Blog

Despite the UK having left the EU at the end of 2020, we are still sticking to many of the GDPR rules which cover data protection across Europe. Data protection laws are strict in terms of criminal records, so whether you’re a business owner or a DBS applicant, it’s important to understand what you need to do in terms of confidentiality.

One of the most common queries handled by companies involved in organising DBS checks for staff is what to do when someone loses their DBS certificate copy. In many other cases, getting a copy of a certificate just means writing to the awarding body, and potentially paying the cost for a replacement. DBS certificates are a different matter though and getting a replacement certificate is far trickier.

In terms of DBS checks, “child” is defined as anyone under the age of 18. There are many young people under the age of 18 working part time while at school, or undertaking work experience in a range of settings, but what are the rules for adults whose job it is to supervise them?

During the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve all become more aware how easy it is for people to become disconnected from society, lonely and isolated. Volunteer befrienders step into these situations and maintain contact with the person concerned, with the aim of the contact turning into friendship. It’s a rewarding way to volunteer, and befrienders can make a real difference to people’s lives.

As the entertainment industry starts to open up again after the pandemic, work has resumed on the many films and television series made here in the UK. It’s an industry employing thousands, from the household name actors who are the stars of the show, to the supporting artistes or “extras” who make up the numbers in a crowd scene. But do actors and extras need a DBS check to start work on set?

If you are an employer or running a voluntary service which submits a large volume of DBS checks every year, then the E-Bulk system operated by the DBS could be of enormous benefit. E-Bulk is designed to allow registered organisations submit large quantities of applications electronically and receive certificates electronically too.

As life starts to get back to normal after the pandemic, the volume of applications coming into the DBS is growing too. It’s perhaps no surprise that the DBS is pushing the services of its Outreach Team, who are there to help and support managers and business owners with their DBS checking process.

Getting a reference is just as much part and parcel of the recruitment process as getting a DBS check or filling in the application form, so it’s important that both employees and employers understand their rights and obligations.

Government departments have moved many functions online during the pandemic, and Right to Work checks are no exception. However, the special arrangements we’ve all got used to over the last year have now come to an end, and if you’re an employer then it’s essential that you’re up to speed with the latest changes.

Most people hunting for jobs in the UK will have heard of criminal records checks, and they may also be familiar with acronyms like DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) or even the previous body, the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau). That’s not the end of it though, as the DBS only covers England and Wales. If you are applying for a job in Scotland, or recruiting staff to work in Scotland, then you might come across yet another acronym – PVG.