As an organisation, we predominantly work with children, young people and adults who are in need of healthcare. Our pre-joining checks are a vital part of creating an environment where people are safe. This includes:

• Taking up at least two satisfactory references
• Providing evidence of qualifications and, where relevant, professional registration
• Evidencing the legal right to work in the UK (for workers)
• Undertaking a criminal record check at the appropriate level for the role (see more information below).

DBS checks

As a healthcare organisation which works daily with children and adults at risk, the significant majority of our roles require a criminal record disclosure. A criminal record is not always a barrier to employment. We will consider each case on an individual basis. 

What is a DBS check?

A DBS check is an official record stating a person’s criminal convictions. They help us to ensure that we, as an employer, make the right decisions during the recruitment process. DBS checks are important in finding suitable candidates to work with vulnerable groups, including children. Upon completing the check, we review DBS certificates and decide the next steps.

We comply with the requirements of the DBS Code of Practice.

Types of DBS checks

There are four levels of DBS checks: basic, standard, enhanced and enhanced with a barred list check.

1. Basic DBS check

Basic checks can be used for any position or purpose, including employment. This is the only level of check that an individual can request for themselves. A basic certificate will contain details of convictions and cautions from the Police National Computer (PNC) that are considered to be unspent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. 

• Standard DBS Check

A standard check will contain details of both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are held on the Police National Computer, which are not subject to filtering.

• Enhanced DBS Check

The enhanced check is the highest level of criminal record check and are only available for specific duties, positions and licenses included in both the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975) and the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) regulations – for example, regularly caring for, training, supervising or being solely in charge of children, or specified activities with adults in receipt of health care or social care services. An enhanced level certificate contains the same PNC information as the standard level certificate but also includes a check of information held locally by police forces.

• Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Check

Enhanced checks can also include a check of whether a person is listed on the Children’s Barred List or Adult First list (i.e. whether they are barred from working with vulnerable groups). This can only be requested if the person will be involved in a regulated activity.