Employers across Bristol and Somerset have recently complained that lengthy waiting periods associated with DBS checks are leading to significant delays in job commencements and creating bottlenecks in recruitment procedures. For roles involving interactions with children and vulnerable adults, usually in education, childcare or healthcare roles, an enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement before the candidate starts employment.
Can My Employer Check My Criminal Record?
The Disclosure and Barring Service has been in operation for 10 years now, and since the organisation started its work in December 2012 it has processed over 52 million checks. Despite the huge volume of checks which have been processed, many job seekers are still confused about exactly what an employer is allowed to ask, and what they can do with any information provided.
Can I Clean Up My Background Before an Employer Checks?
In a competitive job market any negative aspects on your background screening can automatically put your application into the “reject” pile. It’s only natural that applicants want to take steps to try to clean up their background check before the employer runs the screening. But what aspects of your background are employers actually looking for, and how do you present yourself in the best light?
Crackdown on Offenders Using Loophole to Change Name
MP's and campaigners are calling for the closure of a loophole in legislation which allows convicted sex offenders to change their names, effectively disappearing from Police records. The latest figures show that between 2017 and 2020, 900 offenders who were required to be listed on the sex offenders’ register went missing, with police not knowing their whereabouts.
Fast track DBS Scheme Extended
The DBS fast track system prioritises applications from people applying for positions in healthcare and social care, ensuring that during the pandemic, the NHS and care homes could get staff into position quickly. Although these changes were supposed to be temporary, the Home Office and DBS has announced that these processes will continue until at least March and will be subject to further review
DBS Launches “Making Recruitment Safer” Campaign
The DBS has recently launched a high-profile “Making Recruitment Safer” campaign to inform both jobseekers and employers about the service, and to showcase the support which the DBS can offer. Although the level of awareness of the need to apply for a DBS check for specific positions is high, this campaign aims to raise awareness of the other services which the DBS can offer to employers
New Guidance for Overseas Disclosure and Barring Checks
New guidance has been issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service for people who are thinking about applying for work overseas, particularly in the charity and overseas aid sectors. This is particularly relevant with the recent devastating earthquake in Turkey, which has left thousands in need of overseas help.
Call For Councillors to be DBS Checked
As basic disclosures can be obtained by anyone, many organisations and public bodies use these as certificates of “good character”, allowing the employer to find out about someone’s current and unspent criminal records. Many councils around the UK are calling for this basic level of checking to be compulsory for anyone applying to work as a local councillor representing their local communities.
DBS Checks for MOT Testers
Rules about vetting of people who do MOT testing changed in April 2022. Under the new rules, new MOT testers need to apply for a basic disclosure check before they can start carrying out tests. The rules apply to newly qualified MOT testers, testers who have previously been accredited for MOT testing but who have taken a short time away from the profession, and for anyone who has previously been accredited as a MOT tester but who has not tested in the previous five years.
St John Ambulance Calls for More Volunteers
St John Ambulance volunteers are a common sight at many major sports matches, concerts and public events, providing first aid and emergency healthcare. St John Ambulance is a volunteer-led organisation, which is appealing for new volunteers to step forward for training. What commitment is expected from those stepping forward to help out?