In this week’s blog we look at DBS Checks for subcontractors. Read on for the key info on DBS eligibility and application info.
What is a subcontractor?
A subcontractor is a person or business which has a contract in place with another organisation or individual which is separate to them.
The subcontractor is brought in to provide a particular service or undertake a particular task.
In the building trade, for example, subcontractors may be individuals/companies offering plumbing, electrical, roofing, plastering or scaffolding services.
Which level of DBS Check am I eligible for?
If you are a subcontractor, the level of DBS Check you require will depend on what activity you’re carrying out.
Where you work, and the frequency you go are two things that must be considered.
Crucially, any unsupervised activities including; teaching, training & instructing children would make you automatically eligible for an Enhanced Check.
If you do not carry out any unsupervised activities as mentioned above but do meet the criteria below you still may be eligible for a DBS Check
For Example:
Are you conveying children or vulnerable adults to healthcare?
Do you work within a limited range of establishment’s e.g. a children’s home, premises in which childcare is taking place, schools or nurseries? Or are you working somewhat with or within a care home?
If this is relevant to you and/or your employees and are working in at least one of these places four times within a month and more, you should get in touch.
Other factors that should be taken into account are when the work is being done and where, in regards to that environment.
The more details you can provide the better as we will then be able to accurately establish if you are eligible for a DBS Check and, if so, which level of Check you need.
Under what circumstance would I need a Basic Check?
If you are a subcontractor and you do not work in a limited range of establishments, carry out any unsupervised activities or convey children or vulnerable adults to healthcare you will only be entitled to apply for a Basic Check.
A Basic Check is still a criminal record check and will show any unspent convictions on somebody’s record.
This is still beneficial if you as the employer or employee want to know if there is anything recent, or something serious, on somebody’s record that remains unspent.
Please note, however, you will need to gain the permission of the applicant in question if it is not yourself being checked.
How do I apply for a DBS Check?
Firstly, current legislation does not allow individuals to apply for a DBS Check as an individual.
A DBS Check needs to be requested through the company you work for, via a recruitment agency you are dealing with, the company you will be subcontracting for or if you are self-employed by asking your local council to apply for a DBS Check on to this on your behalf .
DBS Checks for subcontractors – conclusion
We hope you found our blog on DBS Checks for subcontractors useful.
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.