How Do DBS Checks Work?
DBS checks are essential during the recruitment process, as they show employers about the applicant’s relevant criminal records (if they have any!). The easiest way of describing how a DBS check works is by breaking it down into the following steps: Choosing an Umbrella Body, getting the applicant’s permission, filling out the DBS application, and getting the results. Let’s discuss them further below!
How Do DBS Checks Work? – Choosing an Umbrella Body
If you’re new to DBS checks, it’s likely you’ve not got yourself an Umbrella Body to do the DBS checks through! An Umbrella Body, like Aaron’s Department, provides all the necessary software and IT infrastructure to allow you to apply for DBS checks for your employees. Umbrella Bodies provide a link from you to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), whilst also checking every application to make sure no mistakes are made. Without wanting to be too salesy, we’d be honoured if you’d consider doing your DBS checks through us! You can read about what we offer by visiting our Online DBS Check page
How Do DBS Checks Work? Getting The Applicant’s Permission
Before you can get a DBS check on someone, you need their permission! It is illegal to carry out a DBS check without someone’s knowledge. Don’t worry, though, it’s not a hard question to ask, and the vast majority of your applicants will be more than happy to go through the process.
How Do DBS Checks Work? Filling Out The DBS Application
This is the most important part! Before you get started with the application, it is important you know which level of check you need. Anyone can get a Basic DBS check, however, only certain roles are eligible for Standard and Enhanced
It can also be a legal requirement for an employee to have a certain level of check. For example, anyone who is providing healthcare to vulnerable adults/children, must have an Enhanced check with the relevant barred list. The application form itself can be filled out by you, the applicant, or a representative. The form requires personal information such as the history of the applicant’s previous names, their addresses, as well as birth details. Finally, before submitting the application to an Umbrella Body, you will either need to see the correct documentation that prove the applicants’ identity. Alternatively, if you can’t see them in person, you can use a Digital ID check.
How Do DBS Checks Work? Getting The DBS Check Results
Once an individual’s application is complete, you must see the physical certificate before allowing the applicant to start work. If it is a Basic DBS, it is actually possible for the applicant to provide you access to view the online version. Please note, you cannot view Standard or Enhanced certificates online. After seeing the DBS certificate, you can make a decision on whether to employ the applicant. If they are on the barred list, then it would be illegal for them to work with the vulnerable group(s) they are barred from.
Conclusion – How Do DBS Checks Work?
In conclusion, DBS checks are a relatively simple process: find an umbrella body, get permission, fill out the application, and get the result. It’s always best to start the application process as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays in the applicants’ employment.
Further Reading
If you found our article, How Do DBS Checks work? useful and you want to learn more about DBS checks and the recruitment process, you might want to read about:
Are Employers Legally Entitled To Ask For A DBS Check?
How Does An Employer Check a DBS?
How Long Does A DBS Check Take?
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.