Most of us know that if you want to work as a teacher, carer or nurse, you’ll need a DBS check. Employers use information disclosed on a DBS form to make safe recruitment decisions. There are three different levels of checking. Basic checks are the least detailed level of checking. Standard checks reveal a little more information, and enhanced disclosures are the most detailed types of check. The list of occupations which require a DBS check is extensive, and includes some jobs you might not have thought about.
Airport Staff and DBS Checks
Anyone applying to work in an airport will probably need a standard DBS checks. Checks are done to make sure that people with long criminal records can’t work as baggage handlers or similar. People who work airside – the part of the building after the security checks – will all need a standard check. These are sensitive, high-risk areas and airports want to check into the background of people applying for these roles.
Pub Managers
Licensing laws require people running a pub to have a basic disclosure. This is the least detailed level of checking, and only flags up recent convictions, or past serious convictions. Someone who has a criminal record might still be able to get a job as a pub manager, as decision are made on a case by case basis. Bar staff don’t need a DBS check – it’s just the person who is in charge overall.
Taxi Drivers
All taxi and minicab drivers need an enhanced DBS check. Taxi drivers often drive lone women, children or vulnerable adults, so it’s important to check their backgrounds properly. When a driver renews their taxi licence, they apply for a new DBS check at the same time. It’s illegal to operate as a taxi driver without the right licence. As you can’t get a licence without a DBS, getting a DBS check done is also compulsory.
Opticians
As with other related medical professions, opticians have to hold an enhanced disclosure. There is also another level of checking for this sort of occupation. The DBS holds barring lists containing the names of people who have been banned from certain jobs by the court. This is usually because they have committed serious crimes in the past. It’s a criminal offence to employ someone whose name appears on a banning list in jobs which require enhanced disclosure.
NHS Admin Roles
People who work in the NHS as admin staff, ward clerks or medical secretaries usually need enhanced disclosure. Even if their role doesn’t involve working with patients on a regular basis, the nature of the job means there will be some degree of contact. The NHS tries to protect vulnerable patients by running these checks. The only exception would be for roles in an archive or an office separate from any patients.
Bouncer
Bouncers, officially known as doormen, require a standard DBS check to get a licence from the industry body. If you have a criminal record that doesn’t automatically bar you from working on the door. It’s a conversation which you’ll need to have with your employer.