Do you know why all domestic staff candidates need a DBS? If you are working with or alongside children or vulnerable adults, it is an absolute must. But even if you are not directly working with children, but will be in the same area. You should really look at getting a DBS done too. Find out all about it here.
What is a DBS Check?
CRBs (Criminal Bureau Service) is now known as Disclosure and Barring Service. Most agencies will require all their registered candidates to have a valid DBS. For certain jobs, such as working with or near children (nannies, tutors, maternity nurses and all other domestic staff) or working with vulnerable adults, DBS checks are a MUST.
There are three types of DBS checks:
– Standard DBS – The standard DBS checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.
–Enhanced DBS – The enhanced DBS is for people who work with children and vulnerable adults (therefore this category applies to all childcare and domestic staff). This includes the same as the standard DBS check plus any additional information held by local police that’s reasonably considered relevant to the role being applied for.
–Enhanced DBS with list checks – This DBS is the same as the enhanced check but includes a check of the DBS barred lists.
You, as an applicant/job seeker, cannot apply on your own for a DBS check. Your employer has to request one or you can go through one of the registered bodies who can give access to DBS checks. Polo and Tweed is one of these registered bodies and we can help you with applying for a DBS.
How to get a DBS check
Once you decide that you want to apply for a DBS check we recommend looking at different DBS providers. It is very important that you do your research. And don’t just go for the cheapest option! As we’ve mentioned above, having an enhanced DBS is the recommended DBS to have.
If you decide to process your DBS with Polo & Tweed, simply inform us. Then the Accounts Department will send you an invoice for the amount which is due to pay. DBS checks via Polo and Tweed are £88 including VAT. Once this is paid, the DBS desk at Polo and Tweed will send you a link to the DBS account with your log in details (ID and password).
Log into the website, fill in all your details requested there. And before you submit your details, print off the Verify form and then submit your details. Then take the Verify form with all your 3 forms of ID to one of the professionals mentioned on the form to check your IDs. Make sure you follow all the steps on the Verify form. Once that is done, please let the DBS desk at Polo and Tweed know as well. So that we can check everything and submit the last step to DBS.
Polo & Tweed uses the Verify service. This means that you don’t have to travel long distances to meet with us, and can process the application from a remote location. This process has been approved by the government and the umbrella corporation we use to process the DBS.
How long is a DBS check valid for?
A DBS check does not have an official expiry date. Any information printed on the DBS check/ certificate will be accurate at the time the check was carried out. It is then up to you as the candidate or to the recruitment agency/ employer to decide if and when a new DBS check is required.
Documents Accepted as Proof of ID and/ or Proof of Address
For a full list of documents that are accepted as proof of ID and of proof address, visit our DBS Documents post.
The DBS Update Service
If you register to the DBS Update Service, your employer can go online (with your consent). There you can carry out a free, instant check to find the information that is found on the DBS certificate. You can also here check if it’s up-to-date.
How long does a DBS check take?
A DBS check can take anywhere from a few days (once submitted) up to 30 days. It sometimes can take even longer. This would be if the police and all the relevant bodies need to carry out further checks. You will receive a copy of the DBS check to your home address (the one used on the form). You should keep the DBS Certificate! As you will be required to show it to your employers/ recruitment agencies.
If a candidate is not from the UK (but lives and works here) can they still get one?
Yes, they still can, they just have to follow all the steps above.
If a candidate is not from the UK and doesn’t live or work here can they still get one?
It will not be a DBS that they will get. They will have to contact their local police authorities for each country and they will advise what steps to follow, but yes, each country should be able to and will provide a police checks on their nationals.
So if your DBS needs renewing, please do not hesitate to contact us and we’d be delighted to help you process one for yourself or your member of staff.