Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks

As part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governance and safeguarding, and in line with the recommendation of government's Independent Review of the Disclosure and Barring Scheme (2022), you will be invited to undertake a DBS check.  

What is a DBS Check?  

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a detailed background check conducted in the UK that includes a person’s criminal record, both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings held on police databases. It may also include additional information from local police records that a chief officer believes is relevant to the role being applied for, especially positions involving contact with children and vulnerable adults.  

What are the benefits of (DBS) checks for councillors?  

• Increased Safety: They ensure that individuals in positions of authority, especially those involved in decisions affecting children and vulnerable adults, do not have a history that could pose a risk.  
• Public Confidence: They help to maintain and increase public trust in the integrity and safety of local governance.  
• Best Practice: They are in line with government recommendations and are considered best practice, pending future legislation.  
• Consistency: They provide a uniform standard across all councillors, aligning with the council’s policy for officers who work with children and vulnerable adults.  
• Transparency: They offer a clear process for addressing any issues that may arise from a councillor’s background check.  

You will be invited to submit your enhanced DBS check via the online Giant Screening system, within two months of your election.