Disclosure and Barring Service
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the service that processes all criminal record checks in England and Wales. A DBS check provides information about a person’s criminal history and can only be requested by an employer, never by the individual who is being checked.
A DBS check helps an organisation to make safer recruitment decisions, whether it's taking on volunteers or employing staff; however, only certain roles are eligible for DBS checks.
UPDATE ON ONE WESTMINSTER'S DBS SERVICE
One Westminster no longer provides a DBS checking service for organisations. Organisations requiring a DBS umbrella service for getting checks for staff and/or volunteers might like to consider registering with Care Check, a leading provider of criminal record checks in the UK, which can provide all levels of DBS checks.
One Westminster now uses Care Check's online DBS service for all staff/volunteer checks, and finds it to be cheaper than the old hard copy version of the DBS service. Online DBS checks are generally processed more quickly as well.
Over 80% of DBS checks are now completed online nationally and there are a number of online services available, but be aware that costs vary.
Please note that Care Check does not carry out DBS checks for individuals.
Which level of DBS is required?
You can use this DBS eligibility checker to work out the actual level of check required for a volunteer or staff role.
Need Further Assistance?
If you would like further information from One Westminster relating to any aspect of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), please email Nigel Barber, Volunteer Services Manager.
You can also visit the Government's Disclosure and Barring Service website. Please note you can also get a basic DBS check through this website.
In addition, the Disclosure and Barring Service has recently launched a new Regional Safeguarding Outreach Service to work collaboratively with safeguarding and recruiting organisations.
Kiran Rehal is the DBS Safeguarding Outreach Officer for Greater London and is available to discuss all matters in relation to DBS, as well as support you and your colleagues in safeguarding and safer recruitment.
Kiran is able to work with you and your organisation in a number of ways, including:
- Answering phone calls or emails to clarify any DBS related queries/questions or advice
- Attending meetings, training, conferences or visiting organisations to have a face-to-face discussion (in lines with pandemic restrictions)
- Developing and delivering presentations, workshops, webinars or discussions to provide an overview of DBS and safer recruitment
- Taking any feedback, suggestions or comments from DBS experiences and feeding this back into the business
- Helping to understand what level of check can be applied for and what information these checks will provide
- Informing organisations and employers of their duty or power to refer individuals who may pose a future risk of harm within regulated activity. This includes: How to make barring referral, When should a referral be made, and How DBS assess whether a referred person should be included on the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List.
You can contact Kiran by email or call 0300 105 3081.