There are different ways to verify if a candidate is telling the truth during the application process. One method is performing a DBS check, which is mandatory for many roles in the health and social care industry.
But what actually is a DBS check, and why is it so vital for carers? Let’s take a look.
Getting to Know DBS Checks
DBS checks allow employers to review a person’s criminal record. The information provided can then be used to determine if an individual is suitable for the role they’ve applied for. Whenever a position involves working with vulnerable adults or children, this check is an extra layer of protection helping to better protect these at-risk groups.
There are 3 main types of DBS checks, with each one being more extensive than the last. Here’s a breakdown of each one.
Basic DBS Checks
Firstly, we have basic DBS checks. This version provides information about an individual’s unspent cautions and convictions, which are covered in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Unlike the others, employers from all industries can request the basic check, helping them decide whether candidates are ideal for the role they’re trying to fill. With that being said, some industries require applicants to be assessed through one of the more extensive levels of this check.
Standard DBS Checks
The next level up is standard. Alongside the unspent convictions that are provided in the basic version, the standard DBS check will show warnings, cautions and reprimands that have been spent.
This check is regularly required in many industries that include but is not limited to:
Legal (such as lawyers)
Finance (such as Accountants)
Corrections and Rehabilitation (such as prison workers)
Enhanced DBS Checks
Lastly, we have enhanced DBS checks. All the information that’s covered in the standard check is given, along with additional information. This extra information includes checking Barred Lists, information from local police and data from the Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Health (where applicable).
Most roles in the healthcare industry require applicants to be checked before they’re offered a job.
How To Request One
If businesses want/need to check an individual’s criminal history before offering them a position, they can do so by heading over to a DBS provider’s website (such as Eurocom CI). In some cases, an individual applying for a role can request one for themselves. For example, the basic DBS check can be requested by an individual, but the standard and enhanced versions must be actioned by an employer.
Why Carers Must Be Checked
Carrying out DBS checks on carers is so vital due to them being in close contact with vulnerable groups. From a company’s perspective, it wants to ensure that its reputation and ethical principles are upheld by those it employs. Therefore, DBS checks help reduce the risk of hiring unsuitable candidates, helping the business to achieve these goals.
If we think from the perspective of someone that needs care, or one of their family members, they would want a professional that is trustworthy. This check helps build trust by ensuring there aren’t any red flags from an individual’s past, helping to build trust between both parties.
Conclusion
DBS checks are an integral part of the hiring process for the healthcare industry; they provide valuable information that can determine if someone is suitable for a role they’ve applied for. However, it’s not just this industry that can benefit, many others can too.
