Checks on someone's history are known as getting a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Employers can use this to verify the criminal record of a person applying for a position, and in certain roles, such as health care or child care, more detailed verification can be requested. The DBS check is a way for employers to assess a person's criminal record to help decide if they are suitable for the job. This includes deciding if it's appropriate for them to work with children or vulnerable adults.
The DBS is a non-departmental public body of the United Kingdom Home Office that allows public, private and voluntary sector organizations to make safer hiring decisions by identifying candidates who may not be suitable for certain jobs, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults. It also provides wider access to criminal history information through its outreach service for England and Wales. The DBS works in accordance with a series of standards for the criminal background check service and prohibit the accuracy of cases. A DBS check never officially expires, so it's up to the employer to decide when and if a new one is needed.
Depending on the position the person holds or the position for which they are applying, DBS may also check the list of prohibited people for adults and children. The candidate will need to provide certain documentation depending on the type of DBS verification they are going to perform. The basic DBS verification will reveal any conviction or conditional injunctive relief considered unused in accordance with the Offender Rehabilitation Act of 1974. Manually tracking DBS checks in this way can be time consuming and tedious if several candidates are hired. If you choose Experian for your employees' checks, you'll benefit from real-time application updates, so you can track the status of your DBS checks.
In fact, if you want to work with children or vulnerable adults, you'll need a DBS check to confirm that you're an eligible candidate. People who work in specific environments, such as schools, day care centers, hospitals, and children's homes, will also need to be tested for DBS. An improved DBS check can also include any information held by local police that is considered relevant to the position. Because DBS checks are used to provide information to an organization or employer, you can't request that they make your own.
If you need guidance on who can receive improved verification, the DBS has strict eligibility criteria that you can find online.
