Understanding Eligibility for Different Types of DBS Checks
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are essential for roles involving work with children and/or vulnerable adults. This article explains the eligibility criteria for various types of DBS checks, including Basic, Enhanced, and Barred List checks, and provides guidance on common scenarios.
Overview of DBS Checks
DBS checks are used to ensure that individuals working in certain roles are suitable for their positions. The type of DBS check required depends on the nature of the role and the individuals being supported.
Types of DBS Checks
Basic DBS Check: Provides details of unspent convictions and is available for any role.
Enhanced DBS Check: Includes details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings, as well as any relevant information held by local police.
Barred List Checks: These checks identify whether an individual is barred from working with children and/or vulnerable adults. They can only be requested as part of an Enhanced DBS check for roles involving regulated activity.
Regulated Activity and Its Role in Eligibility
Regulated activity is a key factor in determining eligibility for Enhanced DBS checks and Barred List checks. It involves specific activities carried out frequently or intensively with children or vulnerable adults, such as:
Hands-on personal care
Healthcare or social care
Supervising individuals performing these activities
If a role does not involve regulated activity, a Barred List check cannot be requested.
Eligibility Criteria for Different Checks
Adults’ Barred List and Adult Workforce
Adults’ Barred List: Eligibility requires involvement in providing or supervising personal care for adults.
Adult Workforce: The service must be specifically aimed at adults deemed vulnerable due to age, illness, or disability. If the service is open to all or includes children, the role does not qualify for the Adult Workforce element.
Child Workforce
Roles involving work with children should be assessed against DBS eligibility criteria. Select "Child Workforce" for positions involving children, and ensure the role meets the statutory definitions for regulated activity.
Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List
An Enhanced DBS check with the adults’ barred list can be requested if the role involves hands-on personal care, healthcare, or social care for adults, or if the person directly oversees staff providing such care. Eligibility depends on whether the role meets regulated activity criteria rather than vulnerability alone.
Basic DBS Check
If a role involves working with vulnerable adults and/or children but is not classed as regulated activity and is not supervised, the applicant is only eligible for a Basic DBS Check.
Common Scenarios and Eligibility Outcomes
Therapy-Based Support Roles
Eligibility for an Enhanced DBS check with the adult workforce element requires that the work involves regulated activity with adults. If the service is open to all and not solely to vulnerable adults, the role would not qualify for the adult workforce element.
School Cleaners
School Cleaners are not eligible for the Adult Barred List check because the role is not regulated activity with adults. For roles in schools, eligibility would be for the Child Barred List check instead, if the role meets the criteria for regulated activity with children.
Adding Barred List Checks
A barred list check can only be requested at the time the Enhanced DBS application is submitted. It cannot be added after submission.
FAQs
When is a barred list check eligible as part of a DBS check?
A barred list check can only be requested if the role involves regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults.
Do our services qualify for Adult Workforce DBS checks?
If your service does not meet the DBS definition of “vulnerable adults,” you should submit Child Workforce applications for roles involving work with children. Enhanced checks can still apply within the Child Workforce where eligible duties are performed.
Conclusion
Determining the appropriate type of DBS check requires careful assessment of the role’s activities and the individuals being supported. Always refer to DBS eligibility criteria to ensure compliance and accuracy.