DBS (CRB) check

no_1_dave · 6 Jun 2014 at 16:00

Hello,
I have been unemployed for a few months and have now been offered a job pending a DBS check. The roll is self employed so the company will not do the check themselves meaning I have to get one done. I am having trouble finding somewhere to do it.

So far the only place I have found that offers a reasonable turnaround is:
https://www.onlinedbschecks.co.uk/

Has anyone else had to do one themselves? If so, where did you do it?
I don't want to submit all my details, including passport etc to a company, then find they are a scam attempting to steal peoples identities.

ghummy · 6 Jun 2014 at 16:46

Due to working in the NHS and having many different positions since 2010 I have had plenty of of checks. However I was sent a link via email from human resources to an online form for an outside agency. Maybe if you speak to their HR dept they may be able to advise you

beh · 6 Jun 2014 at 16:48

Is it just a basic check you need? If so just apply direct through Disclosure Scotland, don't do it through an intermediary like the one you linked (£25 vs £38).

https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/overview said:
If applicants need to run a check on themselves, they can get a ‘basic disclosure’ with details of any unspent convictions from Disclosure Scotland (they can do this anywhere in the UK).

MrMoonX · 6 Jun 2014 at 19:30

The company employing you should do it and pay for it! Ive had loads and it normally takes 3-4 wks, they have always sorted it and you just fill in an online form and they do their bit with your proofs, never use anyone but the .gov site. Self employed but actually employed sounds like an NI dodge from the company

Turambar · 6 Jun 2014 at 20:12

If it's a basic apply through disclosure Scotland directly since that's where it will end up anyway. It won't get done any faster going through a third party.

GAC · 6 Jun 2014 at 20:14

you got a letter saying you have the job ? if not i wouldnt pay for the crb at all as iv known a few people who have done this and then been stuck on stand by for months.

and tbh its generally down to the company to do this.

Mana · 6 Jun 2014 at 20:16

The company you work for should do it but often they will insist that you pay for it. Some companies will pay for it but I work in the care industry and due to the turnover of staff we cannot afford to pay for DBS checks. Plus I use it as a check for how dedicated they really want to care for the vulnerable. If they fork out £50 then you know you don't have someone who is wasting their time.

Phantom Shadow · 6 Jun 2014 at 20:24

Word of warning HMRC can decide that you are effectively employed by the company and will recalculate your NI and income tax on that basis, potentially giving you a big tax bill to pay later down the line.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/employment-status/#1

RedvGreen · 6 Jun 2014 at 20:48

DBS/CRB forms can be given by the employer. It's just a simple check for criminal records and what convictions you have on record and how it may impact your ability/trustworthiness to perform the role.

When it's completed, you and your employer will receive a copy (most occasions).

no_1_dave · 6 Jun 2014 at 21:28

Cheers for the replies, i have taken them all on board.

beh said:
Is it just a basic check you need? If so just apply direct through Disclosure Scotland, don't do it through an intermediary like the one you linked (£25 vs £38).

Nice one

MrMoonX · 6 Jun 2014 at 21:33

Mana said:
The company you work for should do it but often they will insist that you pay for it. Some companies will pay for it but I work in the care industry and due to the turnover of staff we cannot afford to pay for DBS checks. Plus I use it as a check for how dedicated they really want to care for the vulnerable. If they fork out £50 then you know you don't have someone who is wasting their time.

Sounds like you have a retention problem then. Making employees pay for their own DBS is wrong imo, I've never had to pay for one and need an enhanced one for very job I've had.

Xordium · 6 Jun 2014 at 22:41

I find it strange that you are expected to get this done yourself. Are you sure everything is above board because it sounds like it is not.

Soundood · 7 Jun 2014 at 00:58

and will the ongoing operation Yew Tree investigation, affect your chances of failing this test?

only saying....

no_1_dave · 7 Jun 2014 at 13:32

Xordium said:
I find it strange that you are expected to get this done yourself. Are you sure everything is above board because it sounds like it is not.

Yea it's a self employed role.
They have said they can do it, however they have a 2 month backlog at the moment. If I get it done myself they will re-imburse me and it means I can start work sooner. i have a mortgage to pay etc so for the sake of ~£25 I can't afford to not at least give it a try

Third Opinion · 7 Jun 2014 at 14:43

If you are on Jobseekers and have a written offer of employment I think you can get the Jobcentre to pay for it.

Well I know they use to do it as I can across this quite a lot when I worked as a trainer/job broker on a JCP contract.

Storm3y · 7 Jun 2014 at 15:18

I've had a couple of enhanced DBS checks and they've only took a week or so. The check has been completed within 24 hours of my employer submitting the DBS but my local police forces are quite quick.

It takes more time for them to print and send the certificate.