Criminal background checks are essential for many organizations, especially those that work with vulnerable people. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is one of the most common types of criminal background checks, and it can reveal a person's criminal history. But what happens if a volunteer fails their DBS check? The DBS check is used to determine whether someone is eligible for a standard or enhanced check. It includes a check of the DBS child and adult lists of banned persons, as well as any current convictions.
Employers must evaluate any changes in role and consider whether it is appropriate to carry out a new DBS check. For example, if a person usually drives adults to the hospital and back from there, but now also helps them to do the shopping, there would be no need to write a new DBS check. Not all volunteers need to undergo a DBS check, however. These types of controls can only be carried out if a volunteer or a paid worker is going to perform a job known as a regulated activity. An advanced check contains the same information as a standard DBS check, plus any additional information that is available about you in local police records. If the result of the update service check is that something has changed since the applicants' last certificate, it will be necessary to request a new DBS certificate.
Some people may have linked their DBS verification to the update service, which indicates if your certificate is still valid or if there is new information that could be revealed. Organizations should evaluate any changes in role and consider whether it is appropriate to carry out a new DBS check. As an expert in this field, I recommend that organizations check the DBS of volunteers who carry out activities that meet the requirements, such as caring for children or helping to wash and dress vulnerable people. All information must be evaluated on its own to be included or excluded from a DBS certificate. It's important for organizations to understand the implications of failing a DBS check. If an individual fails their DBS check, they may not be able to work with vulnerable people or in certain roles.
Organizations should also consider how they will handle any potential issues that arise from failing a DBS check. For example, they may need to provide additional training or support for volunteers who fail their checks. In conclusion, it's important for organizations to understand the implications of failing a DBS check and how they can best handle any potential issues that arise from it. Organizations should also ensure that they are carrying out appropriate background checks on all volunteers and paid workers who are performing regulated activities.
