Did you know that every organization can apply for criminal checks on their members of staff or volunteers? There is some work that we recognize as needing to have such examinations – teachers, nurses, police officers and military personnel, for example. In fact, most jobs that involve working with children and / or vulnerable adults will require a DBS. However, there are some jobs that you might not have considered as needing a comprehensive criminal record check to be made.
Owning an establishment that serves alcohol
When running a pub, for example, a person must apply for a Personal License to sell alcohol. A criminal conviction disclosure certificate must be submitted to confirm suitability to hold a license and the certificate cannot be older than one month.
Chartered Accountants
Another position of trust, the role of an accountant puts them in regular contact with people’s personal information and financial details. Therefore, an enhanced DBS inspection is recommended for this profession. For the services of Cheltenham Accountants, visit a site like Randall & Payne, leading Cheltenham Accountants
Commissioner for the Gambling Commission
As this work is involved in gambling, it is important to know that someone who wants to become a Commissioner for the Gambling Commission does not have a criminal that might be a concern for the Commission.
Lawyer
A standard check will be required for those entering the profession as the job involves a lot of trust and dealing with legal institutions and criminal problems.
What a DBS check involves
Many people worry that a DBS check will involve an interview or questions about their character, but there is very little asked of the person being checked. The review takes place behind the scenes, so you do not have to face anyone.
The check looks at your past for spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. Central police records are examined for anything of concern, and previous DBS records are checked for any mention of your name.
Where an enhanced check is needed, the main addition is that relevant local police records are also checked. Enhanced checks are usually required for roles such as working in a school, childminding, foster caring or working with vulnerable adults, and checks are also needed for some legal roles. Knowing what the process involves can take some of the worry out of applying, especially for roles where you might not have expected a check.
How the level of check is decided
DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, and checks exist for good reason. Working with children or vulnerable people gives far more scope for abuse or fraud, so employers need to know who they are taking on.
The type of check depends on the role and on the people you will be dealing with. If you are offered a job, the employer will tell you which level of check it plans to carry out. Teachers, childminders, foster carers and medical professionals are the obvious examples, and anyone working in a school, hospital or children’s home is likely to need an enhanced check.
Positions of trust outside caring roles can also call for checks. Some employers in professions such as law and accountancy, where staff carry significant legal or financial responsibility, may ask for one too. If you are unsure whether a role you are applying for needs a check, ask the employer early so it does not hold up your start date.