DBS Checks are crucial for businesses to ensure the safety of their reputation by screening employees and referencing their criminal record history. But why is this so important to the operations of the company?
The following article discusses the importance of regular DBS Checks and how you can apply for one today.
What is a DBS Check?
A Disclosure and Barring Service Check or ‘DBS Check’ is a type of employment check that an employer can request to be performed on an employee. This check confirms an applicant or employee's criminal record history, including past or current convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings they may have received.
To put it simply, a DBS Check gives employers peace of mind that the individual is safe to work within the company. Employers can request different levels of the check depending on their needs and the employment sector an applicant is entering.
Sectors such as healthcare and finance seek the security of a high-level check such as an Enhanced DBS Check, which provides the extra protection a company needs when employing new staff and performing regular checks on existing employees.
The Importance of DBS Check
Not only does a DBS Check ensure the safety of existing employees and the employer, it also ensures that the company’s reputation is not compromised due to employing somebody who is not as truthful as they presented.
DBS Checks act as a safeguarding measure to protect children and vulnerable adults from coming to harm within the establishment. Ensuring employees have a completed and appropriate DBS check can limit the opportunity for such harm.
Why Regular DBS Checks are Important
For those employment sectors that require regularly-updated DBS Checks, these must be carried out within ample time of the date in which a new DBS Check needs to be carried out.
In the United Kingdom, 11 million people have a criminal record in some form. However, 50 per cent of employees would never employ an ex-offender, which is why DBS checks are vital for determining the seriousness of an individual’s history and whether or not they are deemed suitable to work in their chosen profession.
A large number of those applying for positions in the UK are reluctant to admit they have a criminal record during the recruitment process, cementing the absolute necessity of these checks to inform the employer of the whole picture, not just what the applicant is willing to divulge.
Safeguarding
As mentioned above, safeguarding is a critical element of the welfare of employees, and the responsibility of keeping everybody safe and protected within the organisation falls to the employer.
Not performing the correct checks on an applicant before commencing employment with your company and harming existing employees can lead to further issues later.
Risk Management
Performing the proper DBS Checks can also assist with managing risks in the workplace. Having a legitimate DBS Check completed for each employee ensures you can make an informed decision about an employee’s suitability for specific roles within the company.
Legal Requirements
Specific industries have the requirements for higher levels of checks as a legal obligation to employ within their sector. For example, those working in healthcare, education, and finance must undergo regular DBS checks to ensure they comply with the law.
Trust & Reputation
Ensuring you comply with the law can also help build trust and a good reputation with customers and stakeholders. These partners will view your company as one that takes safeguarding seriously and will feel at ease knowing your employees are trustworthy and honest.
Can Employers Carry out DBS Checks on Existing Employees?
Employers are perfectly within their rights to carry out DBS Checks on existing employees, providing they have a valid reason for doing so. This may include a change in circumstances, for example, a promotion.
Equally, employers may wish to apply for a check as a result of an ongoing dispute or investigation on behalf of an employee but will need to obtain their permission beforehand.
Can Employees Refuse to Undergo a DBS Check?
Employees can refuse to have a DBS check completed but are at risk of impacting their current employment. These checks must be performed within the guidelines set out (as a legal requirement) and must be necessary for the role for an employee to consent.
Do DBS Checks Expire?
DBS checks have no official expiry date but can be deemed as ‘out-of-date’ by the employer if circumstances have changed or many years have passed since the last check took place.
