Healthcare and NHS DBS checks explained

What checks do NHS workers need?

The National Healthcare Service, better known as the NHS, is a huge employer in the UK, with over 1 million employees. As most of these employees will frequently engage and interact with vulnerable adults and/or children, healthcare workers are subject to several comprehensive pre-employment checks. 

For those working in the NHS, pre-employment checks can include:

• DBS checks 
• Employment verification checks 
• Right to work Checks 
• Professional registration check 

NHS DBS checks

One of the most essential background checks health professionals undergo is the NHS DBS check. Most healthcare workers are eligible for the highest level of criminal background check, an enhanced DBS check with Barred List. 

This gives employers an in-depth insight into a candidate’s criminal history, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, any information held by local police forces and if an individual appears on a barred list.

Those who fail a DBS check are deemed unsuitable to work in the NHS and are therefore removed from consideration. 

What DBS checks do NHS workers need?

There are hundreds of positions in the NHS, and not every position needs a detailed enhanced DBS check. So, who needs a DBS check?

Below are some examples of NHS roles and which checks candidates must complete before hiring.

Basic DBS check 

A basic DBS check is the lowest level of DBS check in the UK. It gives limited insight into an individual’s criminal background, disclosing any spent convictions and police cautions. Typically, these checks are for NHS staff members with limited patient access. These roles include:

• Administrators
• Delivery drivers 
• Restaurant staff

Standard DBS check 

A standard DBS check offers a more thorough look into an individual’s criminal history than a basic DBS check. Standard DBS checks show employers a candidate’s criminal history, from spent and unspent convictions to cautions, reprimands and allegations. 

Standard NHS DBS checks are typically used for positions that carry more risk to patients but where the individual isn’t going to

participate in any regulated activity; these include:

• NHS receptionists 
• Catering Staff
• Cleaning staff 
• Admin staff with access to patient wards

Enhanced DBS check with Barred List

Enhanced DBS checks are the most common type of DBS checks. Any individual with regulated activity with patients, especially if these will be children or vulnerable adults, is required by law to have an enhanced DBS check with a Barred List check. 

Anyone working for or wanting to work for the NHS and regularly engaging with patients must apply for an enhanced DBS check.

Positions requiring an enhanced DBS check include:

• Healthcare professionals
• Healthcare assistant
• Care home workers 
• Social carers 

How long do NHS DBS checks take for candidates?

Like most enhanced DBS checks, NHS DBS checks usually take up to 14 days to complete. However, this can change depending on the demand for checks and which background check provider an employer uses. 

Is it illegal to work in care/NHS without a DBS check?

Working within the NHS without a DBS certificate is illegal. Individuals who have not undergone NHS pre-employment checks pose a potential risk to the organisation and the patients. As per the NHS employment standards, all individuals carrying out regular activities with patients are required by law to have passed an enhanced and barred list DBS check

Can you fail a DBS check and still work in the NHS?

If candidates fail an enhanced DBS check, they are unlikely to secure a position in the NHS. Failing a DBS check shows a candidate is unsuitable for their applied position and/or is a potential risk or danger to the organisation.

What are the NHS employment check standards? 

There are a number of NHS pre-employment checks individuals have to complete before working for the health service. NHS employment check standards are high and require a number of checks to verify a candidate is eligible to work in the eyes of the law and poses no risk to the organisation. 

Before starting, NHS workers must complete:

• Required DBS check
• Right to work check 
• Employment verification checks
• Registration checks 

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