Criminal record checks (DBS)

What is a DBS check? I thought it was called a CRB check.

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) on 1 December 2012 and is now called the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). They still provide criminal record checks as before but all forms now carry the new DBS logo.

Can I obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the council?

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) forms are processed by the council as pre-employment checks on staff working with children or vulnerable adults and on volunteers who will work with vulnerable groups. If you need a DBS check for this purpose it will be arranged by the school or department who are recruiting you and they will pay any associated costs.

External organisations

DBS checks are also processed for external organisations needing to access DBS checks under the council's umbrella service. For further information on the umbrella service please contact the Disclosure Service on:

Tel: (01482) 391219

Email disclosure.service@eastriding.gov.uk

(Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5.30pm, Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm)

Eligibility

You are only eligible to have an enhanced DBS check if you are carrying out 'regulated activity' with children or vulnerable adults or certain other specified posts.

Self employed

A self employed person cannot get a DBS check themselves - you will have to go through an organisation you will work for. 

Enhanced DBS checks

An enhanced DBS check can only be carried out by an organisation wishing to check a prospective employee or volunteer or recheck them. There has to be an organisation to decide if the individual is suitable when the check result is received.

Where can I find more information about Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks?

You can view more information at the following websites:

DirectGov - CRB (external website)

DBS Update Service

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) update service is a new system that allows applicants to keep their DBS certificates up to date online whilst also allowing employers to check a certificate online.

DBS Update Service information (external website)

How long will my Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check take?

Checks are currently taking from 2 to 8 weeks to be returned by the DBS.

To avoid delays it is essential that the form is correctly completed in black ink, with a full 5 year address history, all middle names are shown, and enough identity evidence is produced and recorded on a documentary evidence sheet.  

Full instructions are given inside the DBS form.