DBS Checks and Remote Work: Do You Still Need Them?
The way we work has taken a dramatic shift from working from the office to working remotely or in a hybrid setting. This not only offers flexibility to the employees but also cost saving to both employers and employees. As people have been working remotely from different locations, there has been curiosity among both employers and employees if they still need a DBS check. Let’s break it down for you.
Does Working from Home Affect DBS Checks?
Well, a short answer to this is: No.
DBS in UK is determined by the job role and not location of the employee, especially if they are working with children, vulnerable adults or handling any sensitive information. This is a legal requirement in UK to comply with the DBS regulation while working with the vulnerable groups, irrespective of their location.
Some examples include:
- Remote social workers: They need an enhanced DBS check, just like any other office-based social worker.
- Customer service representative working remotely: They may not need to undergo a DBS check unless their role involves handling sensitive information.
- Self-employed remote therapist: DBS checks are required for them, as their role might involve working with vulnerable groups.
Types of DBS Checks for Remote Employees
Basically, there are three levels of DBS checks, which depends upon the role the employee shall be handling. These are same for both on-site and remote employees.
The three levels are:
- Basic DBS Check: This is required if the remote role doesn’t involve any special safeguarding requirements. It displays the unspent criminal convictions (if any) of the candidate.
- Standard DBS Check: This is often required for roles in finance, legal services or any other regulated industries. It reveals both spent and unspent convictions, reprimands and final warnings.
- Enhanced DBS Check: This is specially required for remote employees, whose role involves interacting with children or vulnerable adults. For example: online tutoring, remote counselling. It discloses everything as in standard DBS check, also including additional police records and barred list information.
DBS Checks for the Self Employed or Gig Employees
Many freelancers and self-employed individuals have questions about obtaining a DBS in UK. The answer varies based on the nature of their work:
- Basic DBS Check: Can be applied online by self-employed individuals via DBS.
- Standard/Enhanced DBS Check: If the role requires a standard/enhanced DBS check, the organisation or client is responsible for applying for the DBS check, through an umbrella body. For example: If a person or organisation hires an online tutor for children, he may need an enhanced DBS check, which should be facilitated by the person or organisation responsible for hiring him.
DBS Checks and Data Security in Remote Work
For positions that entail access to sensitive information, an employer often requests a DBS check in order to determine if the applicant is trustworthy. Remote work poses several challenges associated with data security, especially for people dealing with personal or financial information. A DBS check enables an employer to confirm a person's employment history before allowing access to highly sensitive systems.
If you work or hire remotely then it is very important to know about the DBS check in UK because whilst remote working may not negate the need for background checks, the process can be easily and efficiently managed with the right approach. Whether you are an employer or a freelancer it helps you stay in compliance with the DBS regulations and work in a much safer and more secure environment for anyone. Do you need a DBS check for your role? Click here to contact us today!
