10 Jobs You Didn't know You Needed a DBS Check For

Any organisation can apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for their staff, but there are some jobs which most people aren’t aware require a DBS check.

Most organisations which involve working with children or adults require their staff to be checked, e.g., Ofsted.

It’s a common assumption that only professions in which employees come into regular contact with children, care for elderly or vulnerable people, or play a part in upholding the rule of law require DBS checks.

However, there are a plethora of unexpected jobs for which background checks are essential, rather than voluntary. Below are the top ten jobs most people do not realise you need a DBS check for.

1. Traffic Warden

Traffic Wardens are eligible to obtain any level of DBS check, as this profession involves a high level of contact with the general public, who may be under the age of 18 or may otherwise be vulnerable. This job is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA), which means spent convictions must be disclosed.

2. Vets and RSPCA Staff

People involved in animal welfare are eligible for all levels of DBS check, as their role requires them to interact with pet owners, who may be under 18 or otherwise vulnerable, as well as the animals themselves.

3. To Have a Scrap Metal Licence

Councils are authorised to grant scrap metal licences. However, before they do they require a criminal record check to ascertain if a person is suitable to hold one. If a basic disclosure reveals an individual has been convicted of certain offences they will be refused a licence

4. For Any Job Which Involves Serving Alcohol

When applying for a Personal License to sell alcohol, a disclosure certificate of criminal convictions, not be more than one month old, must be submitted to confirm suitability to hold the licence.

5. Commissioners for the Gambling Commission

To become a Commissioner for the Gambling Commission, a DBS check is required in order to make sure an individual does not have any past convictions which may be of concern to the Commission. All levels of check are available for this purpose. Where concerns arise an enhanced check will be actioned.

6. Football Stewards

This job puts the steward in direct and regular contact with the general public, many of who may be under 18 or vulnerable. The level of DBS check needed for the role – Basic, Standard or Enhanced – is decided at the discretion of the employer.

7. Solicitor

Most Law firms require their qualified Solicitors to have a DBS Check. A Standard DBS check is required upon entry into the profession. After that it is only the Basic DBS check they are usually entitled to.

Legal counsel is required in many different situations. Sometimes an Enhanced DBS check is required if a specific case involved children or other vulnerable parties. Anyone entering a power of attorney arrangement with someone who cannot care for themselves would also be entitled to an Enhanced DBS

8. Chartered Accountants

As the position of Chartered Accountant can involve regulated activity with adults, in the form of assistance with money or the conduct of a person’s financial affairs, the level of DBS check required can vary.

An accountant entering the profession, or registering with the Financial Conduct Authority would be required to have a Standard DBS check.

9. Pest Control

Individuals working in pest control will often have to carry out work in nurseries, hospitals and nursing homes. They also have access to dangerous tools and often guns. Therefore, a Basic Disclosure check is usually required for this profession.

10. Members of the Master Locksmiths Association

Any person who has applied to be a member of the Master Locksmith’s Association requires a DBS check, as their job involves having the keys to people’s homes, hospitals or schools - where children or vulnerable people may be present – handed over to them.

If you want to know more about what level of DBS check is required for jobs in a particular sector, give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk