Certain industries such as those working with young people or those that are vulnerable, need to have added security measures in place. Schools for example will utilise a Visitor Management System such as those from Ofec to ensure they know who is the building at all times. A DBS check is another way to ensure that those people working in schools and hospital settings as well as those who volunteer their time, are suitable to work in these locations.
As a result of a DBS check, employers are able to check your criminal record in an effort to decide whether you would be a suitable candidate to work for them. Among other things, this involves deciding whether you would be suitable to work with children or vulnerable adults, depending on your background.
A DBS check was previously known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. The Disclosure and Barring Service is responsible for carrying out DBS checks on individuals. The type of DBS check that you need to have will depend very much on the role that you are applying for.The four main types of check are:
- Basic
- Standard
- Enhanced
- Enhanced with list check
DBS checks may need to be carried out periodically if the individual does not sign up to the automatic update service. This service allows employers or voluntary organisations to check the DBS in real time.