If you are working within the Private Household industry you will most likely have come across DBS checks or CRB checks at some point. It is becoming increasingly more common for families to request a full criminal record check be carried out prior to having new members of staff join their households.
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, once known as the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check, is becoming more and more important when working within the Private Household industry. Majority of positions will request all candidates to have a valid DBS certificate before starting in the role. The Disclosure and Barring Service helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. There are 3 tiers of DBS Checks available:
Basic DBS
The lowest level of disclosure which checks the Police National Computer for details of all current criminal convictions. Often used to support an immigration application, to vet prospective tenants or to volunteer.
Standard DBS
Covers those working in other occupations to children, vulnerable adults and the elderly but where they need to be of ‘good character’ and not have a criminal record. This could include someone applying to be employed as an accountant, working in a pharmacy or legal practice, someone applying for a firearms license or a senior manager at a bank or financial services organisation. Organisations employing someone in this sort of position want to assure themselves that the people they are considering haven’t got a lengthy criminal record for dishonesty, drugs offences or violent crimes.
Enhances DBS
The highest level of disclosure required for those positions that can involve caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children or vulnerable adults. An Enhanced CRB will show the following offences: sexual, violence, the supply of drugs and safeguarding.
Who Needs a DBS Check?
If there is ever a safeguarding issue within your household or organisation and the people working or volunteering with children and/or vulnerable adults have not been adequately checked, you could be held legally liable. To prevent this possibility SAFE advises standard or enhanced DBS checks are conducted on all eligible staff and volunteers within your home or organisation.
How do you apply for a DBS Check?
Most recruitment agencies will be able to apply for a DBS Check on your behalf as part of your application process. If you are not working with a recruitment agency then you can apply for a Basic DBS Check yourself, only an organisation is able to apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check – all checks can be applied using this ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.
How Long Will a DBS Check Take?
You should normally receive a copy of your DBS Check with FOUR WEEKS, however, do be aware that at certain times of the year, the DBS has a backlog of applications to process which may cause a delay in their response. Enhanced checks may take longer.
How Long Does a DBS Last?
A DBS has no official expiry date however SAFE recommends that all DBS checks be renewed at least once every 3 years or sooner if there has been a significant gap in employment.
How Much Does a DBS Cost?
Basic DBS – £45.99
Standard DBS – £55.99
Enhanced DBS – £68.99
What do you Need for a DBS Check?
You must provide a range of ID documents as part of the DBS check application process. There are 3 routes of ID checking:
ROUTE 1
All applicants must initially be considered for route one.
- 1 document from group 1 (refer to the list of valid identity documents below); and
- 2 further documents from group 1, 2a or 2b
At least 1 of the 3 documents above must show the applicant’s current address.
ROUTE 2
3 documents from group 2 consisting of;
- 1 document from group 2a; and
- 2 further documents from group 2a or 2b; one of which must verify their current address
ROUTE 3
Birth Certificate (UK & Channel Islands) AND 4 further documents from group 2 consisting of;
- 1 document from group 2a; and
- 3 further documents from group 2a or 2b; one of which must verify their current address.
DBS List of Acceptable Identification:
Group 1: Primary Trusted Identity Credentials
- Current valid passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (UK)
- Current driving licence (UK), full or provisional. Photo card only for Isle of Man/Channel Islands licences, which should be presented with the associated counterpart licence (except Jersey)
- Birth certificate (UK and Channel Islands), issued at the time of birth. The full and short forms are both acceptable, including those issued by UK authorities overseas, eg Embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces (photocopies are not acceptable).
Group 2A: Trusted Government/State Issued Documents
- Current UK driving licence (old style paper version)
- Current non-UK photo driving licence (valid for up to 12 months from the date you entered the UK)
- Birth certificate (UK and Channel Islands) issued after the time of birth by the General Register Office/relevant authority (photocopies are not acceptable)
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate (UK and Channel Islands)
- Adoption Certificate (UK and Channel Islands)
- HM Forces ID card (UK)
- Firearms Licence (UK and Channel Islands)
Group 2B: Financial/Social History Documents
- Mortgage statement (UK or EEA – non-EEA statements are not acceptable)
- Bank/building society statement (UK and Channel Islands or EEA – non-EEA statements are not acceptable)
- Bank/building society account opening confirmation letter (UK)
- Credit card statement (UK or EEA – non-EEA statements are not acceptable)
- Financial statement, eg pension, endowment, ISA (UK)
- P45/P60 statement (UK and Channel Islands)
- Council Tax statement (UK and Channel Islands).
- Work Permit/Visa (UK – UK Residence Permit, valid up to expiry date)
- Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider (non-UK/non-EEA only – valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application)
- Utility bill (UK), not including a mobile telephone bill
- Benefits statement, eg Child Allowance, Pension
- A document from central/local government authority or agency giving entitlement, eg from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HM Revenue and Customs, Job Centre, Job Centre Plus, Social Security (UK and Channel Islands)
- EU National ID Card.
- Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo (UK and Channel Islands)
Updating your DBS Check
A subscription to the Update Service lasts for one year.
You can renew your subscription through the Update Service, either:
- when you first register, by choosing automatic renewal
- or, up to 30 days before your current subscription ends – but you cannot renew on the last day of your subscription
Go to the DBS website and sign in to your account to renew your subscription.
If you do not renew your subscription before it ends, you’ll need to apply for a new DBS check and register for the Update Service again.
Silver Swan Recruitment has a whole range of Private Household Jobs currently available and we are able to apply for your Enhanced DBS Check as part of your application process. Simply get in touch to discuss further.
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