In the United Kingdom, there are a wide range of laws and dedicated governing bodies for
ensuring the well-being of children and vulnerable adults. To the very core of this framework is the
concept of safeguarding, where care and attention given to vulnerable demographics is of
paramount importance. Whether it is educational institutes, nurseries, homes, or hospitals,
safeguarding is an essential element and that is where DBS check comes into the picture.
What Is A DBS Check?
The Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Authority merged in 2012 to form
the Disclosure and Barring Service famously known as DBS. This government body which is also
non-departmental holds the responsibility of encouraging employers to make informed decisions
about individuals occupying sensitive roles.
When an employer is hiring a potential candidate for a sensitive role in health, social care or any
industry that involves vulnerable people, the right people must get the job, and VVerify can ensure
that by providing all the criminal records with their enhanced DBS check.
Safeguarding and safer recruitments
Safeguarding is a cornerstone of DBS checks, a broad initiative protecting vulnerable people from
abuse and harm. Whether it is health, social care, or any industry that deals with vulnerable
people, it is important to keep them safe from harm and abuse. That is why it is important to have
safer recruitment. The lengthy interview processes might reveal a potential employee’s suitability
but there is no way to know if they hold any criminal records that can bring harm to people around
them. Safer recruitment guidelines help in reducing risks associated with inappropriate hires.
Criminal histories can be indicators of revealing a candidate’s suitability to get hired. Employers in
specific industries like education, health, and social care, are under legal obligation to notify the
DBS if an individual is dismissed due to harm caused to those under their care. It is often a
prerequisite to get an enhanced DBS check done for job roles involving vulnerable people.
DBS safeguarding and the six principles
First introduced by the Department of Health in 2011 and now integral to the Care Act 2014, the
six safeguarding principles are important for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable
people across diverse industries. Let’s delve into each of these principles:
- Empowerment: This principle underscores the importance of respecting autonomy and personal choices. It encourages the support and empowerment of individuals and guides them into making informed decisions and providing consent.
- Prevention: It encourages individuals to identify and address potential risks before harm occurs
and promotes a proactive approach. This principle emphasises the importance of a thorough
risk assessment and preventive measures. - Proportionality: This principle stresses the importance of responding to risks with proportionate
interventions. The level of response should be aligned with the presented risk. It also promotes
the least intrusive measures necessary for protection. - Protection: It focuses on providing necessary support and representation for those who are
most vulnerable or at great risk. This principle promotes the implementation of appropriate
measures to safeguard the well-being of individuals in need. - Partnership: Communities are recognised as an integral part of preventing, detecting, and
reporting neglect and abuse, creating an environment of collective responsibility. This principle
encourages collaboration among various services, communities, and individuals to find local
solutions. - Accountability: This principle holds importance for accountability and transparency in
safeguarding practices. It ensures that anyone, individuals or companies, who is responsible for
the welfare of vulnerable individuals are held accountable for their abuse, neglect, or harm.
Aimed at preventing harm and ensuring the overall well-being of vulnerable individuals, these
principles form a comprehensive framework promoting a person-centred and community-based
approach to safeguarding.
Why is DBS Safeguarding Important?
Safeguarding encompasses the well-being of children in schools, nurseries, early-year providers,
and those in Further Education sectors. People often mistake child protection as safeguarding but
both mean different things. The essence is straightforward: safeguarding in schools aims to
protect all children from maltreatment, promoting their physical and mental health and
development. As schools are important in providing safe and nurturing environments, it is crucial
to optimise outcomes for children in both their education and home life.
vVerify can help protect these children from neglect and abuse by providing a thorough and
enhanced DBS check that will guide employers to make informed decisions. It is important to
emphasise that DBS safeguarding is a shared responsibility for everyone. In healthcare, NHS
England collaborates with local and community services that promote the well-being of vulnerable
people. In nurseries, safeguarding policies cover recruitment, health, mental health, safety and
protection from abuse.
By conducting enhanced DBS checks with a Barred List, employers can make the right decisions
when it comes to choosing the candidate for sensitive roles they may have access to vulnerable
people. It prevents individuals with a history of harming or posing risk to vulnerable groups from
being placed in sensitive roles where they could cause harm.
Conclusion
Enhanced DBS check along with safeguarding plays a crucial role in providing safety to vulnerable
adults and children in many industries. They provide companies with details relevant to an
individual’s background, enabling them to make safer recruitments and prioritise the well-being of
those in their care.
