We’ve been getting a lot of enquiries lately about DBS Checks for online roles – so we’ve put together this blog to answer your questions.
Like it or not, the internet is now a constant presence in our lives. There are apps and online services designed to facilitate everything from shopping to education to socialising.
It follows, then, that some jobs are now carried out wholly or partly via the internet. But does this change their eligibility for DBS Checks?
Read on to find out everything you need to know about DBS Checks for online roles.
DBS Checks for Online Roles: The eligibility explained
In short, the fact that a role is carried out online doesn’t change its eligibility for a DBS Check.
Roles that are carried out online are eligible for the same type of DBS Check they’d be eligible for if they were carried out in person.
Below, we’ve explained the different types of DBS Check and their eligibility requirements in the context of online roles.
Basic DBS Checks for Online Roles
Basic DBS Checks have no eligibility requirements – they’re available to anyone aged 16 or over.
Anyone in any role can apply for one, so a Basic Check would be suitable for someone carrying out an online role if they aren’t eligible for a higher-level check.
As of January 2018, individuals can apply for a Basic Check through our individual DBS Check application.
Standard DBS Checks for Online Roles
To be eligible for a Standard DBS Check, a role must be listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
The list of professions in this piece of legislation includes roles that have a high level of responsibility – for example, lawyers, accountants and veterinary surgeons. You can see the full list in the Standard DBS eligibility guide.
If a person is carrying out one of these roles, whether online or in person, they will be eligible for a Standard Check.
Enhanced DBS Checks for Online Roles
To be eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check, a person’s role must be listed in the ROA Exceptions Order and the Police Act 1997 or Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) regulations. Roles that are eligible for Enhanced Checks generally involve working with children or vulnerable adults (although there are additional roles that will require this level of check).
Some Enhanced Checks will also include a check of the children’s and/or adults’ barred list. To be eligible for a barred list check, the applicant’s role must meet certain requirements. This is the case with online roles as well as roles that are carried out in person.
If a person’s role involves engaging in regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults on three or more occasions in a 30-day period, whether online or in person, they will be eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check with a check of the relevant barred list/s.
Examples of online roles that may meet this conditions include:
- An online tutor for children
- A healthcare professional who provides online healthcare advice
- An online counsellor or therapist
However, the ‘working at own address’ check would not be applicable in these online roles, as the individual would be providing the service remotely and so the vulnerable person wouldn’t be required to attend the house address.
If a person carries out an online activity but it happens fewer than three times in a 30-day period, they will still be eligible for an Enhanced Check but the barred list check may not be required.
For a detailed list of activities that are eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check, see the DBS eligibility guidance.
If you have any more questions about DBS Checks for online roles, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – our friendly team is always happy to help.
