For nannies and governesses, the Enhanced DBS check is required due to the nature of the role involving children. This is a cornerstone of safeguarding, and makes sure that people working with children are properly checked out. Individuals can’t ask for an enhanced disclosure on themselves though, so normally this is organised through the nanny or employment agency.
There are many reasons why a DBS check may appear to get stuck at Stage 4, but the most common are multiple names, police delays and multiple previous addresses. You might not have control over how quickly things happen when the DBS starts processing, but you can do your bit by making sure that you give them all of the information they need.
Navigating the world of DBS checks is complicated, and although some people qualify for free disclosure checks, not all workers will. If you are taking a voluntary position which you will not be paid for, then you should qualify for a free DBS check. Charities don’t pay DBS fees for processing volunteer checks, but may have to pay if they are applying for a check for a paid member of staff.
If you're looking to do postal work, even on a temporary basis, you will typically need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the hiring process. For postal workers, a Basic DBS check is typically required, unless you are involved in higher security services, such as screening airmail which is destined to be sent overseas.
Film and television production companies are mindful of public perception, and want to try everything they can to stop people appearing on TV who have a dubious past. If a production features someone who could potentially poses a risk to staff, the audience, or the public, it could seriously damage their reputation. Because of this, background checks and criminal records checks have become standard for people applying to star in a reality TV show.
The Home Secretary has proposed the development of an automated national Police vetting system that will perform continuous background checks on police officers in England and Wales. The government will ask the 42 police forces across England and Wales to work together to develop a system for automated vetting all serving police workers, both officers and civilian members of staff.
References can provide insights into a potential employee's integrity and character. Most job seekers are more than happy to provide the details of previous employers, or people who can vouch for their character, but there are some who go to the extreme of providing false references.
Failure by police forces to carry out criminal record checks under Clare's Law checks is putting the safety of women at risk, according to a recent report. During a six-month period, police forces in England and Wales are said to have rejected over 20,226 requests for background checks on suspected domestic abusers, a move which could put women at risk.
There is no set law about how frequently an employer should renew DBS checks on their staff, whether basic, standard or enhanced DBS checks. Employers will develop their own policies based on other safeguarding measures, and the type of industry they are operating in. Usually, employers will ask for DBS checks to be repeated every 3 to 5 years.
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