In this blog entry, we will be answering some of the common questions that we get about CRBs and DBS checks.
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[accordion-item title=”Q: What is a CRB check? What is the DBS check? Is there a difference?”]
The term “CRB Checks” is the acronym for “Criminal Record Bureau Checks” generalised descriptions include: Police record checks, background checks, criminal checks, criminal background checks, employment background checks, employee background checks, staff vetting, employee vetting, pre-employment vetting and tenant vetting.
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) have merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
CRB checks are now called DBS checks. So the CRB Checks is now known as DBS Checks and refers to Criminal Record Checks carried out by Disclosure & Barring Scotland (DBS – Formerly Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)) via CRB registered umbrella bodies.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item title=”Q: I already have a DBS check. Can I use this?”]
We are happy to accept your DBS even if it was issued by another organisation. However, it must be an Enhanced DBS Check and it must have been issued within the past 36 months.
Basically, you will need to check to see which type of DBS check you have. There are three levels of checks:
- Basic DBS Check – referred to as a Basic Disclosure
- Standard DBS Check – referred to as a Standard Disclosure
- Enhanced DBS Check – referred to as an Enhanced Disclosure
Volunteer Disclosure – There is also a check available to companies, businesses, voluntary agencies, charities or organisations for their voluntary workers, referred to as a Volunteer Disclosure, which can be either Standard or Enhanced depending on the type of voluntary work a person will be involved in.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item title=”Q: What is the difference between an Enhanced or standard DBS check?”]
There are 3 types of check.
Standard: This checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings, and will take about 2 weeks.
Enhanced: This includes the same as the standard check plus any additional information held by local police that’s reasonably considered relevant to the workforce being applied for (adult, child or ‘other’ workforce). It usually takes about 4 weeks to process. Although it can take anything from 2 week to up to 8 weeks.
Enhanced with list checks: This is like the enhanced check, but includes a check of the DBS barred lists.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item title=”Q: Do I need a DBS check in order to tutor with WISE tutors?”]
Yes, in order to be a tutor with WISE tutors you will need to have an Enhanced DBS check issued in the past 36 months. Enhanced DBS checks are specifically designated for positions which involve regular contact with children or vulnerable adults.
People that work in environments that involve regular contact with children or vulnerable adults, such as schools, childcare premises, children’s hospitals, adult care homes will generally require an Enhanced DBS check.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item title=”Q: If I only tutor online or I only tutor adults, do I still need a DBS check?”]
Yes you need a DBS check even if you are an online tutor especially if you work with children.
If you work with adults you are not require normally to a have an enhanced CRB check but we highly recommend to have the standard or Enhanced DBS.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item title=”Q: How much does a DBS check cost?”]
The Standard DBS Check cost £26 the Enhanced DBS Check costs £44 but this is usually for larger organisations that process thousands of DBS checks every year.
As WISE tutors is a smaller agency, we process DBS checks through a partner organisation and therefore the Enhanced DBS check through WISE Tutors will cost £65.
It is important to note that checks for eligible volunteers are free of charge. This includes anyone who spends time helping people and is:
- not being paid (apart from for travel and other approved out of pocket expenses)
- not only looking after a close relative
An employer can only apply for a check if the job or role is eligible for one. They must tell the applicant why they’re being checked and where they can get independent advice.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item title=”Q: Where can I apply for a DBS check?”]
You can apply for a Basic disclosure by directly contacting the Disclosure and Barring Service. However, all other disclosures (including the Enhanced DBS check) must be processed through an employer or an organisation that is a registered body.
You will need to fill in an online application form and show your original documents to the employer or agency performing the check.
Once the DBS is processed, the employer or agency will need to ask the applicant to see the certificate.
The applicant may also contact the Disclosure and Barring Service to subscribe to the DBS update service, so that various employers or agencies can view their certificate online.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item title=”Q: Which documents do I need to process my DBS check?”]
Remember that you will need to upload documents to the online application and you will also need to show original documents to the agency or organisation that is performing the check.
The documentation required for both Standard and Enhanced DBS applications is set out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and is as in the follow link https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/documents-the-applicant-must-provide-
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[accordion-item title=”Q:How long does it take to process? Do I need to come to your office?”]
We use an online service that assists with making the DBS check faster.
Please remember: Even though you complete the application online, we will still need to see your original documents at our Croydon Office.
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[accordion-item title=”Q: Can WISE Tutors process my DBS check?”]
Yes, WISE Tutors can process your DBS check for a fee of £65 and it can take between 2 to 8 weeks to process. We will need you to come to the office to show us original documents before we can process your DBS check.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item title=”Q: How often do I need to do a DBS check?”]
A DBS check has no official expiry date. Any information included will be accurate at the time the check was carried out. It is up to an employer to decide if and when a new check is needed.
At WISE Tutors, we will accept a DBS check for a period of up to 36 months. Applicants and employers can use the DBS update service to keep a certificate up to date or carry out checks on a potential employee’s certificate
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[accordion-item title=”Q: Will my DBS certificate be accepted by other agencies or organisations?”]
This depends on the employer, agency or organisation.
A DBS certificate only contains information from a DBS check on a certain date and for a particular purpose. Employers can accept a previously issued certificate but must:
- check the applicant’s identity matches the details on the certificate
- check the certificate is of the right level and type for the role applied for
- carry out a free-of-charge status check to see if new information has come to light since the certificate’s issue; the applicant must have already joined the DBS update service
Employers can accept a previously issued certificate without a status check but at their own risk. CRB-branded certificates should be treated the same as DBS-branded certificates.
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