Overview and how to apply
Last updated:Buckinghamshire Council’s (BC) Safeguarding in Employment Team is responsible for implementing and applying the latest developments in government legislation and reviewing guidance and providing advice and support in all areas of safer employment practice, including the processing of DBS Checks.
Please use these pages to find out all about DBS checks for employees, volunteers, and contractors in schools as well as additional safer recruitment vetting checks.
Safeguarding concerns or allegations of a child protection nature about your staff should be raised with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on 01296 382070
What is a criminal record check?
A criminal record check is a record of a person’s criminal history. In the majority of cases, a check will include all criminal offences including cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings. It may also include traffic offences such as speeding and drink-driving.
Security features of a DBS certificate
The importance of a criminal record check
Criminal records checks help employers ensure that unsuitable people are prevented from working with those who are considered vulnerable because of certain circumstances e.g. in receipt of social care.
Employers must carefully consider any criminal history data alongside other information obtained as part of a wider recruitment process to ensure a fair and effective safer recruitment practice.
The role of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
The primary role of the DBS is to help employers make safer recruitment decisions by checking information that may be held on an applicant on the Police National Computer (PNC).
In addition, caseworkers process referrals about individuals who have harmed or pose a risk of harm to vulnerable groups with a view to placing them on the adults and/or children’s barred lists.