DBS Checks – What Are They & Do Nannies Need Them?
What Is A DBS Check?
The Disclosure and Barring Service helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. DBS checks are especially important in finding suitable candidates to work with vulnerable groups, including children. Upon completing the check, an employer can request to see a persons DBS certificate and decide on the next steps.
What Does DBS Stand For?
DBS is an acronym for the Disclosure and Barring Service and is non executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office. The service is responsible for the processing and issuing of checks that allow recruiters to make safer decisions regarding whom they employ. It was previously known as the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).
Types Of DBS Checks
There are three levels of DBS checks: basic, standard and enhanced. It is wise to know the various levels to ensure that employees go through proper screening and are issued the correct level.
What is a Basic DBS Check?
A basic DBS check is a criminal record check that individuals and employers can request. This is the lowest level check and is available for all individuals and employers living within the UK. A basic DBS will check a persons criminal history, convictions and cautions from the Police National Computer (PNC). Employers from all types of industries, such as construction or hospitality, can ask for a basic disclosure to check a candidates criminal record to help them decide if a candidate is fit for employment.
What is a Standard DBS Check?
A standard DBS check is an in-depth criminal record check used by employers on behalf of applicants to ensure they are suitable for the role in question. At this level, it shows information of all cautions, warnings and reprimands a person has. It will also state any unspent convictions held on a persons criminal record in England and Wales and convictions in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Standard DBS check is required for lawyers, accountants and other positions of high responsibility. This check will ensure that employees or candidates have no prior offences, such as fraud or financial misconduct.
What Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
Similar to the standard DBS check, this level is only available to employers, who will have to request it on their applicants behalf. An enhanced DBS check has all the information contained in a standard DBS check. Additionally, with an enhanced check, an employer can also request to see whether a potential or current employee is listed on the Childrens Barred List or Adult First list. This ensures that a candidate is not barred from working with vulnerable groups but can only be requested if the candidate or employee will be involved in a regulated activity. Most roles in education and health care will require the Enhanced DBS Check.
These three levels of DBS checks address different needs. While employers must have a clear picture of who they are hiring, they cannot and should not discriminate against a potential employee protected by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Which DBS should a Nanny have?
A Nanny should have an ENHANCED DBS check. Nannies cannot do a DBS check by themselves. An employer or Nanny agency will use an umbrella company to apply for the enhanced check. The Nanny Connection uses the company Care Check. If you need a new DBS or need to renew then do let us know and we will be happy to help.
What is the Update Service?
The Update Service is an online subscription service that lets you keep your standard and enhanced DBS certificates up to date, instead of becoming invalid after 3 years. It also allows employers to check a certificate online, with your consent. You can use your certificate again when you apply for a position within the same workforce, where the same type and level of check is required, instead of having to apply for a new one. The 3 workforces are child, adult and other. Registration lasts for one year. The service costs 13 pounds per year and starts from the date your DBS certificate was issued. You could save yourself a lot of time and money by joining the service. The service is only available to opt in to for 10 days after your certificate is issued. If you do not opt in in this timeframe you cannot apply again. This service is especially helpful for maternity nurses or temporary nannies, who work with lots of different clients in a short time frame. We highly recommend ALL nannies should opt in to the Update Service.
