Standard DBS Checks – Your Quick Guide

Standard DBS Checks – Your Quick Guide

Ensuring the safety and integrity of your workplace means that ensuring safeguarding is in place. One key element of safeguarding is conducting background checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service DBS checks. Here, we review Standard DBS Checks.

Standard DBS checks help employers to make informed decisions when recruiting for specific job roles.

In MyVetting.com’s guide, we will take you through Standard DBS checks, from understanding their purpose to the application process. You’ll understand Standard DBS checks and how they differ from other  types of dbs checks, like Basic DBS checks.

Key Takeaways

• Standard DBS checks provide employers with an applicant’s criminal history, allowing them to make safer hiring decisions.
• For the Standard DBS check application process, you need to submit 3 forms of ID that can include a passport and proof of address document, such as bank statements, utility bills and council tax statements. Forms of ID should confirm a full name, date of birth and current address.  
• Employers must understand their obligations when conducting Standard DBS checks in order to ensure a secure workplace environment.

Standard DBS Checks

A Standard DBS check is a mid-level criminal record check that reveals:

• spent and unspent convictions
• cautions
• reprimands
• warnings for specific job roles, unlike a basic DBS check which provides less information.

While Basic DBS checks provide information about unspent convictions, Standard DBS checks encompass a more detailed overview of an applicant’s criminal record, including both spent and unspent convictions and other relevant information. Often, Standard DBS checks are required in various public and private sectors, such as healthcare, social care, and teaching, depending on the job role and its requirements.

With the information obtained from a Standard check, employers can evaluate potential risks and maintain a safe working environment for all employees.

The Purpose of Standard DBS Checks

Standard DBS checks primarily serve to aid employers in recruitment decisions by offering a detailed account of an individual’s criminal history. With the details of both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings stored on the Police National Computer, employers can assess an applicant’s suitability for a role and ensure that they maintain a safe working environment. The Criminal Records Bureau plays a crucial role in providing these standard DBS checks, allowing for a thorough examination of a candidate’s background.

Conducting Standard DBS checks allows employers to:

• Detect potential threats
• Avoid hiring individuals that could jeopardise the workplace and its employees
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals in various sectors

Eligibility Criteria for Standard Checks

Eligibility for Standard checks is determined by the job role and is outlined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This legislation specifies the exceptions for various roles and duties eligible for Standard DBS checks, as outlined in the Annex of the DBS guidance. It is the responsibility of the employer to assess the eligibility of the job role before requesting a Standard DBS check, ensuring that they adhere to the regulations set out in the legislation.

Industries and professions that typically require Standard checks include:

• Teachers
• Social workers
• Childminders
• Foster carers
• Medical professionals
• Solicitors

However, specific requirements for each role or industry may vary, making it essential for employers to familiarise themselves with the eligibility criteria outlined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Documents Required for Standard DBS Checks

For ID verification during the Standard DBS check application process, applicants must provide one document of identification, such as a passport or driving licence, as well as one document confirming their proof of address, like a utility bill or bank statement. It is important to refer to the official guidelines provided by the government to determine the acceptable documents for ID verification.

It should be noted that only original documents are valid for Standard DBS check applications; photocopies are not acceptable. Ensuring that the correct and original documents are submitted for ID verification will help expedite the application process and avoid any unnecessary delays.

MyVetting – Turnaround Time for Standard DBS Checks

Turnaround times for Standard DBS checks can vary. Ay MyVetting, we target 5-10 days but these are often returned sooner.

Standard DBS Check Results

Standard DBS check results comprise an individual’s criminal record history, including both spent and unspent convictions. Employers should carefully review this information to assess an applicant’s suitability for a role, ensuring that they maintain a safe and secure working environment for all employees.

A clear Standard DBS check signifies that there are no unspent cautions or convictions on the individual’s record. However, some spent convictions may still be included, depending on the filtering process. Accurate interpretation of Standard DBS check results allows employers to make wise decisions about the fitness of applicants for specific roles, leading to the maintenance of a safe and secure workplace.

Employer Responsibilities and Best Practices

Employers have a legal obligation to request and obtain Standard DBS checks for certain positions, duties, and licenses specified in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. In addition to adhering to the regulations set forth in this legislation, employers should also follow best practices when conducting Standard DBS checks. These practices include:

• Familiarising themselves with the guidance provided by the government on DBS check requests
• Ensuring job application forms reflect current filtering rules
• Holding meetings to discuss any new matters or relevant information revealed in the DBS check.

Misusing Standard DBS checks may result in legal action, potential danger to staff, customers, or clients, and the possibility of hiring unsuitable candidates. Hence, understanding their responsibilities and adhering to best practices when using Standard DBS checks in recruitment is of utmost importance for employers.

Standard DBS Checks – A Summary

Employers must understand the importance of these checks in making informed recruitment decisions and maintaining a safe working environment, as well as the responsibilities and best practices associated with their use.

By adhering to the guidelines and regulations surrounding Standard DBS checks, employers can ensure that they are conducting thorough background checks and making informed decisions when recruiting for specific job roles. Ultimately, understanding and utilising Standard DBS checks is an essential aspect of creating a safe and secure workplace for all employees.