The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. It prevents unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. In health and social care, a DBS check is essential. It ensures that care workers and healthcare professionals are safe to work with these groups.
Types of DBS Checks
There are three levels of DBS checks:
Basic DBS Check
A Basic DBS Check shows unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This act allows certain convictions to become ‘spent’ after a rehabilitation period. A spent conviction means you do not need to disclose it in most situations. However, unspent convictions will show up on a Basic DBS Check.
Standard DBS Check
A Standard DBS Check includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings from the police. In health and social care, this level is typically required for non-clinical roles such as administrative positions.
Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced DBS Check includes all that a Standard check does, plus any additional information held by local police deemed relevant to the workforce. This check is crucial for positions directly involving vulnerable groups, like care workers, nurses, and doctors.
Eligibility for a DBS Check
Not every job requires a DBS check. Eligibility depends on the role and responsibilities. Key questions include:
- Does the job involve working with children or vulnerable adults?
- Will the employee be in a position of trust?
- Does the job have regulatory requirements needing a DBS check?
Importance in Health and Social Care
Ensuring Safety
The primary purpose of a DBS check in health and social care is to protect vulnerable individuals. It allows employers to see if a person has a history that could put patients at risk. This measure helps in safeguarding patients, residents, and service users.
Building Trust
DBS checks build trust among patients and their families. Knowing that staff members have been vetted for safety reassures them. It confirms that care providers are committed to high standards of safety and integrity.
Regulatory Compliance
Complying with DBS regulations is a legal requirement in many health and social care jobs. Employers must follow laws to avoid legal repercussions and meet industry standards.
How to Apply for a DBS Check
Employer’s Role
Typically, the employer initiates the DBS check. They provide the necessary forms and guidance. Employers must confirm the applicant’s identity using documents like passports or driving licences.
Applicant’s Role
The applicant completes the application form and submits identification documents. After that, the employer sends the form to the DBS for processing.
Processing Time
Processing times can vary. Basic checks are usually quicker, taking a few days. Enhanced checks may take several weeks, depending on police authorities’ response times.
What Appears on a DBS Check?
Criminal Record Information
A DBS check will reveal any relevant criminal record information. This includes convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
Barred Lists
For Enhanced DBS checks, there are two barred lists:
- The Children’s Barred List
- The Adults’ Barred List
These lists show whether a person is banned from working with certain groups.
Local Police Information
Enhanced DBS checks may also include non-conviction information, if local police think it’s relevant. This could cover incidents that did not lead to a conviction but are still concerning.
Portability and the Update Service
DBS Update Service
The DBS Update Service lets applicants keep their DBS certificates up to date. They can use it for multiple employers. This service reduces the need for new checks each time someone changes jobs within the same workforce category.
How it Works
Applicants register for the Update Service online. Employers can then check if any new information has been added to the DBS certificate. This service provides real-time updates and ensures continuous monitoring.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Employer’s Duty
Employers have a legal duty to refer someone to the DBS if they remove them from working with vulnerable groups due to harm or risk of harm. This referral helps keep others safe by barring inappropriate individuals.
Continuous Monitoring
DBS checks are a point-in-time assessment. Continuous vigilance is important. Employers must regularly review staff and keep informed about any new concerns.
Challenging DBS Results
Dispute Process
If an applicant disagrees with a DBS check result, they can challenge it. This involves a formal process where the applicant can contest inaccuracies. They can contact the DBS and provide evidence to support their claim.
DBS for Health and Social Care FAQ
What is a DBS check?
A DBS check is a background check conducted by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. It prevents unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children and vulnerable adults.
Why is a DBS check important in health and social care?
DBS checks ensure that individuals working in health and social care are safe to work with vulnerable people. They help protect patients, residents, and service users from harm. They build trust among patients and their families.
What are the different types of DBS checks?
There are three types:
- Basic DBS Check: Shows unspent convictions.
- Standard DBS Check: Shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
- Enhanced DBS Check: Includes everything in a Standard check plus additional relevant information from local police. It also checks against the barred lists.
Who needs a DBS check in health and social care?
Anyone working with children or vulnerable adults typically needs a DBS check. This includes care workers, nurses, doctors, and other health and social care professionals.
How do I apply for a DBS check?
Usually, your employer initiates the DBS check. They provide you with the necessary forms and verify your identification documents. Once you complete the form, the employer submits it to the DBS for processing.
How long does it take to get a DBS check?
Processing times vary. Basic checks can take a few days. Enhanced checks can take several weeks, depending on the speed of response from police authorities.
What information appears on a DBS check?
A DBS check reveals relevant criminal record information. This includes convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Enhanced checks may also show additional information from local police and whether the person is on barred lists.
What are barred lists?
The barred lists include:
- The Children’s Barred List.
- The Adults’ Barred List.
These lists show whether a person is banned from working with specific groups.
Can an applicant challenge the results of a DBS check?
Yes, if an applicant disagrees with the DBS check result, they can challenge it. They need to contact the DBS and provide evidence to support their claim. This process involves formally disputing the inaccuracies.
How does the DBS Update Service work?
The DBS Update Service lets applicants keep their DBS certificates up to date. They can use it for multiple employers. Applicants register for this service online. Employers can then check if any new information has been added to the DBS certificate in real-time.
What is the employer’s role in the DBS process?
The employer usually initiates the DBS check. They verify the applicant’s identification documents and submit the completed form to the DBS. Employers also have a duty to refer someone to the DBS if they are removed from working with vulnerable groups due to harm or risk of harm.
Why is continuous monitoring important?
DBS checks provide a point-in-time assessment. Continuous vigilance is necessary to ensure ongoing safety. Employers should regularly review staff and stay informed about any new concerns or issues.
Do I need a new DBS check when I change jobs?
It depends. If you are in the same workforce category and have subscribed to the DBS Update Service, you may not need a new check. Otherwise, a new employer may require a fresh DBS check.
What should I do if there is a delay in getting my DBS check?
If there is a delay, you can contact the DBS for an update. Sometimes delays occur due to backlogs or additional checks needed by local police. Employers may offer conditional employment pending DBS results, depending on their policy.
What are the costs involved in a DBS check?
Costs vary depending on the level of check:
- Basic DBS Check: £18
- Standard DBS Check: £18
- Enhanced DBS Check: £38
Employers often cover these costs, but it’s best to confirm.
These FAQs aim to provide a clear understanding of DBS checks in health and social care. If you have more questions, it’s always a good idea to consult your employer or the DBS directly.
Conclusion
A DBS check is a crucial part of ensuring safety in health and social care. It helps employers make informed decisions and protect vulnerable individuals. Understanding the process and requirements helps all parties involved maintain high standards of care and safety.