Contents
- What is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- The four levels of DBS check
- Who needs an enhanced DBS certificate?
- Can I apply for my own enhanced DBS certificate?
- How long does it take to get an enhanced DBS certificate?
- How much does an enhanced DBS cost?
- How to get an enhanced DBS certificate: A step-by-step guide
At GoStudent, it’s our mission to unlock the full potential of every student. To do so, we match each child with just the right tutor – that could be you! To ensure that we provide every child and parent with a positive experience, all of our UK-based GoStudent tutors are required to complete a rigorous interview process and undergo an enhanced DBS check before their first lesson. 🤓
There are certain security checks for working with children that we are required to undertake – one of which is to obtain DBS certification. The enhanced DBS check we require from our tutors is the same as a DBS check for teachers or checks for working in schools.
So, who can apply for a DBS check? Can an individual apply for a DBS? Can you start work without a DBS? And, what jobs require a DBS check in the first place? Find all the answers and more below. Safety is of paramount importance to us so let's walk through the process of getting a tutor DBS check together so that you know exactly what to expect. 👇
What is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safe recruitment decisions by processing and issuing DBS checks for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
DBS also maintains the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists and makes considered decisions as to whether an individual should be included on one or both of these lists and barred from engaging in regulated activity.
Applying in Scotland
Tutors based in Scotland will have their enhanced disclosure certificate processed by Disclosure Scotland. As with DBS, GoStudent will make the application to Disclosure Scotland on behalf of tutors in Scotland. 🏴
Applying in Northern Ireland
Tutors based in Northern Ireland will have their enhanced disclosure certificate processed by AcessNI. As with DBS, GoStudent will make the application to AcessNI on behalf of tutors in Northern Ireland. 🏴
The four levels of DBS check
Previously known as CRB or criminal record checks, the Disclosure and Barring Service carry out four types of DBS checks. Each type results in a DBS certificate being issued to an individual. Employers can then ask to see the certificate to ensure that they are recruiting suitable people into their organisation. Getting an enhanced DBS is the new version of getting an enhanced CRB. 💯
We have detailed the four levels of DBS check below and more information can be found at GOV.co.uk:
- Basic DBS check
- Standard DBS check
- Enhanced DBS check
- Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check
- Basic DBS check
A Basic DBS check is for any purpose, including employment. A Basic DBS check costs £30.50. The certificate will contain details of convictions and conditional cautions that are considered to be unspent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
An individual can apply for a Basic check directly to DBS through our online application route, or an employer can apply for a basic check on an individual’s behalf if they have consent.
- Standard DBS check
A Standard DBS check is suitable for certain roles, such as a security guard. A Standard DBS check costs £30.50. The certificate will contain details of both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are held on the Police National Computer, which are not subject to filtering.
An individual cannot apply for a standard check by themselves. There must be a recruiting organisation that needs the applicant to get the check. This is then sent to DBS through a Registered Body.
- Enhanced DBS check
An Enhanced DBS check is suitable for people working with children or adults in certain circumstances such as those in receipt of healthcare or personal care. The certificate will contain the same details as a standard certificate and, if the role is eligible, an employer can request that one or both of the DBS Barred Lists are checked.
The certificate may also contain non-conviction information supplied by relevant police forces if it is deemed relevant and ought to be contained in the certificate. An individual cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS check by themselves. There must be a recruiting organisation that needs the applicant to get the check.
- Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS check
So, what about the barred list meaning? An Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS check is also suitable for people working with children or adults in certain circumstances such as those in receipt of healthcare or personal care. An Enhanced with Barred Lists certificate will contain the same information as an Enhanced DBS certificate, but will also include a check of one or both Barred Lists.
Who needs an enhanced DBS certificate?
The enhanced DBS check is the highest level required for positions that involve caring for, training, supervising or sole charge of children or vulnerable adults. The check includes details of all convictions on record, whether spent or unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. 🚸
Jobs that require enhanced DBS check
What jobs need DBS checks? And more specifically, what jobs require an enhanced DBS check? DBS checks are required for a whole range of jobs, in fact, some job roles – like solicitors, barristers, veterinary surgeons and accountants – require that you get a DBS check before entering the profession.
But, in general, if your job involves regular work with children or vulnerable adults, you will be required to have a standard or enhanced DBS check as standard. Ultimately, an employer can decide that a basic DBS check is required for any job, a standard or enhanced check will always be required for teachers – a background check for teachers UK – social workers, childminders, foster carers and medical professionals. 🧑🏫
Can I apply for my own enhanced DBS certificate?
So, can you do your own DBS check? Can an individual get an enhanced DBS check? Individuals can apply for a basic DBS check but anything higher than that requires that your employer submit the request on your behalf. You cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS check by yourself – GoStudent will act as your recruiting organisation and request the check on your behalf. This request is sent to DBS through a Registered Body.
What is a Registered Body?
A Registered Body is an organisation that is registered with DBS to submit Standard, Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS checks, and is entitled by law to ask an individual to reveal their full criminal history.
How long does it take to get an enhanced DBS certificate?
So, how long do enhanced DBS checks take? How long does it take to get a DBS done? The process for enhanced DBS checks typically takes around fourteen days. It can take longer than this if the details given for the check are incorrect or if several police forces need to be involved in the check. ⏰
And how long does a Disclosure Scotland check take? You’ll be pleased to know it's the same amount of time – around fourteen days.
How often do you need a DBS check?
Does a DBS check expire? There is no official expiry date for a criminal record check issued by DBS. Any information revealed on a DBS certificate will be accurate at the time the certificate was issued. It is often recommended that DBS checks are renewed every three years, however ultimately it is the employer’s decision – GoStudent will let you know if a new certificate is required. 👍
And, do you need a BDS for each job? The answer is no. You'll be able to take your DBS certificate from one job to the next unless you need a different level certificate – for example, you have a standard DBS certificate and need an enhanced one.
How much does an enhanced DBS cost?
An enhanced DBS check – including or excluding barred list check – costs GoStudent £47.40 per tutor. You are not responsible for this cost, GoStudent pays for its tutor’s enhanced DBS checks. 🙌
How to get an Enhanced DBS Certificate: step-by-step guide
Getting an enhanced DBS check is nothing to be afraid of. If you’re wondering ‘what do I need for a DBS check?’, with a little preparation, organisation and time you’ll find the whole process to be plain and simple. What’s more, GoStudent will get the ball rolling for you. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting onboarded with GoStudent and applying for your enhanced DBS check and certificate. 👌
Once you have submitted your online GoStudent tutor application form, successfully completed a short quiz in your chosen subject(s) and attended a group interview you will then be invited to attend your online onboarding.
During your onboarding, you will be briefed on how to use the GoStudent platform and key information on being a tutor with us. Since April 2021, GoStudent has been part of The Tutors’ Association and in the UK all new tutors undergo an enhanced DBS check as part of their onboarding.
So, here’s how to get enhanced DBS check with us:
#1 Fill in a DBS application form
GoStudent will request this form on your behalf and supply you with it for completion. ✍️
#2 Return the form to GoStudent
Return your completed form to GoStudent along with any required supporting documents proving your identity. We will then pass your application onto the DBS. 🤝
#3 Share your certificate with GoStudent
Once the DBS check has been successfully completed, the DBS will issue you with a certificate. Once you have received your certificate, share it with GoStudent so that they may complete your onboarding. Now you are ready to get tutoring! 💪
We are delighted that you are considering joining our team as a GoStudent tutor. Some of the many benefits include working remotely and managing your own schedule. What’s more, we connect you with the students so you don’t need to advertise. Sounds good? Register to become an online tutor today! 🎒
