In the UK, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, such as children and adults at risk, is a key priority for employers and organizations. One of the most effective tools for ensuring this safety is the Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This check provides employers with the most detailed information available about a candidate’s criminal background and is essential for roles that involve close, unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups. In this article, we will explore the Enhanced DBS check process, including where and how to apply, the necessary supporting documents, and why this type of background check is crucial for certain roles.
What Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced DBS check is the most comprehensive level of criminal background screening available in the UK. It not only discloses spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, but also includes additional relevant information held by local police that may be significant to the role being applied for. Furthermore, the Enhanced DBS check can include a check against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists, which list individuals prohibited from working with vulnerable groups.
The Enhanced DBS check is mandatory for specific roles, such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and social workers, who work directly with vulnerable individuals. These checks help employers make safe hiring decisions, preventing unsuitable individuals from accessing jobs that involve a high level of trust and responsibility.
Where and How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check
Unlike a Basic DBS check, which can be requested by individuals themselves, an Enhanced DBS check must be applied for by an employer or organization on behalf of the candidate. The process is initiated by the organization once a conditional job offer is made.
Here’s how the application process works:
Employer Initiation: The employer or organization submits a DBS application form on behalf of the candidate. This form contains personal details about the applicant, as well as information about the role for which they are applying. The level of check (Enhanced) and whether barred list checks are required will be specified.
Submission of Application: Once the form is completed, it is submitted electronically or via post to the Disclosure and Barring Service along with the required payment. Many organizations use registered DBS Umbrella Bodies to manage this process, particularly if they process a high volume of checks.
Document Verification: The applicant must provide original identification documents to prove their identity. These documents are verified by the employer or a trusted individual within the organization.
DBS Processing: The DBS processes the application by checking the Police National Computer (PNC) for criminal records and contacting local police forces for any additional relevant information. If a barred list check is requested, the DBS will also search the appropriate lists.
Receiving the Certificate: Once the process is complete, both the employer and the applicant receive a certificate with the results of the Enhanced DBS check. The employer uses this information to determine whether the individual is suitable for the role.
Supporting Documents for an Enhanced DBS Check
To apply for an Enhanced DBS check, candidates need to provide several original documents that verify their identity and address. These documents are categorized into three groups, and the applicant must provide a combination from these categories.
Typical documents include:
- Proof of Identity: Passport, photocard driving license, or a national identity card.
- Proof of Address: A utility bill, bank statement, or council tax statement that is less than three months old.
- Additional Documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a P45/P60.
Applicants must provide sufficient documentation to meet the DBS identity verification guidelines, and employers are responsible for confirming the authenticity of these documents.
Why Do We Need Enhanced DBS Checks?
Enhanced DBS checks are essential for safeguarding vulnerable groups, ensuring that individuals with a history of harmful behavior do not gain access to sensitive roles. Here are some key reasons why Enhanced DBS checks are necessary:
Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Individuals working closely with children, elderly adults, or those with disabilities must be thoroughly vetted to prevent harm. The Enhanced DBS check ensures that individuals with relevant criminal histories are flagged before they can engage in unsupervised activities.
Ensuring Public Trust: Roles in education, healthcare, social work, and childcare involve significant responsibility. Enhanced DBS checks allow employers to make informed hiring decisions and maintain the public’s trust by preventing individuals with concerning criminal histories from assuming these roles.
Legal Compliance: In many sectors, obtaining an Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement. For instance, schools, hospitals, and care facilities are legally obligated to conduct these checks on their staff. Employers who fail to comply with these legal requirements may face serious consequences, including legal sanctions and reputational damage.
Additional Safeguarding Information: An Enhanced DBS check goes beyond what is available in a Standard DBS check by including information from local police forces. This additional information can reveal potential concerns that may not show up on a standard criminal record check, providing a more holistic view of the applicant’s suitability for a sensitive role.
The Enhanced DBS check is a vital safeguard for ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable groups in society. It provides employers with comprehensive information about an applicant’s criminal history, including additional insights from local police forces. Applying for an Enhanced DBS check requires employers to initiate the process, verify supporting documents, and submit the application through the DBS. By doing so, organizations can ensure that their staff are trustworthy, reliable, and legally permitted to work with vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, Enhanced DBS checks play a key role in maintaining safe environments in schools, healthcare settings, and other sectors where vulnerable individuals depend on the integrity and reliability of the people around them. For employers, conducting these checks is not just a legal obligation but a critical aspect of responsible
