DBS - Explained

Everyone who works in a school, whether they are in a face to face teaching or support role or a back office, non teaching role will require an enhanced DBS with Children Barred List DBS check.

What is a DBS?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions by processing and issuing DBS checks for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The Disclosure and Barring Service also maintains the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists, and makes considered decisions as to whether an individual should be included on one or both of these lists and barred from engaging in regulated activity.

There are four types of DBS check, and each type results in a DBS certificate being issued to an individual. Employers can then ask to see the certificate to ensure that they are recruiting suitable people into their organisation.

The four levels of DBS check are:

  • Basic DBS check
  • Standard DBS check
  • Enhanced DBS check
  • Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check

The information contained on each type of check is different.

Do I need a DBS?

Everyone who works in a school, whether they are in a face to face teaching or support role or a back office, non teaching role will require an enhanced DBS with Children Barred List DBS check.

If you already have an enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List check and it is registered with the Update service then this is great news, once we have video verified your DBS certificate and your references are returned, you can be out to work very quickly.

Will I need to apply for a new DBS?

There are 3 different scenarios for a DBS.

  1. DBS on the update service - as long as the DBS is an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS checking all of your names we can accept this and you still have your original DBS certificate.
  2. DBS not on the update service but dated in the last 12 months - as long as the DBS is an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS checking all of your names, we can accept this for a DBS Deduct scheme. A DBS Deduct is a new DBS application that is processed on your 1st day out to work and the cost of the DBS deducted from your first week of pay. Once you receive your new DBS we will then encourage you to register your DBS on the update service.
  3. No DBS or DBS dated over 12 months not on the update service - A new DBS would be needed - we can help with your application for this and we will then encourage you to register your DBS on the update service.

What will need to be checked on the DBS? 

All names you have ever been known by or that are on your documents will need to be checked on a DBS. For example if your name is ‘William’ and you go by Will both ‘William’ and ‘Will’ will need to be checked on your DBS. It would also need to include any pre-marital names.

If you have any questions regarding your DBS, please call our friendly team today.