In short, a DBS check is not a passing or failing test, so it's not possible to fail a DBS check. Rather, the verification simply provides information about a person's criminal record, which employers can use to make informed decisions about a candidate's suitability for a particular job. A lot of people ask themselves the same questions. Let's make one thing clear: it's possible to fail a background check.
However, it is not possible to “pass” a criminal background check (DBS), since all the DBS does is check your files and details and return a certificate that details any conviction; in other words, it is not a test of “approval or disapproval”. The number one way not to pass a background check is if the details of past convictions appear on a DBS certificate. Any criminal behavior can appear in a DBS control, depending on the level of control performed: basic, standard or enhanced. If the convictions aren't related to the job being applied for, it doesn't necessarily mean that you don't pass the background check.
In fact, under the guidelines set out in the Offender Rehabilitation Act 1974, employers are not allowed to discriminate against candidates because they have handed down convictions. The best thing to do if you have a criminal record is to check with any potential employer ahead of time. In other words, you must disclose the details of any criminal conduct before carrying out a DBS check, as this will create a more favorable impression on the employer and potentially build more trust. Finally, there is always a small chance that a mistake will be made when performing a background check and showing false information about you that will make you look bad.
For example, sometimes there are errors in a criminal record and a conviction is recorded in your file because you share a name with a convicted felon or because your identity has been stolen. This will appear on any DBS verification that is submitted. In the event that erroneous information appears in a DBS check or anywhere else in the background check, the first thing to do is to notify the potential employer, contact the DBS, and also notify the court and local police so that false data can be corrected as soon as possible. Contrary to popular belief, DBS checks do not produce an approval or rejection result.
Instead, they detail aspects of the applicant's criminal history so that the employer makes the safest hiring decision. An improved DBS check is the highest level of DBS verification available and, like standard DBS verification, is only available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. There's no such thing as passing or failing a DBS check. A DBS certificate shows any information contained in a person's criminal record.
If you don't have a criminal record, your certificate will be returned to you without information. If you have a criminal record (warning, admonition or conviction), these will be detailed in your DBS certificate. But this doesn't necessarily mean that you “failed” the verification. If you think an employer has committed employment discrimination, you must file a complaint. If you commit a crime that is relevant to the position you are applying for, that is,.
If you are prohibited from working with children or adults in a vulnerable position, you will not be able to work in those areas. However, if the offense is not relevant to the role you are applying for, the “Offender Rehabilitation Act” states that you must continue to have the same employment opportunities as a person without a criminal record. If you believe you have been unfairly discriminated against because of your history, we suggest that you seek legal advice. These are the most common myths we find here at Personnel Checks, but if you've heard others and want to know if they're true or lies, call our toll-free helpline and talk to an advisor. You can call us at 01254 355688. Criminal convictions disclosed in basic, standard, or improved DBS controls don't necessarily disqualify you for a potential position.
However, if your criminal record shows a crime that is relevant to the type of position you are applying for, you may not be offered the job. Employers must protect their staff and customers, especially if they are concerned with the safety of children or vulnerable adults. Even the slightest hint that you may be a threat could immediately dissuade any employer from hiring you. Failing to pass a DBS check would mean that something would come up that would exclude you from the job you are applying for. This would depend on the job; areas that are more stringent include health and education. In these areas, a wide range of past convictions, spent or unspent, could mean you don't pass your check.
If you have been convicted of crimes not punishable by capital punishment in the past and those sentences are already exhausted, you probably don't have to worry about basic DBS control. The basic check only seeks unused convictions. When requesting a DBS check, keep in mind that capital crimes, such as murder, are never spent. So, even if that sentence is 20 years old, it will appear on a basic DBS check. When requesting an enhanced DBS Check, there is no approval or rejection status; just a record of violations. However, an enhanced DBS check may not be completed for several reasons; meaning that hiring takes longer than it should. The information that appears on an enhanced DBS certificate depends largely on the level of verification that has been requested.
If you have been convicted of crimes against members of those groups and have been on a list of banned people; this will appear during this type of enhanced DBS check. The reason for this is that standard and improved controls are tools to help employers make safe hiring decisions for their employees. An enhanced DBS check is one way for employers to view an applicant's criminal records. If you commit crimes relevant to your job application; such as those involving children or vulnerable adults; then this could mean failing an enhanced DBS check. However; if your offense isn't related to your job application; then employers must still consider your application fairly; according to guidelines set out by The Offender Rehabilitation Act 1974. If employers fail to do this; then applicants can file complaints against them. Finally; there's always an outside chance of mistakes being made during background checks; such as false information being shown due to identity theft or mistaken identity. In these cases; applicants should contact their potential employers; local police; courts; and also The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) immediately; so false data can be corrected quickly. To sum up; it's impossible to pass or fail an enhanced DBS Check; since all it does is provide employers with information about an applicant's criminal records. However; if applicants have committed crimes relevant to their job application; then this could mean failing an enhanced DBS Check. If applicants believe they've been unfairly discriminated against due to their history; then they should seek legal advice.
