Yes, the CRB changed to the Disclosure and Barring Service in late 2012. What were previously CRB checks are now DBS checks.

A criminal record should not automatically rule someone out of a role that requires a DBS disclosure, though ultimately it is the decision of the employer in line with their safeguarding policies as to whether an applicant is suitable to work in the position for which they have applied. If however your conviction included being put on the children’s or vulnerable adults’ barred lists or imposed a ban upon working in certain professions then it may be a criminal offence to pursue an application for employment in those areas.

Companies and organisations can determine their own rechecking policy, however, it is considered good and proper practice to renew a DBS Disclosure at least every 3 years, or when an applicant begins a new job role.

This depends upon your employer and in some cases the law. For those who have applied for a role involving the care of vulnerable adults, the Department of Health (DH) allows applicants who have applied for an enhanced DBS disclosure to start working with vulnerable adults under supervision. This is dependent upon the person not appearing on the adult’s barred list (a list of people barred from working with vulnerable adults). Employers are able to check this via an Adult First check, available through TotalCRB, to care homes, domiciliary care agencies and adult placement schemes.

Yes. If you have received the results of your DBS disclosure and there is an error on it or you wish to dispute any of the information revealed, please contact the DBS immediately on 03000 200 190. Disputes should be raised within 3 months of the date of issue of the Disclosure as the DBS do not keep information after 90 days of the certificate being issued.

The DBS currently define a volunteer as: “a person who is engaged in any activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travelling and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit someone (individuals or groups) other than or in addition to close relatives” If you satisfy these criteria, the DBS will issue a DBS certificate free of charge. As a result the only cost incurred is the administration fee of £15.00 (VAT incl) per application. For more information visit our volunteers page or contact us.

What information is required? Full current name and address Date of Birth Place of Birth Nationality National Insurance Number Contact telephone number Address details dating back 5 FULL years Details of any previous or alternative names Details of the position and organisation for which the application is being made To validate this information, your employer must complete one of the following three ID Verification Routes: Three routes of ID checking Route 1 The applicant must be able to show: –  one document from Group 1, below –  2 further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a or 2b, below At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. If the applicant isn’t a national of the ...

A complete list of the types of work, employment or professions for which you can legally apply for a DBS disclosure can be found in the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Your employer is best placed to assess whether a Standard or Enhanced DBS disclosure should be conducted for your specific role, bearing in mind their legal responsibilities. If you are still unsure please click here to view a list of all eligible posts. An Individual in any job role can apply for their own basic level of disclosure through the DBS, please contact us for more information regarding our Basic Disclosure application process.

Yes, it is possible to track the progress of your disclosure using the online tracking service provided by the DBS. You simply need to insert your date of birth and form reference number from the front page of your paper disclosure application form or online application. This is the number situated in the top right hand corner of paper application forms, beginning ‘F01’ or ‘E0’ for online applications.

If you are going to work as a paid employee, or volunteer in a regulated activity (e.g healthcare or childcare) for a regulated activity provider or on a regulated site (e.g school or nursing home), you may be required to obtain a DBS disclosure. A complete list of positions eligible for a DBS disclosure can be found on the DBS Website.