DBS Barred List Checks
If your organisation works with, or around under-18s or Vulnerable Adults, then your staff and/or volunteers must be DBS-checked, with a Barred List check involved in most cases. This is a legal requirement.
In this guide, we’ll go over DBS Barred List checks, who needs them, why a Barred List Check is important and how to request a check of the Barred Lists.
What are the DBS Barred Lists?
The DBS maintains two lists of individuals who are prohibited from working with vulnerable people due to their past criminal activities. These are the “Children’s Barred List” and the “Adults’ Barred List.”
For the purposes of DBS Barred List Checks, ‘Children’ refers to anybody under the age of 18, and ‘Vulnerable Adults’ is any over-18 who is in receipt of care or healthcare due to age, illness, or disability.
People on the Children’s Barred List are legally prohibited from working with children, and those on the Adults’ Barred List are forbidden from working with Vulnerable Adults.
What is a DBS Barred List Check?
To check whether someone is on the Barred Lists, an Enhanced DBS check must be carried out – this is a legal requirement for all people who will be working or volunteering with Children or Vulnerable Adults.
If they will not be working or volunteering with Children or Vulnerable Adults, you are legally not allowed to request a check of the accompanying Barred Lists. There is strict eligibility for a check of the Barred Lists, so even if someone will be working with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults, they may not be entitled to a check of the Barred Lists.
The result of a DBS Barred List check is a disclosure certificate posted to the applicant’s current address, which will state whether the applicant is barred from working with a specific group or not. It is the applicant’s choice whether to show this certificate to the employer that requested it, but they should not begin working with vulnerable groups until the employer has viewed it.
Who Appears on the Barred Lists?
Individuals who have committed serious offences against children and/or Vulnerable Adults will be added to one or both of these lists, depending on the nature of the offence.
Employers can refer individuals to the DBS for conduct that poses a risk to children or Vulnerable Adults. For example, if someone behaves inappropriately with a child, they can be referred to the DBS for consideration before they have actually convicted of a crime. The DBS thoroughly evaluates each referral before deciding whether to include the individual on one or both of the Barred Lists. To read more about making a DBS referral, read our article here, How To Make A DBS Referral.
Which Roles Require a Barred List Check?
To determine if a job role necessitates a Barred List check, the employer or organisation must first decide whether it qualifies. A Barred List check can only be requested alongside an Enhanced DBS Check.
Any individual involved in a regulated activity requires an Enhanced DBS Check and a Barred List check. A Regulated Activity, defined by the DBS, typically involves direct, unsupervised contact with children on a frequent basis (more than three times in a thirty-day period).
The nature of the work often serves as an indicator of whether a Barred List check is necessary. For instance, roles in schools, children’s homes, or nurseries are highly likely to qualify as Regulated Activities. Similarly, providing healthcare or personal care to Vulnerable Adults falls under Regulated Activity. Some examples of roles that will require a barred list check are below.
> Teaching and healthcare for children
> Childminding and foster care
> Providing healthcare to adults
> Social work
> Providing legalr assistance or representation
> Assisting with money and bills due to illness, age or disability
> Transport due to illness, age or disability
Get DBS Barred List checks for your staff with Aaron’s!
If your staff need DBS-checking, then you’re in the right place. Aaron’s Department offers a quick, easy-to-use, affordable online application platform.
You can sign up for free and have your staff completing DBS application forms in a matter of minutes.
We operate on a pay-as-you go system: no hidden fees, subscriptions, minimum spends, or fast-track fees. We’ll have your check on the way to the DBS the same day we receive it! Use the links below to get started, and check our testimonials to see why so many others use Aaron’s Department for their DBS Barred List checks.
If you’ve any questions about eligibility, barred lists, or using our system, feel free to get in touch on 0113 877 0171 or email contact@aaronsdepartment.com and our team will assist.
Summary: DBS Barred List Checks
In summary, the Barred Lists are databases of people who are not legally permitted to work with children and/or Vulnerable Adults, due to past behaviour or offences. Conducting a Barred List check involves submitting an applicant’s details to the DBS, as a part of their Enhanced DBS check – this can only be done if the applicant’s job or volunteer role involves work with vulnerable groups.
Our range of DBS checks caters to diverse industries and job roles, ensuring that you can find the correct level of check to protect the people in your care. Whether you’re looking for a Basic check or an Enhanced check with Barred Lists, we’re here to assist you in creating a safer and more secure workplace for everyone involved.
To find out more, call us on 0113 877 0171 or email contact@aaronsdepartment.com, or you can register for free below or book a demonstration today.
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Further Reading
If you have found this page useful, we’ve linked some related pages below which might also be helpful:
> Top 5 DBS Check Misconceptions
> Is There A DBS Expiry Date?
> DBS Checks For Employers
> DBS Prices, How Much Does A DBS Cost
About The Author
Kellie Dawson
Kellie is our in-house legal expert when it comes to DBS checks. With a background in the legal sector, she has become a recognised authority in this area.