From time to time you may need to carry out a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly Criminal Record Bureau) check on existing or potential new employees.
For some jobs it is required by law that a check be carried before someone can be employed.
A check will search for an individual’s details against criminal records and other sources, including the Police National Computer. The check may reveal convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.
An employer and the concerned individual will both receive copies of the results of the search. A DBS check that shows up previous convictions is not necessarily a bar to employment. Whatever the results, the employer will have to decide whether they wish to offer employment based on the information they have received.
Carrying out a DBS Check
If the job needs a criminal record check any employer can ask for one. However, only organisations registered with the DBS can submit applications for criminal records checks.