Podiatrists are regulated healthcare professionals with a legal duty to take a statutory DBS check during recruitment.

DBS checks are necessary for those who work in close contact with the public. All healthcare professionals and other frontline workers must take a DBS check. These checks are administered by the Disclosure and Barring Service on behalf of the Home Office.

DBS checks are used to ensure the public, particularly children and vulnerable adults, are protected from those who are unsuitable for frontline roles.

A DBS check for a podiatrist is an enhanced DBS check with barred lists.

What is an enhanced DBS check?

This type of DBS check is the most comprehensive DBS check available and will include a search for any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings.

The DBS will also check if there is any further non-conviction information in existence with relevant police forces or entries on the children’s and vulnerable adults barred lists.
The degree of engagement podiatrists have with the public makes this level of CRB check necessary. All other regulated healthcare professionals are subject to the same level of vetting.

The requirements for podiatrists and all other roles are set out in the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, upheld by UK employers and professional bodies such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) . To find out more visit: hub.unlock.org.uk/rehabilitationofoffendersact