Applying for a UK DBS check for your staff can sometimes be a little tricky. Knowing what level of check is required and who is able to get one are some of the more common things you should know.
But what about the slightly more obscure things? Here are some of those, which you might need to consider when applying for a UK DBS check.
Refusal to Hire Due to Convictions
If your organisation’s position doesn’t fall under the ROA 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (organisations/ positions/ licences which are legally allowed to decide whether to hire candidates based on spent convictions), refusal to hire someone due to a spent conviction may result in prosecution by law.
How Often Should You Renew UK DBS Checks?
UK DBS check certificates have no official expiry date, but there are some organisations that have policies for renewal after a set amount of time.
A certificate will not contain information on convictions that happened after the certificate was printed, so is, therefore ‘out of date’ from the moment it is produced. Some authorities suggest a new check every three years, but it is the responsibility of each organisation to consider the appropriate renewal time.
If looking after vulnerable adults or children, then it is a lot more important to conduct regular DBS checks, or have your staff’s DBS checks on the Update Service.
UK DBS Checks For Transgender Applicants
Applicants are required to disclose all previous names and addresses to the DBS service.
However, if transgender applicants want to avoid having to reveal this sensitive information to their potential employer, they should contact the DBS Sensitive Application Team for guidance before submitting an application form.
What’s the Minimum Age for a UK DBS Check?
You can apply for an applicant’s DBS check if they are aged 16 years or over.
Different Checks for Scotland and Northern Ireland!
The checks will differ slightly if your organisation is located in Scotland or Northern Ireland. If this is the case, please check Disclosure Scotland or Access Northern Ireland.
Are You Authorised?
You can only request Standard DBS checks or Enhanced DBS checks if you’re an organisation or a licensing body.
If you’re an individual looking for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, you will have to do it through an organisation.
Basic DBS checks can be done by every company, no matter the size, field, or importance, to help you hire the right people. This type of check can also be requested by individuals, who are not part of an organisation.
Registering with Aaron’s Department Couldn’t Be Easier!
It’s fast, free, and you could get your first UK DBS check results back within hours of registering.
Can I Still Apply For a UK DBS Check Using Paper Application Forms?
Yes. But, compared to using paper DBS application forms, the reduction in time spent doing paperwork and the length of time waiting for certificates has been staggering, and we would encourage you to try our online system for yourselves.
Our online DBS application service removes the printing and posting of standard paper forms, which is more environmentally friendly and also significantly speeds up the process, getting applicants into work quicker.
All applications and payments are sent securely via encryption for privacy of information and security.
Even if you’re not that confident on computers, our system is simple enough for anyone to understand. Of course, if you would still like a little extra guidance, that’s why we’re here! Simply give us a call, and we’ll do whatever we can to help.
The CRB is Now The DBS
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). CRB checks are now called DBS checks.
If you need any more information about UK DBS checks, there are lots of resources on our website to tell you everything you could possibly need to know.
Go and click a few links and see what you can find!