To work as a journalist in the UK you will need to take a statutory DBS check.

A DBS check is a criminal record check, necessary for all those working in frontline roles in the UK.

Your DBS check will be carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service, unless you are in Scotland where they are managed by Disclosure Scotland.

What is a DBS check for?

DBS checks are used to vet those who wish to work in frontline roles during recruitment. Under the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, the Disclosure and Barring service have a duty to keep the public safe from those who may be unsuitable for public-facing jobs.

Jobs which involve the closest contact with children and vulnerable adults, are subject to the strongest CRB checks.

A basic DBS check for a journalist will require a formal search to check for any unspent criminal convictions or conditional cautions.

At the request of either you or your employer, you will need to fill out a DBS application form and send it to the Disclosure and Barring Service to carry out the DBS check. We can assist you with this complex process. You can even complete your DBS application online with us today. ....more

Following the search, you will receive a DBS certificate through the post and online. If any information was found during the search, it will be listed on the DBS certificate.

To work as a journalist will need to show the DBS certificate to your employer. To learn more about basic DBS checks and apply for a basic DBS check online with us today, visit our home page.