Enhanced DBS Checks - What you need to know
What is a DBS check?
Along with references and interviews, DBS checks help employers make safe recruitment decisions.
- They help identify individuals who may be unsuitable for specific roles.
- We recommend that all employers offer the job contingent on receiving satisfactory references and a DBS check.
An Enhanced DBS Check for individuals provides details about both spent and unspent convictions held on the Police National Computer (PNC) that are not eligible for filtering.
This will disclose:
- The conviction date
- The offence committed
- The date the offence occurred
- The court where the individual appeared
- The sentence or disposal details
Who is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check?
These checks are for roles that involve significant contact with children or vulnerable adults. Typically, this type of work includes regularly caring for, supervising, training, or being in sole charge of these individuals.
**Please note that you can only request a DBS check for workers aged 16 and over**
What is the cost of a DBS check?
PPL charge £95 for an Enhanced DBS. Where your Funding Authority requires you to obtain an Enhanced DBS, the funding for this is usually included as part of your direct payment.
How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS
You can start the process of obtaining an Enhanced DBS certificate for your employees by requesting they complete the form below.
Once completed and submitted, the form will be processed by our team of Independent Living Advisors.
Owing to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) ID validation checks, the simplest way for employees to confirm their identify is by uploading their passport and UK driving license using the online digital identity service.
If these documents are not available, obtaining the DBS certificate is likely to take longer, and it is important that the employer remains engaged with their assigned Independent Living Advisor to ensure the process is completed at the earliest opportunity.
Additional Information
- Most Funding Authorities would insist that all PAs have an Enhanced DBS certificate as a condition of their employment.
- Once the check is complete, it is important that the PA makes the certificate available to their employer for verification.
- Your direct payment agreement will confirm how often a DBS check should be carried out and renewed, typically every 3 years.