5 Jobs you didn't realise you needed a Basic DBS Check for

Scrap Metal Dealers  

Although you might not expect it, scrap metal collection is a highly regulated and controlled industry. To become a scrap metal dealer, one must go through a lengthy registration and licencing process with your local authority. AS part of this process you must apply for a Basic DBS Check (the council often process this for you). In fact, most roles that require a licence as part of their terms are normally subject to a DBS Check being carried out.   

Personal Licence Holders  

Any person who is responsible for holding a Personal Licence to serve alcohol is required to apply for a Basic DBS Check as part of the licensing conditions. It’s important to note that it’s only the licence holder that requires a check, not every individual member of bar staff. The licence holder is responsible for supervising other members of staff, meaning that if they deviate from the law it is the Personal Licence holder that could be held responsible.   

Beauty Therapists  

Now, not every beauty therapist requires a Basic DBS Check. That being said, if you are a beauty therapist offering physical treatments, such as manicures or pedicures then a Basic DBS Check is always required. People offering these services usually have to register with their local council and part of this registration is having a Basic DBS Check carried out.   

Paralegal

Most employers in the legal profession will regularly background check all their staff as standard. With it being such a regulated industry, it is often best to err on the side of caution whether or not said staff member is a solicitor, paralegal or secretary. As a paralegal, if you want to become a member of the National Association of Licenced Paralegals, then part of the registration process is to have a Basic DBS Check carried out.  

Zookeeper  

As a business of animal lovers, it’s reassuring to see this job role on this list. A Basic DBS Check is a minimum requirement for most roles relating to animal care and welfare and zookeepers are no exception. These checks ensure that anyone hoping to work with animals is ‘fit for purpose’ and pose no threat to the welfare of the animals they may be tasked with caring for.

Extra Knowledge

It’s important to note that even though the above roles require a Basic DBS Check it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t apply for one if you have a conviction on your record. Convictions must be relevant to the role you are applying for, for them to be worthy of consideration. For example, a fraud conviction might stop you from becoming a paralegal but would arguably have less impact if you were applying to be a zookeeper.   

While the above roles all have a mandatory requirement for a Basic DBS Check to be carried out, the below are three job roles that you don’t actually need a Basic DBS Check for. However, just because they aren’t mandatory doesn’t mean that they aren’t beneficial! Keep reading to find out why:  

Cleaners – As cleaners are often left unsupervised in people’s homes, their employers commonly run Basic DBS Checks on their staff. Being able to demonstrate a clean criminal record history can help put customers’ minds at ease.   

Carpenters - This profession benefits in exactly the same way as cleaners do. Carpenters are regularly left unsupervised in people’s homes. If a customer knows you’re DBS checked it can make them that bit more comfortable.   

Mechanics – Mechanics often suffer from a bit of a clouded reputation which means people can be apprehensive about trusting them. Having a Basic DBS Check in place helps to demonstrate your honesty and transparency and reassure your customers that you’re trustworthy.   

For more information about how Personnel Checks can help you obtain a Basic DBS Check, click here.