Wondering about DBS Checks for librarians?
As in any community setting, it’s important that libraries are safe for the people who use them.
A key part of this is ensuring that people who work in librarian roles are suitable to do so. DBS Checks can be vital in this respect – but what level of DBS Check should a librarian have?
In this blog we’ll explain everything you need to know.
The role of a librarian
In addition to organising and providing access to reading and information resources, librarians usually run community events and activities, often for children.
They also offer guidance on using library resources, and may work with local schools and colleges to improve key skills like IT and literacy.
Because of this, librarians may be involved in unsupervised teaching, training or instruction of children.
These activities are classed as regulated activity with children.
What is regulated activity with children?
Regulated activity with children is work that cannot be done by a person who has been barred from working with children.
It comprises a list of specific activities that involve being in contact with children. You can see the list here.
If a role involves regulated activity with children, it is eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check with a check of the children’s barred list.
What level of DBS Check should a librarian have?
As described above, librarians will likely engage in regulated activity with children. For this reason they will typically be eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check with a barred list check.
Regulated activity with children also includes work carried out in a number of specified establishments. This includes work carried out on a frequent basis in schools.
For this reason, all school librarians will be eligible for an Enhanced Check with a children’s barred list check.
What will an Enhanced DBS Check show?
An Enhanced DBS Check will reveal any convictions or cautions the applicant has that are not subject to filtering.
In addition, it will show any information held by the applicant’s local police force that is considered relevant to the role in question.
A children’s barred list check will show whether the applicant has been barred from working with children.
What about other library staff?
There are certain other establishments that would enable people to have DBS Checks carried out, such as prisons and care homes with libraries.
Volunteers in community libraries may help with events or activities specifically arranged for children which involve teaching, training or instructing children. If the role involves regulated activity with children, it may be eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check with a check of the children’s barred list.
There are also services in libraries that could be aimed at vulnerable adults, which could mean a DBS check could be eligible for these roles.
Therefore, depending on the establishment and specific sessions held by the librarian, different DBS Checks could be requested.
If other library staff are not carrying out regulated activity, they will only be eligible for a Basic DBS Check.
A Basic Check will show any unspent convictions or conditional cautions the applicant has.
If you have any questions about DBS Checks for librarians, or DBS Checks in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’re always happy to help.
