhanced DBS checks help employers to comply with legal obligations and regulations that apply to certain sectors or roles.
- Support in case of criminal incidents: Enhanced DBS checks help employers to have evidence and support in case of any criminal incidents involving their employees.
- Trustworthy reputation: Enhanced DBS checks help employers to build a trustworthy reputation among their stakeholders, such as customers, clients, partners, regulators or funders.
Some of the benefits of Enhanced DBS checks for applicants are:
- Increased employer trust: Applicants who pass Enhanced DBS checks can increase the trust and confidence of their potential or current employers.
- Increased colleague trust: Applicants who pass Enhanced DBS checks can also increase the trust and respect of their colleagues
- Peace of mind: Applicants who pass Enhanced DBS checks can have peace of mind that they have cleared a thorough background check and that they are eligible to work in their chosen field.
- Increased employability: Applicants who pass Enhanced DBS checks can increase their employability and career prospects.
An Enhanced DBS check is a vital tool for employers who need to ensure that their staffs are suitable and safe to work with children or vulnerable adults. It shows a comprehensive picture of your criminal history and any other relevant information that may affect your ability to perform your role. If you are applying for such a role, you need to be prepared to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and provide accurate and honest information about yourself. You also need to understand how to use and maintain your certificate and how to access the DBS Update Service if you want to reuse it for other roles. By doing so, you can demonstrate your trustworthiness and professionalism and increase your chances of getting the job you want.