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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.

It is the job of private drivers and chauffeurs to transport a wide range of different passengers, including children and vulnerable adults. Given the trust placed in these drivers, licensing legislation for drivers require thorough vetting through enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

One of the most common problems in the criminal records checking system is working out who is eligible for checking, and what sort of checks are allowed. The different levels of DBS checks were brought in at the time when the system changed name. Applicants for jobs no longer apply for a CRB check but use the very similar application system for a DBS check instead.

The worry of whether a DBS check can lead to sacking is one of the most common concerns. For new employers in a company undergoing their first DBS Check, understanding the information revealed by different DBS Checks is essential before starting to worry about what might happen if criminal convictions are revealed.

Waiting for your DBS certificate can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need it to start a new job or volunteering role. Managing potential delays when applying for a criminal record check is not always something entirely within your control, but knowing the reasons for delay might arm you with the information needed to submit an application in the best shape possible and minimise the time you are waiting for that certificate to arrive in the post.