Under UK law, UK pilots must take a basic DBS check when applying to work as a pilot.
DBS checks are formal criminal searches carried out by the Disclosure and Barring service. If you are in Scotland, the search is managed by Disclosure Scotland. These statutory checks ensure the public are fully protected from those working in frontline roles.
Employers of those working in public-facing positions are required to request DBS checks for prospective employees under the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
What is a basic DBS check?
The act sets out the need for DBS checks for a vast range of frontline roles including pilots. It also states the level of check needed. As a pilot, your interaction with the public will be limited so your DBS check is only a first-tier check.
A basic DBS check for a pilot requires a search to verify whether you have any unspent criminal convictions or conditional cautions.
Any information found will be displayed on your DBS certificate which will be sent to you in the post and available online. You will need to show the DBS certificate to your employer to take up your new role.
Unlike other DBS checks, you can request a basic DBS check for a pilot yourself. All other types of DBS/ CRB checks (CRB check is the old name for a DBS check) can only be obtained by employers.
There are four types of DBS checks in operation, yours is only a basic level check because your work flying a plane will not bring you into regular, close contact with the public.
DBS checks for CAA
However, for some roles this could be different because the Civil Aviation Authority do use National Security Vetting during the recruitment of some pilots. It is never clear which roles this higher level check applies to because the CAA don’t openly communicate higher level checks.
If you are asked to take a deeper criminal record check as a pilot, it would involve a search of the Police National Computer which is equivalent to a standard DBS check – a mid-level DBS search.
If you do want to make further enquiries about a DBS check for a pilot in the UK, contact the Civil Aviation Authority.
We provide quick and easy ways for for organisations and individuals to complete basic DBS checks online. We also offer a range of DBS support for businesses and individuals. Visit our home page to find out more or call one of our friendly experts today on 0333 030 0446.
