What Happens If Employers Skip The DBS Check Process?

It is a legal requirement for employers to perform DBS checks on their employees. Whether you own a business and hire employees yourself or work as a recruiter and vet candidates, it’s essential that you understand the implications of not following the correct procedure regarding DBS checks. 

Many professions require that employees – current, potential and volunteers – undergo some form of DBS check. Employers who fail to follow the correct DBS process could end up being sued, damage their own reputation or endanger society. In this article, we go into more detail regarding the implications of skipping the DBS check process. 

What Are DBS Checks & Why Are They Important? 

DBS checks are criminal background checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). These checks are done in order to vet individuals and help employers make better decisions regarding the staff they hire. DBS checks also serve as a vital tool in safeguarding children and other vulnerable individuals. 

There are three types of DBS checks available, namely: 

• Basic DBS Check: This is the lowest level check and can be requested by any individual. This check will highlight any unspent convictions. 
• Standard DBS check: This check will show all the information that comes up on a basic check, as well as spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. This check can only be requested by employers or organisations which an individual is applying to work for. 

Enhanced DBS Check: This is the highest level DBS check and highlights all the same elements as a Standard check. In addition, a potential employer can also ask to have an individual checked against the barred list to see if they have been prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.