Disclosure and Barring Service
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Overview and Purpose:
Disclosure and Barring Service checks support safer recruitment by helping organisations assess whether individuals are suitable to work in roles that involve contact with children or adults at risk. DBS checking forms part of wider safeguarding and workforce assurance arrangements within health and care settings.
The purpose of DBS checking is to reduce risk, promote safe practice, and support informed recruitment decisions while respecting individual privacy and data protection requirements.
Commencement:
Expires:
Regulatory or accrediting body:
The Disclosure and Barring Service is a statutory body sponsored by the Home Office. It is responsible for processing criminal record checks and maintaining the barred lists used to protect vulnerable groups.
DBS operates under the Police Act 1997 and related safeguarding legislation.
Scope of recognition:
DBS checks apply to individuals rather than organisations. They confirm whether a person has relevant criminal record information or is barred from working with children or adults at risk, depending on the level of check required.
DBS checking does not provide organisational accreditation and does not replace wider safeguarding, employment, or regulatory duties.
Standards and core requirements:
Appropriate use of DBS checking requires organisations to:
Identify roles that are eligible for DBS checking
Apply the correct level of check based on role and duties
Obtain consent from individuals before applying
Handle disclosure information lawfully and confidentially
Comply with data protection and retention rules
Use DBS information fairly as part of a wider recruitment decision
Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are clearly defined
These principles support lawful, proportionate, and ethical use of DBS processes.
Relevance to patient safety and public assurance:
Appropriate use of DBS checking requires organisations to:
Identify roles that are eligible for DBS checking
Apply the correct level of check based on role and duties
Obtain consent from individuals before applying
Handle disclosure information lawfully and confidentially
Comply with data protection and retention rules
Use DBS information fairly as part of a wider recruitment decision
Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are clearly defined
These principles support lawful, proportionate, and ethical use of DBS processes.
How the clinic meets these requirements
The clinic applies DBS checking proportionately and lawfully as part of its safer recruitment and safeguarding arrangements. This includes:
Undertaking DBS checks where roles meet eligibility criteria
Ensuring checks are completed prior to appointment where required
Verifying identity and right to work
Maintaining confidential records of check status
Not publishing or displaying individual DBS certificates
Using disclosure information only for lawful and relevant purposes
Embedding DBS processes within wider safeguarding procedures
All checks are handled in accordance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
Monitoring, review and ongoing compliance:
DBS arrangements are kept under review to ensure ongoing compliance and good practice. This includes:
•Reviewing role eligibility and safeguarding risk
•Monitoring renewal or update arrangements where applicable
•Reviewing recruitment and vetting procedures
•Updating policies in line with legislative or guidance changes
•Auditing compliance as part of governance oversight
This ensures DBS processes remain proportionate, lawful, and effective.
Transparency and verifications:
While individual DBS certificates are confidential and not published, the clinic can confirm that appropriate checks are undertaken for relevant roles as part of its safeguarding arrangements.
Further information may be provided through governance channels where lawful and appropriate to do so.
Transparency and verifications url:
