Some jobs will require you to complete a criminal record check, known as a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. These are a normal part of the recruitment process, and you can find out more about what companies use them for and the different types of checks below.
What is a DBS check?
DBS checks, formerly known as Criminal Record Checks, are undertaken by employers across England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands as standard practice, especially for roles that involve working with children or vulnerable adults, or that give you access to financial or confidential information.
The Disclosure and Barring Service has produced this short video to help explain the different types of check and why employers request them.
Types of DBS check
As you will have seen in the video above, employers can request different levels of DBS check depending on the type of role you apply for, and your access to specific groups of people or information. These are needed whether you are applying for a paid or voluntary role.
As a reminder, here is what the different types of DBS check include:
Basic Check
This is the most basic level of check and only shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Standard Check
Standard checks show spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.
Enhanced Check
This is a more in-depth check which shows the same as a Standard Check, plus any information held by local police that is considered relevant to the role.
Enhanced Check including Barred Lists
This is the highest level of check and shows the same as an Enhanced Check plus whether the applicant is on the adults' barred list, children's barred list or both.
*You should be aware that in Jersey, historic convictions are not removed from a DBS check and may show up, depending on the type of check that is completed.
How do I apply for a DBS check?
Basic checks can be applied for by an individual. You can do this via the Disclosure Scotland online application form using the link below.
Disclosure Scotland Basic DBS Check
Standard, Enhanced or Enhanced including Barred List checks must be applied for by an employer or registered body, so you will need to have been provisionally offered a job for the employer to process an application for you.
The company should assist you with the completion of your application and help verify your ID documentation. Some companies may cover the cost of the check for you, while others may require you to sign up to the DBS Update Service - it is important you check with the employer to find out what their policies are.
Job seeking with a criminal record
Having a current or past criminal record doesn't mean you are not able to work. Many employers will use their discretion to determine whether a current or historic conviction is relevant and needs to be taken into account when recruiting someone.
It might be that, depending on the nature of your conviction, your employment opportunities may be more limited, or differ to your expectations, but your Employment Coordinator is on hand to help you navigate this. If you are applying for work and have a conviction, please speak to them for advice on appropriate job seeking and how you can share your DBS information with an employer.
You can also read JACS guide to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Jersey, 2001, which gives more detail about information sharing around a criminal record. This can be found via the link below:
Rehabilitation of Offenders Jersey
To understand more about DBS checks, you can also watch this video: