Until around ten years ago, the Disclosure and Barring Service was known as the Criminal Records Bureau, or CRB. Most people looking for jobs in the UK will have heard about criminal checks. They might also be familiar with acronyms such as DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) or even with a former entity, CRB (Criminal Records Bureau).
The Disclosure and Barring Service is a body that checks records covering England and Wales, but if you live in Northern Ireland or Scotland, you will deal with a different body.
The application process is much like that operated by the Disclosure and Barring Service, with an online application form and an identity verification phase before the certificates are issued.
The good news for anyone who has previously completed a DBS certificate application is that the PVG checks process is very similar. Both systems provide employers with a way to check whether a DBS certificate is still valid.
However, the PVG Scheme includes ongoing updates, so any employer with a registered interest in the applicant is informed if any considerations are being made to suspend them. The certificates will include the same details as a standard certificate, and where a role is appropriate, an employer may ask to check the Adults and Children's Barred Lists.
Are Disclosures and DBS Checks the Same?
In addition to the PVG Scheme, there are several disclosure types available in Scotland that, while similar to DBS Checks, do have some differences in the crimes reported. For example, a Standard Disclosure will include details regarding the Sexual Offenders Registers, whereas a Standard DBS Check shows similar details, albeit from different sources.
People in England and Wales working with adults and vulnerable people will often be asked to undergo Enhanced DBS Checks, which can also include checking the Children’s and Adults Barred List. In addition to pre-employment checks, additional DBS Checks may be required at set intervals, which often range between six months and two years.
Why Use a Professional for DBS and Disclosure Scotland Checks?
Although DBS and Disclosure Scotland Checks serve a similar purpose, there can also be some differences to consider. Those operating in Scotland for the first time may need assistance, or established companies may want to stream their background screening process.
In either instance, outsourcing checks to a professional third party ensures that security is always retained, and disclosure results can be viewed as soon as possible.
The fact that disclosures are stored in the cloud ensures that those permitted to view the certificate can do so from several devices. If you’re ready to start streamlining your background screening or want to find out more about safeguarding a business against fraud and money laundering, then why not touch base with a professional agency today?
