Working as a trusted member of a school community in the UK, you will need to undertake a formal criminal record check, called a DBS check, to complete the recruitment process.

As someone who could come into unsupervised contact on a day-to-day basis, your DBS check will be an in-depth search of the criminal database to confirm you are suitable to work in a UK school.

Why do I need a DBS check?

DBS checks are a statutory measure to keep the public, particularly children and vulnerable adults safe. If you want to work in a school, they are unavoidable because anyone who works on school premises in the UK is subject to a DBS check to ensure UK children are robustly protected.

What is the difference between an enhanced and standard DBS check?

A DBS check for a non-teaching employee of a school is an enhanced DBS check. Enhanced DBS checks are reserved for those who have the potential to come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.

All those who wish to work in a school or with children will need to take an enhanced DBS check. Those who work in close contact with the general adult public in a position of influence are subject to standard DBS checks.

An enhanced DBS check for a non-teaching school employee will require a search for any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, as well as further non-conviction information obtained from relevant police forces.

This type of CRB check can only be requested by your employer. To find out more about DBS checks and how they affect you, visit: unlock.org