Whether you’re new to education or looking to move roles, understanding DBS checks is essential. This guide explains what DBS checks are, which type you need for working in schools, and how the DBS Update Service can save you time and money.
In education, you’ll often hear about DBS checks. DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, which is a government organisation that carries out criminal record checks.
A DBS check is a background check required for anyone wanting to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults. It looks at your criminal record and may include cautions, convictions or other relevant information held by the police.
It’s important to note that DBS checks are not about preventing people from working in schools; they’re about safeguarding and ensuring the right people are placed in the right roles.
There are three main levels of DBS checks:
To work in most school settings, you will need an Enhanced DBS check.
An Enhanced DBS with a barred list check goes further. It not only checks your criminal record but also confirms whether you are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
At Engage Education, all DBS checks we process are Enhanced with the relevant barred list check for your role.
The DBS Update service launched in 2013. This is an online subscription that keeps your DBS certificate up to date and allows employers (with your consent) to check it online. The benefits include:
This speeds up the hiring or onboarding process, which allows you to start new roles fast, without waiting for a new DBS.
The DBS Update Service saves you money when changing jobs; no need to pay for a new DBS each time.
Schools can quickly and securely check if your DBS status has changed, making recruitment faster and simpler.
An increasing number of schools now require candidates to be on the DBS Update Service to streamline safeguarding checks.
The DBS Update Service costs just £16 per year, and here at Engage, we handle the entire process for you. By registering with our agency, you’ll not only keep your DBS certificate up to date effortlessly, but we’ll also help you find the perfect role quickly, so you can start new opportunities without delay.
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