To take up the role of a councillor in the UK, you will need to undergo a basic DBS check.
A basic DBS check for a councillor involves a search by the Disclosure and Barring Service to verify whether you have any unspent criminal convictions or conditional cautions.
Under UK law, if you have been sentenced to prison for three months or more during the five years prior to election day you will not be able to become a Councillor (these sentences include suspended sentences).
DBS checks are a statutory requirement set out in the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. These terms have been in force for councillors since 1974. If you would like to find out more about your rights under the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act visit hub.unlock.org.uk/rehabilitationofoffendersact
DBS checks exist to ensure the public, particularly children and vulnerable adults, are properly safeguarded. Under the 1974 law there are a wide variety of other frontline roles which also require CRB checks. The more contact the role has with children and vulnerable adults, the higher the level of DBS required.
A basic check for a councillor is only a first tier background check although there is also the specific ruling in place for those who have been sentenced to prison for three months or more during the five years prior to election day.
Talk to us today on 0333 030 0446, about how we can help you to complete your basic DBS check or find out more about basic DBS checks on our home page.
Complete your basic DBS application form online with us today and we will check every aspect of your application for you then it off to the DBS to be processed. Find out more on our home page.
