In the UK, safeguarding vulnerable populations, especially children and adults at risk, has always been of paramount importance. Over the years, several mechanisms have been put in place to achieve this, culminating in the establishment of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This article traces the evolution of DBS checks in the UK, shedding light on the events and reforms that shaped its history.

1. Precursors to the DBS

Before the establishment of the DBS, there were two primary organizations responsible for vetting individuals working with vulnerable groups:

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB): Established in 2002, the CRB was responsible for conducting checks on individuals’ criminal records, especially those intending to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA): Formed in 2008, the ISA was responsible for making decisions on who should be barred from working with vulnerable groups based on information provided by the CRB and other sources.

2. Catalysts for Change

Several high-profile cases and incidents highlighted the need for more rigorous background checks and safeguarding measures:

The Soham Murders (2002): The tragic case of the murder of two young girls by a school caretaker in Soham, Cambridgeshire, led to significant scrutiny of recruitment processes, especially in schools.

Bichard Inquiry (2004): Following the Soham murders, the Bichard Inquiry made several recommendations, including the establishment of a central vetting and barring scheme, leading to the creation of the ISA.

3. The Birth of the DBS

In 2012, as part of the UK government’s drive to streamline public bodies and improve efficiency, the CRB and ISA were merged to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This merger aimed to provide a one-stop-shop for employers to check the criminal record and barring status of potential employees or volunteers.

4. Key Developments Since Establishment

DBS Update Service (2013): Introduced a year after the DBS’s formation, the Update Service allows individuals to keep their DBS certificates up-to-date and employers to check a certificate’s status online, reducing the need for repeated checks.

Filtering of Old and Minor Convictions (2013): To strike a balance between safeguarding and fairness, certain old and minor convictions and cautions are no longer disclosed in DBS checks.

GDPR and Data Protection (2018): With the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, the DBS implemented measures to ensure the processing of personal data aligns with the new regulations.

Understanding DBS Checks: Levels, Purposes, and Self-Checking

In the UK, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly children and adults at risk, is of paramount importance. One essential tool in this process is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which vets individuals’ backgrounds for any criminal records that might deem them unsuitable for certain roles. This article delves into the intricacies of DBS checks, their different levels, and answers the question often asked, can I do an enhanced check on myself.

1. What is a DBS Check?

The DBS check is a screening procedure that reviews an individual’s criminal record. It’s commonly used by employers and organizations to assess a potential employee or volunteer’s suitability for specific roles, especially those involving vulnerable individuals.

2. Levels of DBS Checks

There are several types of DBS checks, each varying in depth and purpose:

Basic DBS Check: This is the lowest level of check, revealing unspent convictions or conditional cautions. Anyone can request a basic check on themselves for any reason, often used for personal license applications or job roles not qualifying for higher-level checks.

Standard DBS Check: A more detailed check, the standard DBS reveals both spent and unspent convictions, reprimands, cautions, and final warnings. It’s typically used for roles like security guards or financial positions.

Enhanced DBS Check: This delves deeper, covering the same ground as the standard check plus any additional information held by local police that’s deemed relevant to the role. Jobs involving close contact with vulnerable

groups, such as teaching or healthcare, usually require this level.

Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists Check: This is the most rigorous check. It covers everything in the enhanced check and also checks if the individual is on the official barred lists for working with children or vulnerable adults.

3. The Purpose of DBS Checks

The primary aim of DBS checks is to provide employers with the necessary information to make informed decisions about an individual’s suitability for specific roles. By doing so, they:

Ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.

Maintain the integrity of organizations by hiring trustworthy individuals.

Comply with UK regulations and safeguarding standards.

4. Can You Obtain an Enhanced DBS Check on Yourself?

While individuals can request a basic DBS check on themselves, the same doesn’t hold for enhanced checks. Enhanced DBS checks are typically initiated by employers or organizations considering an individual for a specific role. The nature of the role determines the level of check required. Therefore, without a job or volunteering position necessitating an enhanced check, individuals can’t request one for themselves.