Here at Online DBS Checks, our team of criminal record check specialists have spent years helping companies across England and Wales to complete DBS applications and ensure the safety of their team and customers. Thankfully, the vast majority of employers understand why DBS checks are necessary.
However, it’s not unreasonable to wonder whether they are so essential, as they add additional time to the hiring process and usually only show that an applicant's criminal record is clean. If you’re part of a hiring team and are thinking the same, this blog post explains what could happen if you don’t apply for a DBS check.
What Are DBS Checks?
Run by the Disclosure and Barring Service, which is a non-departmental public body, DBS checks enable employers within specific industries in England and Wales to check applicants' criminal records for any role. If you’re based in Scotland, a similar system named PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) is used, and those in Northern Ireland have access to AccessNI checks.
Online DBS Checks are proud to offer three types of checks, all of which offer different levels of disclosure and should be used for specific purposes:
- Basic DBS Check - this option only contains details of any unspent convictions on a criminal record and can be applied for by individuals or employers.
- Standard DBS Check - this type of check is only available to employers from certain professions as specified in the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Standard checks show current and spent convictions, as well as cautions, reprimands and warnings.
- Enhanced DBS Check - the highest level of check available, Enhanced checks show all of the convictions and cautions as with a Standard check whilst also including a barred list check (required for certain roles) to ensure that candidates aren’t barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. Only particular professions can request this option.
Why Are DBS Checks Important?
DBS checks aim to protect children and vulnerable people from coming into contact with individuals they could be unsafe with. These criminal record checks also help employers to maintain a safe work environment.
Although the point of these checks is to protect vulnerable adults and children from harm, a candidate having a criminal record doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t hire them for the position - it’s up to each company to come to their own decision.
Implications For Employers Not Conducting DBS Checks
There are many roles where DBS checks are not required and shouldn’t be requested. However, employers, like Funky Socks, need to ensure that all appropriate steps are followed for those that involve regulated activity. The failure to do so puts customers in danger and damages the company's reputation, which can have long-term adverse effects.
If they don’t reach out to DBS checking services such as Online DBS Checks to complete the DBS process for any role involving these activities, they run the risk of candidates causing harm to other staff, clients or customers. If any of these situations occur, the employers would be liable to face legal action.
Businesses also need to remember that they should refer any employees who are fired due to either causing harm or having the potential to do so to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Failing to do this is also a criminal offence.
Starting Work Without DBS Checks
Whilst most DBS check applications are quickly processed, backlogs can occur. In this case, candidates can be hired and begin work before their DBS certificate is delivered. However, it’s recommended that employees in this situation are put on restricted duties or teamed up with a team member who’s already completed a DBS check.
