Overview
The “position applied for” field is a key part of every DBS application you submit through the uCheck portal.
You must use this field to:
Show why the role is eligible for a DBS check.
Help the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) assess eligibility correctly.
Avoid delays and unnecessary queries during vetting.
You should describe the safeguarding-relevant aspect of the role, not just the generic job title.
How the “Position Applied For” Field Is Used
When you submit a DBS application in the uCheck system:
You must complete the “position applied for” field in the management section of the portal.
The DBS (the government body that vets applications) reviews this field to check if:
The role is legally eligible for the level of DBS check requested.
Any barred list checks (children’s and/or adults’) are appropriate.
The correct workforce type has been chosen.
If the description is unclear or too generic, the DBS may:
Raise queries, or
Delay or even reject the application.
Key Principle: Show What Makes the Role Eligible
You should use the “position applied for” field to describe:
The part of the job that makes the role eligible for a DBS check,
not just the internal job title.
Example: Manager in a Care Home
Imagine the role is a manager in a care home.
The person is eligible for a DBS check because they oversee staff who provide care.
If you enter only “Manager”, the DBS cannot see why the role is eligible.
You should instead enter:
“Care Home Manager”
This description:
Shows the setting (care home).
Helps the DBS understand the regulated environment and eligibility.
Roles Eligible Because of Where They Work
Some people are eligible for a DBS check because of the workplace, not just the job itself.
This is common for:
Sub-contractors
Contractors who work in regulated settings (for example, schools, care homes)
Example: Heating Engineer in a School or Care Home
On its own:
A heating engineer is not automatically entitled to a DBS check.
However, if the heating engineer:
Works in a school or care home, and
Meets the relevant frequency criteria for regulated activity or specified establishments,
then the role may become eligible.
In these situations, the “position applied for” should:
Include both the job role and the setting.
Better examples:
“Heating Engineer in School”
“Contractor in Care Home”
“Contractor – School”
“Roofer – School”
These descriptions make clear:
What the person does, and
Where they do it (the part that creates eligibility).
Impact on Workforce Type and Barred List Checks
The “position applied for” field also influences:
The workforce type you select (for example, adult, child, or adult and child workforce).
Whether you can legitimately request barred list checks.
For contractors working on school grounds, select Child workforce to align with safeguarding requirements.
If the wording does not reflect:
Direct care, supervision, or other regulated activity, or
The correct environment (such as a school or care home),
the DBS may decide the role is not eligible for:
An Enhanced check, or
A children’s or adults’ barred list check.
DBS Check Requirements for Contractors Working on School Grounds
When contractors are working on school grounds, specific DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check requirements must be met to ensure compliance with safeguarding regulations. Contractors are generally required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check because the work takes place in an environment where children are present, even if they do not work directly with children.
Section Y Completion Guidance
When completing the DBS application for contractors working on school grounds, follow these steps:
Workforce Type: Select Child workforce. This ensures the application is aligned with the safeguarding requirements for environments involving children.
Position Applied For: Include the word "School" in the position title to reflect the nature of the work. For example:
"Contractor – School"
"Roofer – School"
Section Y: Answer the following questions as indicated:
Working in regulated activities with Adults: No
Working in regulated activities with Children: Yes or No, depending on the Schools requirements
Working at the applicant’s own address: No
Example: Administrator in a Care Home
Consider the role of an administrator in a care home.
Case 1: Administrator Only
If the person:
Works in the care home but
Does not provide care and
Does not carry out regulated activity,
then:
They may be eligible for an Enhanced disclosure because they work in a care home,
But not for an adults’ barred list check.
In this case, the “position applied for” could be:
“Care Home Administrator”
Case 2: Administrator Who Also Provides Care
If the same person:
Works as an administrator, and
Also provides care or performs another form of regulated activity with adults,
then they may be eligible for:
An Enhanced check, and
An adults’ barred list check.
To show this, you should describe both aspects of the role.
A better “position applied for” would be:
“Care Home Administrator & Carer”
This tells the DBS:
The person works in a regulated setting (care home), and
Carries out regulated activity (providing care),
making the barred list check appropriate.
Best Practices for Completing “Position Applied For”
When you enter the “position applied for” field, you should:
Focus on what makes the role eligible, not just the job title.
Include the environment (e.g. school, care home, children’s centre) if this drives eligibility.
Add functional duties where relevant (e.g. “& Carer”, “working with children”, “providing personal care”).
Make sure the description is:
Clear
Specific
Linked to DBS eligibility (regulated activity, specified establishments, or other legal criteria)
Doing this helps the DBS:
Understand the role quickly,
Approve the correct level of check, and
Avoid delays or queries in the vetting process.