To work in banking in the UK, you will need to undergo a DBS check. DBS checks are statutory checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring service.
A DBS check is used to confirm your suitability for the role.
DBS checks are performed on a wide range of roles, including a vast variety of positions across the financial sector. There are four types of DBS checks in operation in the UK.
The purpose of a DBS check is to ensure the public, particularly children and vulnerable adults, are protected from those who are unsuitable for work with the public.
DBS checks for those working in financial services
Those working in the financial services in the UK need a standard DBS check.
A standard DBS check for the financial services for a banking role, will involve a search for any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings in existence on the Police National Computer.
This mid-level CRB check is a prerequisite for most positions within the legal and financial sectors, especially roles where work is carried out under Money Laundering Regulations and/ or performs an FCA approved controlled function.
The need for DBS checks within the financial sector is set out in the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. The act stipulates all the roles in the UK which require a DBS check and the type of check which must be undertaken.
All jobs which include a degree of contact with the public are included in the act. Those working in the financial sector are in a position of influence so a mid-level DBS check is necessary for most roles across the industry.
Employees working in the closest contact with the public, particularly children and vulnerable adults, are subject to the highest level of CRB check.
Standard DBS checks can only be requested by your employer. To find out more about your legal rights under the Rehabilitation of Offenders act and the legal requirements of the FCA visit unlock.org/financial-services-sector.
For further information about DBS checks, visit our home page.
