What is a Disclosure and Barring Service (D&B) check?
A Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS check) is a record that shows a person’s criminal convictions and warnings.
Employers can use a DBS to make safer hiring decisions and stop unsuitable candidates from working with vulnerable populations, including children.
The Disclosure and Barring Service has replaced the Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Who runs the DBS Service?
Before issuing a DBS certificate, the Disclosure and Barring Service will conduct a DBS check. This includes a search of police records and information from cases on the barred lists.
Who needs a DBS?
A DBS check does not apply to an individual. However, it is relevant to the job for which the individual is being hired. The requirements of the job will determine the need for a DBS test.
DBS checks should not be done as part of the pre-employment checks for successful candidates.
What are the various types of DBSs?
There are 4 levels of DBS checks:
Basic
Standard
Enhanced
Enhanced with Barred Listing
You can find additional information on DBS certificates, including detailed information about each level, on the gov website.
How do I find out which type DBS is best?
For information on DBS checks and the levels required for certain roles, please refer the DBS website. For guidance, you may also consult the DBS eligibility tool.
HR Services cannot decide who should have a DBS check.
You can still get guidance from your employer’s Human Resources and Organisation Development (HR and OD teams) if you are unsure if a DBS certificate is necessary for this role.
How does a candidate complete a DBS?
Once the offer letter has been emailed, the candidate will be sent a link to fill out the online DBS form.
Once the form is completed, a countersignatory checks the candidate’s Identity and Right to Work documents. The countersignatory then countersigns the application and submits it to the DBS.
If the candidate’s DBS is clean, Trac will send a certificate to the candidate. Trac will then update the Convictions’ status to reflect the candidate’s ‘Success.
If the DBS report is returned with comments, and cannot be cleared by the DBS team, the status of ‘Convictions” will change to ‘Await certificate. HRSS will email the candidate requesting that they send the copy in to the Recruiting Manager. HRSS won’t proceed with the DBS Check until Corporate HR has confirmed.