If you’re currently working as, or are hiring individuals to work as a Solicitor, it is important you follow the correct solicitor DBS check (formerly known as CRB) procedures. Not only is it important to have security for the firm’s sake, for example, handling sensitive documents, but it is also critical to give your clients’ peace of mind.
Solicitor DBS Check – What Type do You Need?
The Law Society states that solicitors should be subject to a Standard DBS check.
However, this is not to say that a Standard DBS check is the only one required.
As with any job, if a role includes working with vulnerable adults (or children), an Enhanced DBS check may be required. Therefore, Registered Foreign Lawyers, Legal Executives, and Solicitors could qualify for an Enhanced Check. If they are not working with vulnerable adults and children regularly, then a Standard DBS check would be recommended.
What is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS check contains a list of both spent and unspent convictions, final warnings, as well as reprimands contained on the Police National Computer (PNC). Unlike a Basic DBS check, only an organisation can apply for a Standard DBS check on an individual.
What Are Spent Convictions?
Spent convictions are final warnings and/or reprimands that have passed a specific amount of time. Once they have passed this time. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 suggests that the individual should be treated as though the conviction never happened. We have a new article, Understanding Spent Convictions, that may help you understand spent convictions further.
What are Unspent Convictions?
An unspent conviction is usually, final warnings, convictions, as well as reprimands on the Police National Computer (PNC) that have not passed a specific amount of time to be considered as if they never happened. It is important to remember that some convictions (e.g. terrorism and sexual offences) will always remain unspent.
If you’d like to find out more about Standard DBS checks, you can read more about them here, or to read our article about the difference between the types of convictions. Spent and Unspent Convictions, What’s The Difference?
Can You Be a Solicitor With a Criminal Record?
Whilst it is not illegal to become a Solicitor if you have a criminal record, it is likely to be reviewed case-by-case. Of course the more severe the case, the more unlikely it will be that a firm will hire the person in question.
Generally, the law profession is strict when monitoring and regulating Solicitors, and with there being so much competition for the jobs (including trainee roles), you’re more likely to be hired if your solicitor DBS check comes back clean, as opposed to someone who has a record.
How Can I Get a Solicitor DBS Check for my Employees?
If you are an employer wanting to get DBS checks for your employees, you can apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check at Aaron’s Department.
The whole process is made simple thanks to our online system, which includes an automatic error checker, to help save you valuable time, to get your employees into work quicker.
To get started on your Solicitor DBS check application process, you can register for free here.
Already registered with Aaron’s Department DBS checks? Just click here to log in.
Why Choose Aaron’s Department for your Solicitor DBS Checks?
As well as our automatic, error proofing online system, we also offer unbeatable DBS check prices, from as little as £5.45. Not only do we have some of the best prices you’ll find, but we also have a team of experts who will help guide you through the process, ensuring your Solicitor DBS check application is filled out correctly, and answer any questions you may have. You can get in touch on 0113 877 0171 today or email contact@aaronsdepartment.com