Most of us know that there is a level of police criminal record checking for people who want to work as nurses, care staff or teaching children. In England and Wales, these checks are run by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), with sister bodies called Disclosure Scotland and AccessNI in other parts of the UK. What might come as a surprise is that there is a whole host of other occupations which might require a DBS check too.
Accountants
A standard DBS check is required for anyone who wishes to register as a Chartered Accountant, to make sure that they are a “fit and proper person” to manage someone else’s finances. Many companies employing accountants, bookkeepers or financial controllers will run either standard or basic DBS checks on new employees to guard against the risk of hiring a fraudster.
Traffic Wardens
Traffic Wardens are considered part of the law enforcement community along with people who work in the court or prison systems and will need a standard DBS check. A standard check will consider their entire criminal record, not just their current and unspent convictions.
Chiropractors
Considered part of the healthcare profession, a chiropractor must undergo an enhanced DBS check due to the nature of their work requiring close contact with the public. As many chiropractors are self-employed, most will organise their enhanced checks through their industry governing body.
Zookeeper
Although a zookeeper doesn’t often have close one to one contact with members of the public, most zoos in the UK will run a basic check on their keepers to make sure that they do not have an extensive criminal record. Zookeepers who work more closely with school party groups, or who take smaller groups of children on “junior keeper” experiences will be required to have a full enhanced disclosure check.
Librarians
Similar to zookeepers, the level of check needed by a librarian will depend on their work. A librarian whose role involves leading story reading sessions for toddlers, or working in a children’s library will require an enhanced disclosure check. Others, such as workers in a university library where they are unlikely to encounter under 18s, will just need a basic check.
Scrap Metal Dealers
In order to work as a scrap metal dealer, a licence is required. Part of getting this licence is applying for a basic DBS check, as a way of guaranteeing that the dealer has an honest character and is less likely to get involved in buying items which might have been stolen.
Locksmiths
Locksmiths have the skills to break into our houses when we have lost our keys, so it stands to reason that they must be criminal records checked. Most locksmiths will have a standard disclosure as part of their application to the Master Locksmiths Association.
Pub Landlord
Anyone wishing to run a pub needs to apply for a licence from their local council, which will run a basic disclosure as part of their process for assessing their suitability.
