What is a DBS check?
What will it be used for?
What if I have a conviction or caution?
How do I arrange a DBS check?
A DBS check is an essential requirement if you want to come and work for us.
This post will try and answer any questions you may have regarding the DBS process and what it’s used for. Plus why you shouldn’t be discouraged from applying due to previous unspent cautions or convictions.
What is a DBS check?
A DBS check is an official record stating a person’s criminal convictions and cautions.
DBS stands for the ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ and was previously known as a CRB check. There are different levels of checks. Here at Seco Support Ltd we always request the ‘enhanced’ check.
The Basic Check will produce a certificate that details any convictions or conditional cautions that are unspent. Unspent means a crime that stays on your record indefinitely (ie serious violent crimes that impact safeguarding, or offences that resulted in a prison sentence of more than 2.5 years); or a caution that occurred in the last 6 years, as long as the crime is not relevant to safeguarding; or a conviction that occurred 11 years ago, as long as no prison sentence was given and have been crime free since, as well as it not being relevant to safeguarding.
The Standard Check certificate details both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are held on the Police National Computer.
The Enhanced Check (which we at Seco Support request) contains all of the above plus non-conviction information supplied by relevant (local) police forces.
What is a DBS check used for?
Seco Support are a supported living company working with vulnerable young people in the community. By carrying out a DBS check it helps us make safer recruitment decisions, meaning both the person we support and our staff, can live and work in the safest environment possible.
Will I be rejected if I have something on my DBS?
As a mindful employer we understand not everyone’s situation is the same. We make sure we ask in our application forms as well as in our interviews if there is anything to declare. We’d much rather hear directly from you, so please be honest.
If something does crop up we take a whole view risk assessed approach and will let you know of our decision as soon as possible.
How do I arrange a DBS check?
Only an employer can arrange for a DBS check to be carried out. At Seco Support we send you a link from Ucheck which will ask you for some forms of ID. You will then be asked to send copies of ID, utility bills, birth certificates to us and we will complete the rest.
The wait time can be anywhere from a couple of days to 6 weeks.
We hope you’ve found this post informative and understand why our DBS checks are so vital to ensure the safety of everyone associated with Seco Support!
One Comment