Disclosure and Barring Service – DBS Checks

The Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) have merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). CRB checks are now called DBS checks.

The purpose of a DBS check is to provide a service called disclosure that enables organisations to gain access to important criminal and other information for recruitment and licensing purposes. This helps screen out candidates who may be unsuitable for certain kinds of work and provides protection for vulnerable members of our society.

All staff members will have a new DBS check every 3 years. We can request a DBS check sooner if we have concerns regarding a staff member. If a reviewed DBS check highlights issues, this may lead to disciplinary action.

All paid employees and volunteers have the necessary Enhanced DBS checks, and copies of these are held in the Personnel folder.

The staff member going through the DBS Check must provide Seven Steps Support Ltd with original documents to prove their identity.

Seven Steps Support Ltd will cover the cost of all staff members’ Enhanced DBS checks. If a staff member leaves or is dismissed from employment within the probation period, the DBS and any training costs must be paid back to Seven Steps Support Ltd as per the Fee Declaration and Training Cost Agreement.

We can also carry out an adult first check on new employees.

DBS Adult First is a service provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service that can be used in cases where, exceptionally, and in accordance with the terms of Department of Health guidance, a person is permitted to start work with adults before a DBS Certificate has been obtained. This applies to adult services such as care homes, domiciliary care agencies, and adult placement schemes where DBS Certificates are required by law.

This service is only available to organisations eligible to access the DBS’s Adult barred list and who have requested a check of the barred lists on their DBS application form.

DBS Adult First is not a substitute for a DBS Certificate and is used to enable new staff members to shadow and meet clients during the training period before employment commences.