CRB check, also known as the Criminal Records Bureau check was replaced by the DBS check or the Disclosure and Barring Service check following changes to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in March 2013. DBS is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office and its purpose is to help employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, especially children. When a check has been processed by the DBS and completed, the individual will receive a DBS certificate.

 

The biggest worry for parents with young children who are looking for a child care provider, whether it be a babysitter, a nanny, an au pair or a nurse, is who to trust. How can we as parents ensure the safety of our most precious possession? The first step in doing so is making sure we request the care provider to furnish their DBS certificate. Anyone who works with children regularly should have a DBS certificate available to show to parents.

 

There are different types of DBS checks from “basic” to “enhanced”. Basic check shows details of all Cautions, Warnings, Reprimands and Convictions held on an individual’s criminal record. However, individuals who are willing to work with children should have the enhanced DBS check. Enhanced check includes constituents of Basic with additional area where local police can add any relevant information they may hold about the applicant. It also reports whether the applicant is on the children or vulnerable adults Barred Lists.

 

The Barred Lists are a list of the names of individuals that are barred by law from working with сhildren or vulnerable adults. It is an offence for any individuals on the Barred Lists to work with or seek employment in childcare or with vulnerable adults. It is also against the law for employers to allow individuals on Barred Lists to work with children.

 

DBS applicants are required to present multiple government issued identifications, including birth certificate, drivers license and passport as well as utility bills or financial statements such as council tax bill, bank statements etc. This often dissuades people without proper documentation or records to obtain a DBS.

 

A DBS certificate is only truly accurate on the day it was issued. As such, there is no official expiration or renewal date for a DBS check. It is highly recommended that all DBS checks be renewed at least once every 3 years or or sooner if there has been a significant gap in employment.

 

More details on the DBS can be found here. It is worth noting that KidSitter requires every one of our babysitters to show a recent DBS certificate as part of our thorough 5-step vetting process.

Tags: CRB, DBS, Home Office, ISA, Safety