What jobs require a DBS check?
There are a number of types of job that require a DBS check, and the different levels of check can be required for different reasons.
For example, if your job involves regular work with children or vulnerable adults, you will be required to have a standard or enhanced DBS check, possibly with a children’s and adults’ barred list check. Your prospective employer will tell you if a DBS check is needed for your job and, if so, what level of check is required.
An organisation cannot decide that standard or enhanced DBS checks are required for every person it employs. The decision about whether these sorts of DBS check are needed has to be based on the nature and responsibilities of each individual role. The employer is legally responsible checking that that the role you are applying for is eligible for these sorts of DBS check.
An employer can decide that a basic DBS check is required for any job, so there are a large number of jobs that may require a basic DBS check.
For some jobs, a standard or enhanced check will always be required – for example:
- teachers
- social workers
- childminders
- foster carers
- medical professionals.
Some jobs in particular settings will also always require a DBS check – for example:
- schools
- children’s homes
- hospitals.
There are also jobs that require a DBS check when you enter the profession – for example:
- solicitors
- barristers
- veterinary surgeons
- accountants.
There is guidance on what jobs require a standard DBS check available on the gov.uk website. This website also has guidance on what jobs require an enhanced DBS check. These documents do not provide a list of specific jobs which may be affected, but the charity Unlock has produced a list of the level of DBS check likely to be required for various jobs.
If you are unsure whether a DBS check will be needed for a particular job, you should contact the Disclosure and Barring Service or use their online eligibility checking tool.
