DBS check eligibility can be difficult to fathom, and when it comes to DBS checks in pharmacies it’s no different.
We often get asked about DBS checks in pharmacies, and so we’ve put together this handy guide to explain things.
Read on to find out which employees are eligible for DBS checks in pharmacies, and what sort of check they should have.
The different levels of DBS Check
There are three different level of DBS check: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. Here’s a quick rundown of what each check reveals:
- A Basic check will reveal any unspent convictions or conditional cautions the applicant has.
- A Standard check will reveal any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings the applicant has.
- An Enhanced check will reveal the same information as a Standard check, plus any relevant information held by the applicant’s local police force. An Enhanced check may also include a check of the children’s and/or adults’ barred list (see below).
Each type of check has its own set of eligibility requirements, and so it’s important to carefully consider whether an employee’s role meets the requirements for a check before applying.
Regulated activity and the barred lists
The children’s and adults’ barred lists are two lists held by the DBS that comprise details of people who have been barred from working with children and adults respectively.
As part of some Enhanced DBS checks, the applicant’s details will be checked against one or both of these lists. To be eligible for a barred list check, the applicant must engage in regulated activity with children and/or adults as part of their role.
‘Regulated activity’ is a term which refers to a specific list of roles and activities that involve contact with children or vulnerable adults.
You can find full details of what constitutes regulated activity for children here and adults here.
Now, let’s look at the different roles in a pharmacy, and which checks they’re eligible for.
DBS Checks in Pharmacies for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are required to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and as they are classed as a healthcare professional, they are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a check of both the adults’ and children’s barred lists.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians engage in regulated activity by providing healthcare to both adults and children.
DBS Checks in Pharmacies for Dispensers and General Pharmacy Assistants
These positions are a little more complicated…
Dispensers and general pharmacy assistants who supervise, on a day-to-day basis, someone who is engaging in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, will be eligible for the same type of check as the person they’re supervising.
Dispensers and general pharmacy assistants who do not supervise but who do provide advice wholly or mainly for adults and children in relation to their healthcare, at least three times in a 30-day period, will be eligible for an Enhanced check with a check of the children’s barred list only.
DBS Checks in Pharmacies for other employees
Anyone working in a role where they have the opportunity for regular contact with people who are receiving healthcare will be eligible for a Standard DBS check.
If an employee does not have the opportunity for frequent contact with people receiving healthcare, and none of the other situations above apply, then they will be eligible for a Basic DBS check.
There are no eligibility requirements for a Basic DBS check – anyone aged 16 or over can have one.
Applying for DBS Checks in Pharmacies
Applying for DBS checks for your pharmacy employees couldn’t be simpler via our online platform.
Once you’re registered, it takes less than five minutes to request a check, and results are usually issued in less than 48 hours.
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.
