A Guide to Standard DBS Check

What is a DBS Check

A DBS check, or Disclosure and Barring Service check, is a method of verifying an individual’s criminal record. These checks play a pivotal role in ensuring that businesses make educated judgements during the hiring process.

Once the rigorous screening procedure is complete, employers may request and review an applicant's DBS certificate, which will help them determine the subsequent steps in the employment process.

There is a systematic framework for DBS checks that includes three distinct levels and four types, each designed to respond to different job scenarios and safeguarding needs. They are:

• Basic DBS Check
• Standard DBS Check
• Enhanced DBS Check
• Enhanced with Barred list Check.

In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into the significance of Standard DBS checks, and how they contribute to safeguarding both the workforce and those who may be in more vulnerable positions.

What is a Standard DBS Check

The Standard DBS check takes centre stage when it comes to exploring deeply into an individual's criminal record, surpassing the Basic DBS Check, in terms of comprehensiveness and relevance, making it an indispensable instrument for employers and organisations looking to make informed recruiting decisions.

It's important to note that individuals cannot directly apply for a standard disclosure on their own; rather, it's initiated by employers or organisations when certain positions necessitate this level of scrutiny. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is in charge of this vital check in England and Wales, whereas Disclosure Scotland is in charge north of the border.

The meticulous gathering of information from the Police National Computer (PNC) is at the heart of a Standard DBS check. This comprehensive database contains a plethora of information about individual's criminal history, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

What does Standard DBS Check Show

The Standard DBS check reveals the following information:

• Spent Convictions: Details about spent convictions are included in a standard DBS check, which are convictions that have passed a required rehabilitation period without any further criminal activity.
• Unspent Convictions: Unspent convictions are those that have not yet reached the allotted rehabilitation period, indicating that the individual is currently serving their sentence or is subject to limitations as a result of recent criminal behaviour.
• Cautions: These are formal warnings issued to individuals who have committed minor offences, recognising their misconduct but not pursuing a full prosecution.
• Reprimands: Like cautions, these are a formal response to minor offences, particularly for juvenile offenders.

What Jobs Require Standard DBS

It is the responsibility of the employer to inform the candidate if he needs a DBS check as a prerequisite for the role applied for, and the level of check required.

Because of the nature of the work and the possible influence on vulnerable persons, several professions and employment responsibilities necessarily require a Standard or Enhanced DBS check. Among these roles are:

• Teachers
• Workers in Social Services
• Medical Professionals
• Foster Parents
• Childminders

Furthermore, regardless of the specific job role, certain professions require a DBS check at the entry level. These are some examples of such occupations:

• Veterinary Surgeons
• Barristers and Solicitors
• Accountants

What is the Process of a Standard DBS Check?

Obtaining a Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a systematic process that assures a thorough review of an individual's criminal history. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how these applications work:

Step 1 - DBS Application Form Submission

• The DBS online application is sent to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) through an umbrella organisation that serves as an intermediary.
• The DBS thoroughly checks the application form upon receipt. If any inaccuracies or anomalies are discovered, they swiftly send it to the parent organisation for correction within 24 hours.

Step 2 - The Police National Computer (PNC) Search

• If all goes well in Stage 1, the DBS moves on to the next stage. The application information is cross-referenced rigorously with the Police National Computer (PNC) database.
• This search will look for any possible matches with criminal records. If there is a mismatch between the provided information and what is on the national computer, it raises questions that must be investigated further.

Step 3 - Children's and Adults' Barred List Checks (For Enhanced DBS Applicants)

• An additional check is required for individuals seeking for an Enhanced DBS check online, especially if the position entails dealing with children or vulnerable persons.
• To determine if there are any matches, relevant information from the DBS application is checked to the appropriate barred list.
• Being on one or both of these lists legally disqualifies a person from working in positions where they could pose a risk to children or vulnerable adults.

Step 4 - Enhanced DBS Sent to Local Police Force

• Any online Enhanced DBS checks are forwarded to the applicant's local police force(s) for additional evaluation of their criminal record.
• This phase is critical to ensure that potential matches are not ignored and that the information corresponds to police records.
• Delays may arise during this phase owing to a variety of circumstances, including backlogs at police departments or the necessity for additional investigation to settle contradictory facts. As a result, determining accurate timeframes for the completion of a DBS check might be difficult.

Step 5 - DBS Certificate Printing and Dispatch

• All obtained and confirmed information is combined and stamped onto a DBS check certificate at this critical last stage of the DBS procedure.
• Applicants often receive a physical certificate as well as a digital copy emailed to their selected email address. This dual delivery method gives easy access to the findings.
• These certificates serve as formal proof of a person's criminal record history and represent the results of the background screening procedure.

Conclusion

A Standard DBS check is an essential tool for making informed hiring decisions since it provides a thorough perspective of an individual's criminal history. Complygate is here to empower the hiring process for organisations looking for a streamlined and effective DBS Check solution. Our expertise and services, which include Standard DBS checks, go above and beyond the basics, assuring a thorough evaluation. Recognising the distinct requirements of various roles and professions, we customise our solutions to your specific requirements. Contact us now for more information or schedule a demo to see for yourself the efficiency and efficacy of Complygate's DBS Check service. Make the best decision for your organisation's safety and compliance.