Over the coming months, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is planning to make obtaining basic criminal record checks simpler. The DBS will be introducing new digital services that will enable private, public and voluntary sector organizations to recruit individuals more safely, by identifying people who might be unsuitable for certain roles.
Barring Referrals
A new barring referral service is planned as one of the new services to be launched over the coming months. Employers will be able to submit barring referrals online if they are concerned about an individual they feel may be causing harm to a child or vulnerable adult. According to UK Authority, employers will be able to create their own account and share information with the DBS using a secure platform. This service is expected to be available early next month. People who have been referred to this service will also be able to create an account and discuss their case confidentially with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Criminal Record Checks
It will be possible from January next year for residents of England and Wales to apply for basic DBS checks online. These will include any unspent convictions and identity will be proved using the GOV.UK Verify service. Following this later in 2018, organizations and employers will be able to create online accounts to manage DBS applications and track progress. Both standard and enhanced checks can be applied for online so that the suitability of an applicant can be checked if the role involves working with vulnerable adults or children.
The process will be much simpler, and employers and voluntary organizations will simply be able to go to companies such as http://www.carecheck.co.uk/dbs-checks to complete the checks needed to ensure that their workforce is safe.
If employers or others have any concerns about the suitability of any of their workers for employment with children or vulnerable adults, it will also be possible for them to make a barring referral online. If the employer or organization has reason to believe that someone has caused harm to a child or vulnerable adult or poses a future risk, they have a duty to make a referral to the DBS. If they knowingly employ a person who has been placed on the barred list in a regulated activity, they are breaking the law.
