Most roles within social care will require a DBS (The Disclosure and Barring Service). This allows employers to check your criminal record and if you are the suitable person for the role advertised. Depending on the employer, They may pay for the DBS or the cost might be down to yourself.
- Basic DBS Check – £18
- Standard DBS Check – £18
- Enhanced DBS Check – £38
- Enhanced with Barring lists DBS Check – £38
The Employer will send you an application via email for you to fill in all your personal details. Once this has been completed and returned it will be sent to the DBS to conduct a check. It is important to remember that all information must be correct and true. If mistakes are made this will extend the waiting time on receiving your DBS check back, meaning you cannot work. The average waiting time for an application to be returned is around 14 days.
The government has released a new system called the ‘DBS Update Service’ which allows applicants to upload their certificate within 28 days of receiving it to keep their DBS up to date without having to reapply for a new one in the future. There are benefits to joining such as:
- Only £13 a year
- Volunteers can join for free
- Employers access with your permission
- Time saving
- Move to another job without hassle
You can access the website on : https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
