When it comes to criminal background checks, many individuals question if they may request an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check themselves. It’s a typical inquiry, whether you’re a volunteer trying to work with vulnerable populations, a parent searching for a caregiver, or just someone who wants to make sure their record is clean. But can a person receive an enhanced DBS check without going through an employer or organization? Let’s look at what an enhanced DBS check is, who may receive one, and how the process works.
What is the Enhanced DBS Check?
An enhanced DBS check examines a criminal record in greater detail than a basic or standard check. It displays not only convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings, but also any other information held by local police that may be relevant to specific tasks. This may incorporate non-conviction material, making it more thorough. Enhanced DBS checks are especially critical for anyone who will be working with children or vulnerable adults, such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and social workers.
Why Do You Need an Enhanced DBS Check?
Enhanced DBS checks are often necessary for positions requiring a higher level of trust or responsibility, particularly when working with vulnerable groups. This includes jobs in education, healthcare, social services, and even some volunteer positions. Employers or organizations seek these checks to ensure that people working in sensitive positions have no prior convictions or troubling histories that could endanger others.
This form of examination assures the safety of youngsters, the elderly, and those who are unable to protect themselves. For example, a school hiring a teacher or a nursing facility hiring workers to care for the elderly would most likely require an enhanced DBS check.
Can you get an Enhanced DBS check on your own?
The short answer is that you cannot apply for an enhanced DBS check for yourself. An advanced DBS check, as opposed to a normal DBS check, can only be ordered by an employer or organization. This is because extra checks are only required for specific roles, and the employer must ensure that the position entails the necessary level of responsibility or access to vulnerable people.
Employers and organizations must either register with the DBS service or utilize a recognized umbrella body to submit these applications on behalf of their employees or volunteers. This mechanism ensures that only those who truly require this level of examination are subject to it.
Why can’t you apply yourself?
The primary reason individuals cannot request an enhanced DBS check is due to the nature of the check itself. The information offered in an enhanced DBS check is very sensitive, including local police information that may be relevant to the role. It is not just about your criminal past; it may also include information about any concerns that have not resulted in charges or convictions but are nevertheless considered relevant for specific roles. This type of information is confidential and should be viewed only when necessary.
Individuals being able to request this type of check for themselves may raise privacy concerns, as the data is intended to be utilized for certain professional functions rather than personal insight or curiosity.
What if You Need an Enhanced DBS Check?
If you believe you require an enhanced DBS check, the best line of action is to contact an employer, volunteer group, or agency that is authorized to request one. They will determine if the position requires such a check and apply on your behalf. If you are self-employed and believe you require this type of check, for example, if you are starting a daycare business, you must go through a registered agency that can handle the application for you.
Alternatives for individuals
While you cannot apply for an enhanced DBS check, you can obtain a basic DBS check. This type of check will only reveal any unspent convictions or conditional cautions, but it can still be beneficial if you wish to view your criminal history. Many businesses also accept a basic check for jobs that do not require working with vulnerable people.
Bottom Line
While you may not be able to request an enhanced DBS check for yourself, companies and organizations can do so on your behalf if your position necessitates it. The enhanced DBS check protects vulnerable groups by ensuring that individuals in critical positions have been thoroughly vetted. If you need a criminal record check for personal reasons, a standard DBS check can be a better option. It is critical to grasp the distinctions between the levels of checks and to apply them through the proper channels.
