Can any position request a DBS check?

sangie595

Comms69 wrote: »

Its not that simple in terms of jobs having the potential for crime, and employers not wanting to employ ex-criminals (though many do want to do this)


The reasons for a DBS may not be obvious at first. But most employers can justify it very easily - unsupervised contact with the public, cash handling, access to personal data etc.

Actually, strictly on technical grounds, none of the three things you use as examples here would qualify for a DBS check! Unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups yes, but not the general public. Not for cash handling. And not for access to personal data unless that is also for vulnerable individuals.

However, it's not that simple, because the basic DBS check was never implemented in England and Wales. Some employers asked for people to get what is effectively a SAR on the police. And now others area asking for a Disclosure Scotland basic check, which is the Scottish version of DBS but which does have a basic disclosure. If an employer attempts to get back DBS for an inappropriate job, it should be refused, and I know it often is. But if an employer is caught using the DBS inappropriately, they can be heavily fined.

Comms69

sangie595 wrote: »

Actually, strictly on technical grounds, none of the three things you use as examples here would qualify for a DBS check! Unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups yes, but not the general public. Not for cash handling. And not for access to personal data unless that is also for vulnerable individuals.

However, it's not that simple, because the basic DBS check was never implemented in England and Wales. Some employers asked for people to get what is effectively a SAR on the police. And now others area asking for a Disclosure Scotland basic check, which is the Scottish version of DBS but which does have a basic disclosure. If an employer attempts to get back DBS for an inappropriate job, it should be refused, and I know it often is. But if an employer is caught using the DBS inappropriately, they can be heavily fined.

Im surprised cash handling wasn't a criteria!


In terms of the other two, I just assume that when there is contact with the public / or data on the public; that atleast a percentage of users would fit the vulnerable category.

GreenTreen123

@les79 you say that you’ve worked with cleaners that are ex cons - they wouldn’t be allowed work at this company I was referring to because they didn’t have a clean DBS. :-/

GreenTreen123

@Comms69

Being in contact with the public is something even sex offenders and rapists have the luxury of doing.

If “vulnerable people” are being worked with, they should also be supervised via policy and procedures. Eg working in a school and not being in a classroom with a child by yourself.

GreenTreen123

Thanks @Sangie I was looking to know where you got your sources from?

Les79

GreenTreen123 wrote: »

@les79 you say that you!!!8217;ve worked with cleaners that are ex cons - they wouldn!!!8217;t be allowed work at this company I was referring to because they didn!!!8217;t have a clean DBS. :-/

Fair enough!

I suppose I have a lot of respect for the cleaning company my previous employer used in that they gave ex-cons a chance at meaningful employment. And I used to love chatting to them, a few went under purely because they weren't afforded the same opportunities as me or you RE: education/family.

Ultimately, I think the main concerns were:

1. Will they rob the company?

2. Will they sex pest the employees (more so given we had 16/17 year olds)

3. Will they injure/kill anyone?

I just sort of have faith that a DBS check was run and it suggested that none of those options were a possibility, even if it flagged up something.

GreenTreen123

@les how did the ex convict cleaners get jobs as they committed a crime, because the DBS checked said it needed to be faultless.

I!!!8217;m trying to justify why a company shouldn!!!8217;t be able to DBS check everyone - but I!!!8217;m having a tough time

ohreally

The check should only be required for individuals working in a regulated activity with either vulnerable adults or children to verify they haven't been barred.

[Deleted User]

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/674523/Guide_to_eligibility_v9.pdf

This should help

GreenTreen123

Thank you so much @MarkN88

The position of cleaner doesn’t seem to fit for a DBS check. Wow. :money: