Introduction
DBS ID documents are a critical aspect of the DBS check process, helping employers in the UK to ensure the safety and security of children and vulnerable adults, as well as other staff members in your employment. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of an applicant’s DBS ID documents, how they are used to verify an applicant’s identity, and why they are essential in the DBS process.
The Role of DBS in the UK
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a government agency that provides criminal record checks for employers in the UK. The DBS check process involves verifying the identity of the applicant, checking their criminal history, and making sure the person you employ is the correct person for the role.
The Importance of Identity Verification
The verification of the applicant’s identity is a crucial step in the DBS check process. Without verifying the identity of the applicant, it would be impossible to ensure that the results of the criminal record check belong to the right person. The use of ID documents, which are designed to be difficult to forge, helps to prevent individuals from impersonating others and accessing sensitive information or positions for which they are not qualified. DBS ID documents are used to confirm the identity of the applicant, ensuring that the results of the criminal record check are accurate and reliable.
Approved DBS ID Documents
The DBS has a list of approved ID documents that can be used to verify the identity of the applicant. These documents include a passport, driving licence, birth certificate, and other official documents. Employers must take the time to verify the ID documents of their employees, as failure to do so could put their staff, clients, and reputation at risk.
What Are The Identity Documents Needed For A DBS Check?
Group 1: Primary Identity Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Any current and valid passport |
| Biometric residence permit | UK |
| Current photocard driving licence (full or provisional) | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA |
| Birth certificate, issued within 12 months of birth | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands – including those issued by UK authorities overseas, for example embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces |
| Adoption certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
Group 2a: Trusted Government Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Current photocard driving licence, full or provisional. | All countries outside the UK (excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands) |
| Current driving licence (full or provisional) – paper version (if issued before 1998) | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands |
| Birth certificate, issued after time of birth | UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands |
| Marriage or civil partnership certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
| Immigration document, visa or work permit | Issued by a country outside the UK. Valid only for roles whereby the applicant is living and working outside of the UK. Visa/permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based |
| HM Forces ID card | UK |
| Firearms licence | UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man |
Group 2b: Financial and Social History Documents
| Document | Notes | Issue date and validity |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage statement | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| Bank or building society statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| Bank or building society statement | Countries outside the UK | Issued in last 3 months – branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works |
| Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Credit card statement | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Financial statement, for example pension or endowment | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| P45 or P60 statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Council Tax statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider | Non-UK only – valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application | Must still be valid |
| Utility bill | UK (not mobile telephone bill) | Issued in last 3 months |
| Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, Pension | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, for example from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRC | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| EEA National ID card | – | Must still be valid |
| Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo | UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands | Must still be valid |
| Letter from head teacher or college principal | UK: for 16 to 19 year olds in full-time education, only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided | Must still be valid |
Protecting Personal Information
Keeping DBS ID documents safe is crucial to protect the privacy and personal information of the applicant. The DBS check process requires a significant amount of personal information, including the applicant’s full name, date of birth, address, and national insurance number. This information is sensitive and must be protected from identity theft and other forms of fraud. Ensure DBS ID documents return to the applicant as soon as possible to help to prevent fraud and ensure that the DBS check process is accurate and reliable.
Extra Scrutiny for Sensitive Positions
Positions that involve working with vulnerable people or handling sensitive information require an extra level of scrutiny with an Enhanced DBS Check. Checking DBS ID documents can help to provide this level of scrutiny, ensuring that employers are hiring the right person for the job. By checking ID documents thoroughly, employers can help to ensure the safety and security of their employees and clients, and hire trustworthy and reliable individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DBS ID documents are a critical component of the DBS check process, DBS Checks provide employers in the UK with a reliable way to verify the identity of their employees. Having the correct DBS ID documents will help to prevent fraud, and ensure the safety and security of staff. It is important that Employers must take the time to verify the ID documents of their employees to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the DBS check process.
For further reading, why not read one of our latest posts about common DBS check mistakes. The Most Common DBS Check Mistakes or our post about the DBS Certificate. What is a DBS Certificate?