On all standard and enhanced background check applications, a DBS workforce type will need to be selected that is relevant to the applicant’s role and for which the applicant is eligible.
But what exactly does a DBS workforce type mean? And how can you determine which DBS workforce type each application should select?
To help you in this process, this blog will talk you through the different workforce type options, and the types of roles within them.
What does a DBS workforce type mean?
There are three main DBS workforce types involved in a DBS check; Child, Adult and Other. Child and Adult can also be combined to make a ‘Child and Adult Workforce’ type.
All standard and enhanced DBS applications need to have a workforce type selected in order to be processed. This workforce type must also be applicable to the eligibility of each DBS check application.
So, what are the different workforce types? And what roles would be included within them?
DBS Workforce Type: Child Workforce
A child workforce relates to roles which are eligible for the check on the basis of working with children. This includes roles which involve interaction with children known as regulated activity.
Regulated activity in relation to children can be typically defined as roles involving teaching, training, instructing, supervising, caring for children, or driving a vehicle solely for children.
So, roles which would be eligible for a DBS check under a child workforce type include teachers, school bus drivers, and nursery staff.
Under workforce guidance, the child workforce also applies to positions for which the applicant will have contact with children, in a specific setting, even when not engaging in regulated activity.
This would include contractors working in a school on a frequent basis, or those over 16 living in a home where childminding or childcare takes place, and have the opportunity for regular contact with children.
More information can be found in the DBS child workforce guide available here.
DBS Workforce Type: Adult Workforce
In a similar way to a child workforce, an adult workforce type relates to roles which are eligible for a DBS check on the basis of regulated activity with vulnerable adults.
This comprises of, but is not limited to, those who are providing health or personal care, providing social work, assistance in managing their cash and/or bills, or conveying adults to a place of care, social services or treatment.
As a result, an adult workforce type would apply to roles including a carer, hospital porter, or a regulated social worker.
There are further roles in which an adult workforce type is applicable, such as those who will be working in a care home on a frequent basis with opportunity for contact with vulnerable adults. Further information is available in the DBS adult workforce guidance.
DBS Workforce Type: Child and Adult Workforce
In certain circumstances, an individual may be eligible for a standard or enhanced DBS check under a ‘Child and Adult Workforce’ type, depending on the nature of their role.
Such examples include healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses and dentists. These roles all engage in regulated activity with both children and vulnerable adults, and are thus eligible for a check under a child and adult workforce selection.
Consideration should be given to all aspects of an individual’s job role when considering this selection. It is important to note that it is only relevant in circumstances where an individual will be meeting the eligibility criteria at the same level for both vulnerable groups. For example, they would need to be eligible for an enhanced level DBS under both a child workforce and the adult workforce criterion.
For further information on child and adult workforce eligibility, you can contact the DBS here.
DBS Workforce Type: Other Workforce
The final DBS workforce type available to select is an ‘other workforce’. There are no specific criteria for this workforce type, as applications eligible to select it are diverse.
Roles that are eligible for an ‘other workforce‘ type include:
- Taxi or Licensed Private Hire drivers
- Those applying to work for the Gambling Commission
- Individuals applying for employment by the Crown
The full list of roles, and relevant legislation can be found here.
What does a DBS workforce type mean? A Summary
As we have seen, there are a number of different DBS workforce types to consider when making a DBS check application.
So long as the application is eligible for a higher level of background check, one of these DBS workforce types will be suitable.
For any legislative confirmation of the most suitable workforce type for a DBS application, you can contact the DBS directly.
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.
