Who needs a DBS Check : Which Roles and Sectors Require Vetting
In the United Kingdom, safeguarding vulnerable individuals is a top priority but, for many people, it’s not always clear who needs a DBS check . An essential tool in safeguarding is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which provides valuable information about an individual’s criminal history. These checks are crucial for assessing the suitability of individuals working in roles that involve close and unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups, such as children or adults at risk. In this article, we’ll review who needs a DBS check and explore who needs an enhanced DBS check, when and where DBS checks are needed, which jobs require them, and who should undergo these checks for work.
When Would You Need a DBS Check?
DBS checks are typically required in situations where individuals are entrusted with the care and well-being of vulnerable groups. The need for a DBS check arises when an individual is considered for a position involving regulated activity. Regulated activity is defined by law and is outlined in various pieces of legislation, including the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Regulated activity encompasses roles that involve close and unsupervised contact with children or adults at risk.
Most common sectors that need a DBS check
Working in Education: Teachers, teaching assistants, and school staff who work closely with children in schools, colleges, and educational institutions.
Healthcare and Social Care: Roles in healthcare settings, including doctors, nurses, and caregivers who provide care to vulnerable adults.
Childcare and Childminding: Individuals involved in providing childcare services, such as childminders and nursery workers.
Sports Coaching: Coaches and trainers who work with children or adults at risk in sports and recreational activities.
Mental Health Services: Positions involving the care and treatment of individuals with mental health issues or disabilities.
Prison and Probation Services: Roles within the criminal justice system, including those working with inmates or individuals on probation.
Where Do You Need a DBS Check?
DBS checks are required in various sectors and settings where individuals come into contact with vulnerable groups. The following areas commonly mandate DBS checks:
Education: Staff who work with children.
Health and Social Care: Staff that work with vulnerable adults.
Childcare Services: Staff caring for children.
Sports and Recreation: Sports clubs and leisure centre staff as well as both paid and volunteer coaches.
Mental Health Support: Staff working with vulnerable individuals.
Prison and Probation: Staff working with inmates, individuals on probation, and those involved in rehabilitation programs.
Which Jobs Require DBS Checks?
Numerous jobs and roles require DBS checks to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable groups. Some examples of positions that typically necessitate DBS checks include:
Teachers and School Staff, including teaching assistants, school administrators, and support staff working with children in educational settings.
Doctors and Nurses, including consultants, registrars, physiotherapist and auxiliary staff providing care to patients, including vulnerable adults.
Childminders and Nursery Workers, including nursery assistants, responsible for the care and supervision of young children.
Social Workers supporting vulnerable individuals and families.
Caregivers workers in residential care homes, including those caring for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or mental health issues.
Who Needs a DBS Check for Work?
Determining who needs a DBS check for work is essential to maintaining a safe environment for vulnerable individuals. The responsibility for ensuring that the right individuals undergo DBS checks often falls on employers and organisations. Here are key considerations:
Employers
Employers in various sectors, such as education, healthcare, social services, and childcare, are responsible for assessing the roles within their organisations that involve regulated activity. They must ensure that individuals in these roles undergo the appropriate level of DBS check.
Organisations
Organisations involved in regulated activity, such as sports clubs, charities, and community groups, should have clear policies and procedures in place for conducting DBS checks on their employees and volunteers.
Self-Employed Individuals
If you are self-employed and work in a regulated activity role, you are responsible for arranging your own DBS check. This is crucial if you offer services that involve close contact with vulnerable groups.
Volunteers
Volunteers who work in positions with vulnerable groups may also be required to undergo DBS checks, depending on the nature of their roles and the organisation’s policies.
In conclusion, DBS checks are a fundamental component of safeguarding efforts in the UK. They are essential for roles and sectors that involve close and unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups.
