Enhanced DBS

margaeyre

Hi!
I recently interviewed for a new job and I am the preferred candidate. One of the things I have been asked for by my new employer is that I make an application to the DBS for an enhanced check.
I'm happy to do that, but I looking at the gov.org website only an employer can request an enhanced check. At my previous job, they requested one for me, so I'm a bit lost here.
Any insights much appreciated.

General_Grant

You are correct.   For an enhanced DBS check the employer (possibly through an intermediary organisation) has to request the check.  But, you have to agree to it and provide the information they need (such as home address history). 
Is this a role as an employee?  If so, employers may ask their candidates/employees to pay for the check though others bear the cost themselves.
Have you already had an Enhanced check carried out elsewhere?  If so, these can now be made "portable" for an annual payment if this is requested in time - and may be worth doing for this check if it goes ahead.
What is the job for which this employer thinks that an Enhanced check is permitted?

margaeyre

Hi!
thanks for your reply.
Yes, I'd be an employee. I'm happy to give my consent and any additional information they may require. They already photocopied my passport, driving license and they have my NI number and address where I've lived for the past 10 years. 
I worked at my previous job (teaching) for 17 years, so no current checks.
I would be working as an assistant tutor in adult education. I certainly understand the need for an enhanced DBS, as I will probably be working with vulnerable adults. 

General_Grant

margaeyre said:

Hi!
thanks for your reply.
Yes, I'd be an employee. I'm happy to give my consent and any additional information they may require. They already photocopied my passport, driving license and they have my NI number and address where I've lived for the past 10 years. 
I worked at my previous job (teaching) for 17 years, so no current checks.
I would be working as an assistant tutor in adult education. I certainly understand the need for an enhanced DBS, as I will probably be working with vulnerable adults. 

So will that be Enhanced and a check of the Adults Barred List too?  Are you sure that Enhanced is the correct level as you won't be working with children and, presumably, the vulnerable adults are not in a health setting?

margaeyre

Hi, and really, thanks again for taking the time to reply.
The exact words in the email were: "Make an application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) for an enhanced check". 
It is not a health setting, it's in adult education, teaching basic skills (numeracy, literacy, ICT, etc). I won't even be the tutor, just the assistant, but I understand that they want to check my background. I have emailed them back, asking for clarification, but I just wanted to check with people outside the organisation. 
Thanks!

General_Grant

I've just used the tool to check eligibility for DBS checks.  I think the employer could request an Enhanced check (but without either of the barred lists being checked) only if those "vulnerable" adults you would be teaching are classified as "disabled", "ill" or "elderly" (as someone of more mature years I myself find that last category rather too patronising and I wonder about the other two as well).

Jobhunt

You can get a basic check yourself but only certain jobs you can get an enhanced one. I’d ask the employer how you would go about getting the enhanced check . 

marlot

margaeyre said:

Hi, and really, thanks again for taking the time to reply.
The exact words in the email were: "Make an application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) for an enhanced check". 
It is not a health setting, it's in adult education, teaching basic skills (numeracy, literacy, ICT, etc). I won't even be the tutor, just the assistant, but I understand that they want to check my background. I have emailed them back, asking for clarification, but I just wanted to check with people outside the organisation. 
Thanks!

Hmm.  It's not clear from your description that the role is eligible for an enhanced DBS check.  Unless you're mentoring or advising vulnerable adults on their health or wellbeing.
As said above, you can apply for a basic check yourself.  Or the employer can do an enhanced check.

Savvy_Sue

The way we do it is check ID documents and initiate a check. We then send a link to the new employee and they complete more details. Then the check is carried out. 

Maybe this employer does the same?

General_Grant

Savvy_Sue said:

The way we do it is check ID documents and initiate a check. We then send a link to the new employee and they complete more details. Then the check is carried out. 

Maybe this employer does the same?

Seems a good method - means the employer doesn't need to have data they don't need to see.
Do you need to have Enhanced checks?
However, the OP should still check that the employer is entitled to ask for an Enhanced Check.

Savvy_Sue

We have both sorts. System is the same for both with our umbrella.