Rising childcare costs mean that more parents than ever are thinking about hiring someone to work for them to look after their kids in their own home. If you're considering a career as a nanny or governess, understanding why you need an Enhanced DBS check and how to get one is critically important. An Enhanced Disclosure is a certificate that shows whether the certificate holder has a criminal record. Issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, it has replaced the previous CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) system. For nannies and governesses, the Enhanced DBS check is required due to the nature of the role involving children.
Which DBS Check Do I Need?
For those working in childcare roles the Enhanced DBS check, which includes a check against the barred lists, is required. 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. The process for getting an Enhanced DBS check typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
An enhanced DBS certificate provides information based on the police database up to the date the certificate is issued. Most nannies and other childcare professionals sign up to the Update service, which keeps your DBS status current and allows you to easily provide up-to-date information to potential employers. There is a subscription cost associated with being a member of DBS Update, but for people who switch positions regularly, it is worth ticking the box on the application form.
How Do I Apply for An Enhanced DBS?
To begin the application process, you’ll just need to complete your basic details: your title, full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Once you’ve entered these details into the online DBS portal, you’ll receive a secure link to upload supporting documents to verify your identity. Most candidates do this by providing a passport or driving licence. If you don’t have either of these documents, then you will need other trusted documents such as your birth certificate, bank statements, utility bills or government correspondence.
Overseas Workers and DBS Checks
The DBS system can only look into UK criminal records, so if someone has lived overseas for extended periods this can make getting a DBS check tricky. An enhanced DBS check will usually be completed to look at any records here, and the applicant will have to provide an equivalent overseas check, often called a police check. Not every country can produce these quickly, and they may also have to be translated into English by an official translator.
In most cases, if you are employing a nanny through an agency, the agency will manage the process of properly vetting the nannies and making sure they have criminal records checks in addition to taking up references and checking their qualifications. Always put your trust in a reputable agency with a long track record of supplying the type of employees you are looking for.
