Category Archives: DBS News and Advice

If the sector in which you work is one where DBS checks are a standard part of recruitment, then you might be faced with applying for multiple DBS checks over the course of just a few months. It’s hardly surprising therefore that many workers ask about whether they can take a DBS certificate obtained for one job and use it for another position.

To coincide with the launch of the Home Office's Stop! Think Fraud campaign, the Disclosure and Barring Service is publicising a new campaign to try to prevent job seekers from falling foul of advanced fee job scams, which commonly involve criminal records checking. Fraudsters are trying to deceive job seekers into paying up-front for non-existent DBS checks, particularly during peak recruitment periods.

DBS Checks play a crucial role in making informed recruitment decisions for both individuals and organisations. In the UK, criminal records checks are the main tool used by employers in ensuring they are following safeguarding procedures, and not putting vulnerable people, or their company finances in danger. In England and Wales, criminal records checks are done by the Disclosure and Barring Service, or DBS.

A Police Clearance Certificate, often referred to as a “good conduct” certificate, is an official document issued by law enforcement agencies. This sort of police check is about verifying an individual's criminal record status, telling immigration departments or employers about any criminal convictions, or pending charges. It sounds remarkably similar to applying for a DBS check but there are subtle differences.

In the education sector, safeguarding students is what most professionals will say is the most important responsibility of their role. DBS checks for staff and volunteers play an important part of meeting these safeguarding needs. However, going through the process of DBS checks can be confusing, especially when you’ve never done it before.

New regulations to be introduced in Newport, South Wales, aim to greatly improve safety standards for taxi drivers and owners. These will include stricter criminal record checks and licensing requirements, not just for the people who are driving the cabs and picking up passengers, but also for anyone who is in charge of a taxi or private hire business.

There is lots of confusion about the different levels of DBS checks, and what each check is needed for. Many job seekers think there is only one level of check. Enhanced checks are the most detailed DBS checks and the most high-profile, as this is the check that people need if working with vulnerable groups such as children, or patients in hospital.

DBS Checks are still commonly referred to as CRB Checks by many people in the UK. Although the terminology has changed and this sort of criminal records check is now known as a DBS check, the old terms still remain. It’s not surprising that some people are confused, because over the years the system has changed several times.

If you seem to be stuck in a never-ending cycle of waiting for DBS paperwork to process and come through in the post, you're not alone. Many people run up against delays in the processing of their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates, particularly during the final stages.

Not every job role will require financial checks, but understanding the need for a bankruptcy background check in the employment process is important for both employers and those looking for a new job. If you’re not sure what bankruptcy is, why employers conduct bankruptcy checks, and how it fits into the broader landscape of background screening then we’ll try to explain the basics of the system and how it might affect you if you are being asked to go through background screening or a DBS check.