How Do I Get A DBS Check for Myself?
One of the most common questions we receive is, ‘how do I get a DBS Check for myself?’. There are a number of reasons why you might need a DBS Check. The most common reasons are when applying for work or applying for certain licences. The process for getting a DBS Check for yourself varies depending on why you need it and what level of DBS Check is needed.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how you can get a DBS Check for yourself in more detail. First of all, we’ll look at the three different levels of DBS Check.
Types of DBS Check
There are three different levels of DBS Check: Basic, Standard and Enhanced.
A Basic DBS Check is a search against the Police National Computer (PNC). This will show any ‘unspent’ convictions on someone’s record, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
A Standard DBS Check covers spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. These are generally used for very specific roles in certain sectors, such as the financial sector.
An Enhanced DBS Check is the highest level of DBS Check and covers spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, any relevant police notes and an optional search of the Barred Lists.
How do I apply for a Basic DBS Check for myself?
Any person can apply for a Basic DBS Check. The process is as simple as making a payment, completing an application form and presenting us with some ID.
How do I apply for a Standard DBS Check for myself?
Unfortunately, there is no way to apply for a Standard DBS Check for yourself. This is because the information provided by a Standard DBS Check is used to assess whether or not someone can safely perform a certain job role. This decision needs to be made by a ‘recruitment or suitability decision-maker within an organisation.
In the eyes of the Disclosure and Barring Service, individuals cannot make an unbiased recruitment or suitability decision on themselves.
How do I apply for an Enhanced DBS Check for myself?
Enhanced DBS Checks are subject to the same rules as Standard DBS Checks. They can only be carried out by employers for the purpose of making a recruitment or suitability decision. In certain cases, you can speak to your local authority, and they may be able to carry out an Enhanced DBS Check for you.
In some industries, individuals need to apply for Enhanced DBS Check directly with their regulatory body. This is the case when registering as a responsible individual with the CQC or with Ofsted.
There are different rules for taxi and private hire drivers. If you’re a driver, click here for more information.
How do I apply for a DBS Check when I’m self-employed?
Applying for a Basic DBS Check when you’re self-employed is easy. You can apply for a check via our dedicated service. If you need to apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check as a self-employed person, it is more complicated. You can check out our dedicated guide here.
Is there an option to get DBS Checks for free?
There isn’t an option to get DBS Checks for free. However, eligible volunteers can get DBS Checks at a heavily discounted rate. We can process DBS checks for volunteers at £18.50. To be eligible for these checks, individuals must meet the DBS criteria of a ‘true’ volunteer. This is someone who answers no to the following 4 questions:
Is the applicant in receipt of any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)?
Is the applicant on a Placement/Work Experience?
Is the applicant on a course that requires them to do this job role?
Is the applicant in a trainee position that will lead to a full-time role/qualification?
Unfortunately, individuals cannot apply for these checks as they are subject to the same rules as the Standard and Enhanced DBS Check.
If you need any more information about the types of DBS Check that you can apply for, you can give us a call on 01254 355688, drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk or submit a contact form here.