Category: DBS News and Advice

It would be hard to draw up a list of ways in which everyday life was not affected by the coronavirus from March 2020 onwards. Recruitment was heavily hit, and everyone had to get used to new ways of proving identities online when applicants needed a DBS check. Regular changes in the rules made it difficult for employers and applicants to keep up.

If you’re one of the thousands of recent graduates who have finished university and are starting on the task of job hunting, then you’ll be aware that it’s a competitive market out there. One of the main questions which recent graduates have is around navigating their job search if they have had previous brushes with the law – will a criminal record rule them out?

As of October 2022, landlords have more options than ever to check the identities of people who wish to rent property from them. Landlords are legally required to check the immigration status of the people who are going to be living in their properties. These checks apply not only to the person who is named on the tenancy agreement, but also all other adults who will be living there. Right to rent checks therefore involve landlords seeing passports for their tenants, showing their nationality and immigration status.

Having a driving licence opens doors to a huge range of jobs, and not just those which are purely driving based. You can’t just expect an employer to take your word that you have your driving licence though, as many will now run a driving licence check. If you’re a new driver trying to get your licence in order to maximise job opportunities, you might be interested in recent figures from the DVLA, revealing the most common reasons for failing a test. Between January and March 2022, only 47.1% of tests resulted in a pass, so knowing the main reasons for fails might maximise chances of a pass.

January and February are peak months in the job market, and the cost-of-living crisis also means that more of us than ever are looking for extra work to top up the family finances. But did you know that many of the job postings you come across might not be all they seem? The Disclosure and Barring Service, the official body which issues the criminal records checks many workers need before they start work, has compiled a list of the seven tell-tale signs which might indicate a scam.

In October 2022, the UK government announced that the temporary arrangements for digital right to work checking introduced during the pandemic were to be made permanent. This news was positively received not only by applicants who find the whole system much easier, but also by organisations such as us here at Clear Check, as it makes our service even more efficient for customers.

Recent industry figures show that online searches for background checking companies have boomed over the past year. Background checking has been standard practice in many sectors for decades and plays a valuable role in protecting children and other vulnerable groups from harm. Many employers are coming round to the idea that looking into the background of people applying for work can protect the company too by making sure that workers are suitable for the position, and that they do not have any criminal convictions which could call their character into question. The sorts of background checks will vary depending on the position. Research has revealed the most common checks which applicants are asked to have.

A recent prosecution for fraud in Birmingham has revealed the potential for fraud in the DBS sector. A recruitment officer for a transport company contracted to provide school transport services was found guilty after lying to Council officials about the criminal records checks of drivers.

The rising cost of living means that we’re all looking for ways to reduce bills. For many families, childcare is a large part of their weekly outgoings. Whether it’s nursery for pre-school children, or after school and holiday clubs for older kids. There are some ways of cutting the costs of childcare for your kids while still keeping them safe and ensuring the care you are using is accredited and staffed by people with the right background checks.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 the UK has issued 218,500 visas for Ukrainian refugees. Many have arrived under the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme where ordinary British people give up their spare room or loft to a Ukrainian family. One of the main criticisms of the Homes for Ukraine scheme has been how slow it is. If you are considering hosting a family for a short period, the government has issued new guidance for both individuals and Councils across the UK. This is intended to speed up the system, smooth out delays and get refugees settled into a new home in the UK as quickly as possible.