A criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service is how employees check whether staff have been convicted or cautioned for any criminal offence. DBS checks are routinely carried out on those who work with children and vulnerable adults and perhpas those working for Elderly Care London company https://www.guardiancarers.co.uk/services/elderly-care. There are many questions people have regarding DBS checks, read on for answers to the five most commonly asked questions.
1. Is there a legal requirement to have a DBS?
A DBS check, for yourself or your employees, is not a legal requirement, but it is highly advised for all staff who work with children or vulnerable adults. Care companies that don’t routinely carry out DBS checks on new employees will find that this reflects badly on inspections.
2. What if I fail my DBS?
A DBS is not a test, it is a disclosure service that you neither fail nor pass. Your DBS will bring up any criminal cautions or convictions, and it is up to your employer to decide whether to take this data into consideration.
3. When do I need to renew my DBS?
A DBS doesn’t ‘expire’ in the way your passport does. However each DBS comes with a date stating when it was issued. This means that any convictions or cautions that have occurred since that date will not be disclosed. Good practice for organisations means regular applications of DBS checks for employees.
4. How do I renew my DBS?
Technically there is no such thing as a renewal, each application will require the same information as before and will take the same amount of time to be processed and issued.
5. I’m self employed, can I get my own DBS?
Yes, a self employed person can apply for a Basic DBS although an Enhanced or Standard DBS can only be applied for by an employer on behalf of their employee. A DBS service provider will be able to advise you further on how to apply for your own Basic DBS if you’re self-employed.
DBS checks are an incredibly important aspect of employment in the care and education sectors. DBS checks help protect children and vulnerable adults, as well as other staff and your organisation as a whole. Regular DBS checks represent the best possible practice for any setting.