Do you need to get a DBS check for University staff?
In the majority of cases, many university staff members, such as student advisors, lecturers and guest speakers, are not eligible for Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks. This is because, those attending University are over 18, which means they are not classed as a child.
However, this does not mean that a university cannot carry out checks under certain circumstances, such as a student under 18 or a Vulnerable Adult attending college
Types of DBS Checks
Basic DBS Check For University Staff
Anyone can apply for this check, whether it be an individual or employer, no matter what industry or sector they work in. This means it is possible to get a Basic DBS check for university staff. Universities may request a Basic DBS check for their staff as a safeguarding measure. This level of DBS check will show the individuals’ unspent convictions.
Standard DBS Check For University Staff
Unlike a Basic DBS check, this can only be requested by an employer to aid a recruitment decision. Standard DBS checks are suitable for job roles located in the financial and legal sector, roles that involve contact with children or people in care environments who have regular contact with patients (but are not in healthcare roles).
This check will reveal both spent and unspent convictions received by the individual, including the likes of cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
Enhanced DBS Check For University Staff
As with a Standard DBS check, the Enhanced DBS Check can only be requested by an employer. It also contains the same information as a Standard DBS, but with the addition of any relevant information held by the local police. Depending on the job role and actives involved, there may also need to be a check against the Vulnerable Adults and/or Children Barred Lists.
This type of check would be suitable for any university attendees that work in Healthcare and have regular contact with patients, for example on a placement. They would also require a check of the Adults Barred List. Another example includes staff working with children for any reason – if their role involves regular contact (more than 3 days a month), then they need an enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List.
University Student DBS Checks
If you are a student completing a placement, usually the employer, university or organisation where you will work throughout your course will let you know you if you need a DBS Check.
If you require a Basic DBS Check, you will be able to apply for this yourself, but if you require a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, an employer must process this on your behalf.
To apply for a discounted Volunteer DBS Check, you must ensure that you meet the DBS eligibility guidelines below
If you are applying for a Volunteer DBS Check as part of your university course on a work placement, a qualification, a course, or performing the job role as experience that will later become a full-time position, even if this work is unpaid, you are not eligible for a Volunteer DBS Check.
The DBS defines a volunteer as:
“Any person engaged in an activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit some third party and not a close relative”.
Applicants will not be eligible for a volunteer DBS Check if they are:
- On a work placement
- On a course that requires them to do the role
- In a trainee position that will lead to a full-time role or qualification
Conclusion – DBS Check For University Staff
We hope you have found this article about getting a DBS Check for University staff useful, In conclusion, The majority of university staff, such as lecturers and those mentioned earlier, do not meet the requirements for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check – so in most cases you don’t need a DBS check for university staff.
Now, you may be asking why University lecturers don’t need them, yet other people working in education, such as Primary and Secondary school staff do.
Those attending University are over 18 in the UK, which means they aren’t classed as a child. However, this does not mean that a University cannot carry out a Basic DBS check to see any unspent convictions the possible staff members may have. Doing this can help give everyone peace of mind that they can trust those they hire to work with and help others, without any unspent convictions affecting them.
Whilst this covers “general” Universities, should any lecturer teach vulnerable adults and partake in regulated activities with them, then an Enhanced DBS check with Vulnerable Adults Barred List would be required. To see which activities count as regulated, please click here to read official documentation from the Department of Health.
Need a DBS Check For University Staff?
If you do require a DBS check for your staff, at Aaron’s Department we offer a fast, reliable online service backed up by our fantastic in-house experts!
Alternatively, if you want to get started, just click the button below to register your organisation! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below, or give our team a call on 0113 877 0171.
About The Author
Matthew Dugdale
Matthew is our go-to when it comes to all things related to Recruitment & DBS checks. His experience and expertise helps make sure that everyone gets the correct level of check.