Most people believe that CRB checks, disclosure and barring service checks and other types of police checks only apply for jobs working with children. That’s not the case. There is a long list of occupations which need some level of police check. In addition the licensing process might involve other types of checks. This is often called a “fit and proper person” check. It’s basically a way of making sure a convicted fraudster can’t apply to run a lottery, or a repeat sex offender can’t get a taxi licence. One of these jobs is scrap metal dealing. And recent reports in the press seem to indicate that lots of us are unaware of the legislation.
Why would scrap metal dealers need CRB checks anyway?
Scrap metal is a valuable commodity. We all know stories about thefts of cables, or people stripping lead off a church roof. Anyone who wants to buy and sell scrap metal from any source needs to have a licence from their local council. This law covers people who deal in household scrap, building materials or vehicles which have been scrapped. The licensing system is only partly about stopping criminals from handling stolen goods. It’s also about protecting the general public and making sure you get a fair price for any metal you turn over to them for recycling.
Getting A Licence
If you’re thinking about starting trading in scrap metal, look on your local council’s website. Usually, licences are valid for three years. Different types of licence apply for door to door collections and static sites where customers come to you. The initial application for your first licence will be more expensive than any renewal after three years. Before applying for your scrap metal licence you will need to apply for a DBS check. These are checks into your criminal record, and were previously known as CRB checks. You need to apply for the check and wait for the certificate to arrive before applying for a scrap licence. Depending on where you live, this could take up to 6 weeks.
What will the DBS Check show?
The type of certificate needed for a scrap metal licence is a basic DBS check. As the name suggests, basic checks are the types of check with the least detail. A Basic DBS check will only reveal your current criminal record. It won’t list any offences or cautions which are spent under rehabilitation law. The rules about when convictions are “spent” is complicated. Check online or with your local police station if you aren’t sure.
It’s also important to remember that you do not have to be squeaky clean to get a scrap metal licence. The council are trying to weed out the serious criminals. Or people who have a whole string of recent convictions for handling stolen goods. People who have minor, unrelated cautions or convictions are not automatically barred. One advantage to the scrap licence process is that you have your DBS check done first, and therefore will be fully aware of what your certificate says.