What is a DBS check?
For those of you that are not familiar with a DBS check it is an abbreviation for the Disclosure and Barring Service. It helps companies make safer recruitment decisions by providing a background check on anyone who applies. These background checks can come from local or national police stations, there are also many different checks dependant on the role you have applied for.
Such as a basic check, a standard check or an enhanced check.
How long will it take?
DBS checks can take any amount of time, so people will receive them faster than others. However, they do generally say between 4 – 8 weeks, things like having multiple different address locations or a mistake on a form could delay your DBS. So, it’s best to double check these things when applying.
Who needs a DBS check?
There are many professions that require a DBS check such as educational staff, healthcare professionals or a job role that requires you to enter the home of a member of the public such as pest control or even a taxi driver.
A lot of people think it is only something required by people who work within education; however, this is not true. Everyone who is working within many different sectors should always have DBS checks in mind when applying for new roles.
How much do they cost?
The DBS check price depends on what DBS check the job you are applying for requires however you should be able to gain information on the price before going ahead with the check.
The Update service and what it provides
Working with the educational sector we get asked a lot of questions about the update service and how it works.
The DBS update service is a new service which provides applications and employees to view the DBS certificate. This service is required by a lot of employers now so that they can keep up to date with staffs DBS checks. It costs £13 a year and saves you applying for a new DBS check every 3 years. However, you do need to sign up for this service within 30 days of your certificate being issued to you.
We hope we have helped outline a DBS check and given you a little more information on the system. If you do have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at the Kiddykare office on 01628 675 828.
You can also visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service for more information.
Author: Jen Wilson
