Since January 2018, the checks that organisations make for certain jobs and voluntary positions have changed. Previously, basic checks – that is those that do not require the enhanced element – are undertaken by Disclosure Scotland. Since 2018 Disclosure Scotland has not be responsible for basic checks for people working within England and Wales. This means if you are working in England or Wales you will have to use the disclosure service for England and Wales. If you decide to work in care, then then you will need a disclosure check completed. This is to ensure that vulnerable people are not subjected to exploitation. Confirming that these checks are completed thoroughly, will give families of the vulnerable relief in knowing that any carer they choose to look after a loved one, will not put them in danger. If you decide to go with a care agency, then there are things you will need to consider. If you need a carer that can speak two languages for example, then you may wish to consider a bilingual carers London agency, such as https://www.guardiancarers.co.uk/services/bilingual-carers
Why Is the Change Happening?
Disclosure Scotland and Disclosure and Barring Service are different organisations that work within two distinct legal systems. Basic checks have been carried out by Disclosure Scotland on a temporary basis, with the delegation always due to end in Jan 2018. It is the fact that these agencies work within two differing systems that makes the continuation of the current arrangement untenable.
The two legal systems have differing rules as to when a conviction is considered ‘spent’ under their respective Rehabilitation of Offenders Acts. Consequently, disclosure made under one system could contravene the privacy rights of someone working under the other systems and could lead to employers having information to which they had no legal right.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone can apply for a basic DBS check for personal use and not for employment purposes.
Which Agency Has Responsibility?
The answer is that a basic check required for someone working in Scotland will still be undertaken by Disclosure Scotland, whereas someone working within England or Wales would have their DBS check undertaken by the Disclosure and Barring Service. For the purposes of a check made for employment purposes, it is where the job is situated that determines which agency is responsible – not where the applicant is residing. However, if someone wished to apply personally for a check, they should apply to the agency where they live.
Although the change is imminent, it is important to note that there will be no change to the requirement to undertake checks in certain jobs. The change does not affect the way in which enhanced checks are undertaken, but basic checks should now be more streamlined and easier to access.