Since March 2002, anybody wanting to work or volunteer with children, teenagers and vulnerable adults have had to undergo a background check from the Criminal records Bureau (CRB Check). This was done in order to ascertain their suitability for the position based on their previous character. After ten years of being the standard operating procedure the CRB check is being changed to the Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS checks). So what changes can you expect?
Reasons for the switch
There have been many complaints about the CRB checks in regards to the service provided, with some checks taking weeks to be returned and results occasionally being incorrect. This has led to many calls for the system to be changed in order to make it faster and more straightforward. In answer to this, the Coalition Government changed the system to tie it in with the Protections of Freedoms Act and launched DBS Checks in December 2012.
What changes have been made?
Several alterations have been made in an effort to help protect vulnerable groups, these include:
- More rigorous police checking
- An increased barring of unsuitable individuals
- Changes to regulated activity
- Age restriction – no one under 16 can apply for a DBS check
- Introduction of an Update Service
These changes have all had a significant impact on the way in which criminal background checks are carried out, speeding up the process and providing a solution to the problem of outdated CRB checks. The Update Service in particular will drastically reduce the time and costs of many employers by providing an online certificate that will not need repeat applications.
Alterations to your practice
You will need to be fully up to date with all codes of practice in order to prevent unlawful activity. The full extent of the changes you will need to make can be found in the government’s DBS checks guide. The basic things you need to understand are the changes to regulated activity, which involves employing people who are on a barred list and reporting people who have been dismissed from regulated activity. There is now no longer a controlled activity option, which had previously been used for people in admin duties – now everyone in a role working with vulnerable groups will have to undergo DBS checks.
New definitions of regulated activity
Previously regulated activity covered a wide range of roles, however under the new definitions it specifically targets any unsupervised activities and working in areas with opportunity for contact with vulnerable groups. These include coaching, teaching and caring for children or vulnerable groups or working in areas such as schools, nursing homes or childcare premises.
Anybody taking part in these activities will need to be properly supervised by an individual with a DBS check and any medical care must be carried out by a professional. The DBS checks have now been active since December 2012, taking over CRB checks to provide a standardised form of acceptance that an individual is fit to work with groups such as children and vulnerable adults.
Criminal Background Checks 