What Industries Require a DBS Check?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) ensures many industries employ the most suitable candidates for the roles they are hiring for. The educational and healthcare sectors are widely known to need these checks to ensure those most vulnerable aren’t put in danger.
These checks are a proactive approach to recruitment, keeping industries safe, maintaining public trust, upholding standards and ethics in the workplace, and supporting recruitment decisions.
Some industries that require a DBS check that you may not be aware of include:
Basic Checks:
- Financial services (or standard, depending on the area you work in)
- Food delivery drivers
- Aviation industry workers
- Football stewards
- Real estate and property (conveyancers may need a standard check)
- Scrap metal – it can indicate if a person is suitable to hold a scrap metal licence
- Mining, quarrying and certain trade industries
- Pest control
Standard Checks:
- Vets and veterinary nurses
- Locksmiths
- Volunteers (could also require a Basic or Enhanced Check depending on the area of volunteering)
- Gambling industry workers (could also require a Basic or Enhanced Check depending on the role)
- Barristers and solicitors
Enhanced and Barred List Checks
- Security and law enforcement
- Taxi drivers
- Childminders and nannies
- Medical professionals
- Educators
While these checks apply to most candidates in these roles, obtaining one can be more challenging for the self-employed. A self-employed person can only acquire a Basic DBS Check because the checks are designed for employers to make informed decisions about candidates. If you are self-employed, there is no one to make that recruitment decision.
However, if the type of role requires a DBS check and you are self-employed, you may be able to get one through your local governing body or authority, depending on the sector. Nannies, for example, tend to be self-employed but require an enhanced DBS check. They would need to obtain a check either through an agency, or through governing body OFSTED.
These examples illustrate the importance of the DBS across various sectors. While individuals in some roles may not have daily contact with children or vulnerable people, it is crucial to ensure that the right people are employed in these industries to safeguard effectively. To find out more about the DBS services eSafeguarding provides, and how we can support your organisation with our tailored solutions, click here.