Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS)
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) have merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). CRB checks are now called DBS checks.
A DBS check may be needed for:
- certain jobs or voluntary work - eg working with children or in healthcare
- applying to foster or adopt a child
An employer can ask for a DBS check for certain roles.
DBS eligibility guidance lists most roles that are eligible for a check. However, the guidance isn’t comprehensive so contact DBS if unsure.
Applicants (job candidates) can’t do a criminal records check on themselves, but they can request a ‘basic disclosure’.
How to get a DBS check
- The employer gets an application form from DBS or an umbrella body (a registered body that gives access to DBS checks).
- The employer gives the applicant the form to fill in and return to them along with documents proving their identity.
- The employer sends the completed application form to DBS or their umbrella body.
- DBS sends a certificate to the applicant. The employer will have to ask the applicant to see the certificate
For more information visist the DBS website: https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/overview
UPDATE - June 2015
Be advised that your local office of Primary Care Support (PCS) Services no longer is able to complete and submit the Disclosure and Barring Service Checks forms on behalf of applicants to the Performer List.
Applicants seeking to join the Performer List are required to complete and submit these forms themselves and can use any one of the umbrella bodies recommended by the Home Office for supporting applicants with their DBS application. These umbrella bodies can be found at https://dbs-ub-directory.homeoffice.gov.uk/
PCS Services was subject to a national procurement exercise and an external provider delivers its services under a new national contract. The work of submitting DBS forms on behalf of Performer List applicants, which some PCS Services offices have undertaken, is not included in the terms of the procured contract.
Your local office of PCS Services has discontinued providing this service to Provider List applicants since 1 June 2015. The applicant or the practice is now required to return their DBS forms themselves. Once the relevant DBS certificate is received, along with the other paperwork, the application to be included on the Performer List will be processed as usual.