Disclosure & Barring Service (Staff)
The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. In line with the DBS Code of Practice and with the University’s safer recruitment practices, the successful candidates for any roles involving regulated activity, will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level. We expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share our commitment to safeguarding.
What is DBS?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) was established to enable employers to make safer recruitment decisions and highlight any individuals who may not be sitable to undertake specific work with children and/or vulnerable adults. This is done by processing and issuing DBS checks.
The University has a duty to ensure that anyone recruited to or engaged in certain roles and activities are checked at the appropriate level before they undertake these duties. A full overview of the University’s guidance around DBS checks can be found in our Guidance Notes for Managers.
What are the different levels of DBS check?
There are four types of DBS check (previously known as CRB, or criminal record checks), and each type results in a DBS certificate being issued to an individual.
The four levels of DBS check are:
- Basic
- Standard
- Enhanced
- Enhanced with Child and/or Adults Barred List
What is regulated activity?
Regulated activity is certain work with children or adults that is subject to specific safeguarding rules. A person who is barred from carrying out regulated activity must not undertake that activity.
Whether a role involves regulated activity depends on the duties being carried out, the frequency and nature of the work, and, for some activities, the setting in which the work takes place.
Regulated activity is one of the factors used to determine whether a person is eligible for an enhanced DBS check, and in some circumstances an enhanced DBS check with a check of the relevant barred list. If a role does not involve regulated activity, a standard or basic DBS check may be appropriate, depending on the role and the legal eligibility requirements.
Eligibility for a DBS check
When deciding whether a role needs a DBS requirement, you need to consider the following points:
Who does the role/activity involve? (i.e. children and/or adults)
What the role/activity is?
How often is the activity performed?
When is the activity supervised?
Where the activity takes place?
DBS Process
The University of Warwick has a contract with an external registered body, First Advantage - KnowYourPeople, which process DBS checks on our behalf.
To request a DBS check for yourself or for a member of your team, please complete the form below. This form should be used for all DBS requests (including new assessments, re-assessments, outreach work, work experience, new starters, transfers, BPSS and renewals)
The DBS team will work with First Advantage - KnowYourPeople to action your request, and will offer support and guidance throughout the whole process.
DBS Request Form
Please allow for a minimum of 6 weeks from submission to DBS complete.
We are currently based on the ground floor in Swallow House.
Vicky Groom
Recruitment Operations Officer and Departmental Safeguarding Officer
Contact Us
If you are unsure about any aspect of the DBS process or you have queries regarding screening checks in general, please contact myself via email at ScreeningChecks@warwick.ac.uk.
DBS Support
Book in a 30-minute meeting to go through any DBS queries or concerns you may have by following the link here.
Work Experience
DBS Guidance for Work Experience
Personal Tutors
DBS Guidance for Personal Tutors
Useful Documents
Further guidance on DBS eligibility can be found in the Eligibility for DBS checks table.
Managers may also find helpful information on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders webpage.
BPSS
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) is the recognised standard for the pre-employment screening of individuals with access to government assets or sensitive information.
The 4 checks included in a BPSS are often referred to as RICE;
Right to work
Identity
Criminal Record
Employment History
For requests, or further information on BPSS, please contact the team via email.