In care settings, where individuals are often vulnerable and may require assistance with their daily lives, the role of DBS checks is particularly crucial. Below are some key aspects of the role of DBS checks in care settings:

Safeguarding Vulnerable Individuals

The primary purpose of DBS checks is to identify individuals with a history of criminal behaviour that may pose a risk to vulnerable individuals in care settings. This includes offenses such as abuse, violence, or financial exploitation. By conducting DBS checks, care providers aim to create a safe environment for those under their care. The information obtained from DBS checks allows care providers to make informed decisions about the recruitment of individuals. If an applicant has a relevant criminal history, the care setting can assess the level of risk and determine whether the individual is suitable for the role.

 

Compliance with Regulatory standards

Ensuring compliance with DBS checks in care homes is crucial to maintaining a safe and secure environment for residents. Care homes often deal with vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with health conditions, therefore, thorough screening of staff is essential.

In many cases, Enhanced DBS checks are mandatory for positions involving regular and unsupervised contact with vulnerable individuals. Individuals in roles such as personal care, assistance with daily living, or supervision of residents will typically require an Enhanced DBS check.

 

Determining suitability for specific roles

Different roles within a care setting may have varying levels of responsibility and interaction with vulnerable individuals. DBS checks help employers assess the suitability of individuals for specific roles based on their criminal history. For instance, individuals with certain convictions may be deemed unsuitable for roles involving direct care responsibilities.

Some common roles in care homes and the corresponding DBS checks they typically require:

 

• Care support Workers

Role: Providing assistance with daily living activities, personal care, and emotional support.

DBS check: Enhanced DBS check

 

• Registered Nurses

Role: Providing medical care, administering medications, and coordinating healthcare services.

DBS check: Enhanced DBS check

 

• Healthcare Assistants

Role: Assisting with healthcare tasks, monitoring patients, and providing support to medical staff.

DBS check: Enhanced DBS check

 

• Support Workers

Role: Offering emotional and practical support to residents with mental health conditions or disabilities.

DBS checks: Enhanced DBS check.

 

• Administrative Staff

Role: Performing administrative duties, managing records, and coordinating appointments.

DBS check: Standard or Enhanced DBS check, depending on the level od contact with residents.

 

• Catering Staff

Role: Preparing and serving meals to residents

DBS check: Standard or Enhanced DBS check, depending on the level of contact with residents.

 

• Maintenance and Cleaning Staff

Role: Ensuring a clean and safe environment for residents.

DBS check: Standard or Enhanced DBS check, depending on the level of contact with residents.

 

• Volunteers

Role: Providing additional support or companionship to residents.

DBS check: Enhanced DBS check if the volunteer will have unsupervised contact with residents.

 

• Managers and supervisors

Role: Overseeing the operations of the care home, managing staff, and ensuring compliance.

DBS check: Enhanced DBS check

 

• Therapists (Occupational, Physio, etc)

Role: Providing therapeutic services to residents

DBS check: Enhanced DBS check

 

• Social Workers

Role: Supporting residents with social and emotional needs, liaising with external services.

DBS check: Enhanced DBS check

 

How to apply for a DBS check?

There are multiple ways you can book with us, including our online form, email, and telephone.

You will need to provide details such as:

• The applicant’s full name
• Email address
• Telephone
• Date of birth
• National insurance number
• Address history for the past 5 years including in the UK and abroad

You must also provide documents such as:

• Driving licence
• Passport
• Proof of address

How much does it cost to have a DBS carried out with Cavity?

Standard check: £18.00

Enhanced check: £38.00

Cavity service fee: £13.50 + VAT (if more than three applications are being carried out, we will reduce to £12.00 + VAT

Document Verification: £11.00 + VAT

 

Our compliance team are more than happy to answer any enquiries you may have so please don't hestiate to get in contact at compliance@cavitydentalstaff.co.uk.