Is it important to get DBS Checks for cleaners?
It can be important to consider safeguarding when employing cleaning staff, as the role can bring employees into contact with visitors to that location. This may include children or vulnerable adults.
Therefore a location a cleaner works in is the deciding factor in if they need a DBS Check or not – and what level of DBS Check they would require if they are eligible for one.
If you’re unsure as to whether you or your cleaners require a DBS Check, our comprehensive guide will run you through all you need to know about DBS Checks for cleaners.
Cleaning in adult care homes
Working in an adult care home means that a cleaner is likely to come into contact with vulnerable adults.
A vulnerable adult has been defined by the Department of Health as an adult ‘who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation’.
For this reason, cleaners working in adult care homes are eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check but not a check against the barred list as cleaning is not defined as regulated activity.
Cleaning in schools
If cleaning work is taking place in a school, it is likely that a cleaner will come into contact with children.
As such, cleaners in this position would be eligible for an enhanced DBS Check. However, unlike with adult care homes there is a chance that the employee could receive a check against the children’s barred list.
This is not a mandatory check (as cleaning is not a regulated activity) and will only be performed if requested by the school.
Cleaning in hospitals
If a cleaner is unlikely to interact with patients during their work in a hospital, such as cleaning in break rooms or in a hospital restaurant, then they are eligible for a basic DBS Check.
However, if the applicant is having access to patient wards then they would be eligible for a standard DBS Check.
Cleaning in medical centres and dental practices
Cleaning in medical centres and dental practices would only make a cleaner eligible for a basic DBS Check.
This is because cleaners would be working outside of practice opening hours, so should not have any access to any patients.
Because of this they would not be eligible for standard or enhanced DBS Checks.
DBS Checks for cleaners: Conclusion
As cleaning is not defined as a regulated activity there is no blanket way to define DBS Checks for cleaners – it is important to check whether a cleaner requires a DBS Check for each individual location they’re working in.
Be sure to get in touch with us if you have any further questions. You can apply for a number of DBS Checks through our simple online platform – most checks are completed within 48 hours. Get started now.
