DBS Checks for Social Workers
DBS checks are legally required to maintain compliance with Social Work England and local authority regulations. Checks Direct has been supporting social work organisations, local authorities, and care agencies across the UK since 2015, offering simple and efficient DBS application processes to help them meet regulatory standards and maintain the highest levels of protection for those in their care.
Which social workers need a DBS check?
UK social care workers are engaged in ‘regulated activities’ with some of the most vulnerable members of society, often in unsupervised contexts, and therefore most roles require an Enhanced DBS check with a further check of the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists.
DBS checks for child protection social workers
Child social workers are required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check, including a Children’s Barred List check, to ensure safety and well-being.
DBS checks for school social workers
As school social workers engage in regulated activity with children they are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and check against the Children’s Barred List.
DBS checks for community social workers
Adult social workers carry out regulated activities with vulnerable individuals and are therefore required to undergo an Enhanced DBS and barred lists check.
What does an Enhanced DBS check for social workers show?
Social services roles which involve regulated activities or unsupervised access to vulnerable individuals require an Enhanced DBS check as standard. This reveals:
- Any spent or unspent convictions
- Warnings
- Cautions
- Reprimands
- Any other police information deemed relevant
Barred Lists
Anyone engaging in ‘regulated activities‘ with vulnerable individuals is legally required to be checked against the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists, which reveal anyone who should not be working with minors or vulnerable adults.
In a social care setting, this means all frontline, administrative and support staff must be checked against the relevant barred list. Employing a barred individual is considered a criminal offence.
Our DBS check process for social workers
Our process is designed to be straightforward, accessible, and personalised. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we offer a reliable and efficient service tailored to the unique needs of social work organisations.
Our accredited DBS team is dedicated to exceeding your expectations. We provide expert guidance at every step, ensuring a smooth DBS check process and the highest level of protection for the vulnerable individuals you support.
Register easily online for free
You can set up an account in a matter of minutes, submit applications on our user-friendly portal, and manage checks on your dashboard.
Apply for checks
Our expert team thoroughly reviews each application, verifying all information for accuracy and validity to maximise efficiency throughout the DBS check process.
Receive your results
You will be notified when the results are ready. Our fast turnaround provides confirmation of your checks and peace of mind.
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Enhanced DBS checks for social services pricing
Our competitive pricing for Enhanced DBS checks ensures local authorities can maintain safety and compliance in social care without straining budgets. We offer transparent, cost-effective rates with no hidden fees, allowing you to efficiently conduct all necessary checks for your staff and service providers.
Enhanced DBS checks
| No of Checks | Cost ex VAT | Cost inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £63.67 | £66.50 |
| 51 – 300 | £58.67 | £60.50 |
| 301 – 500 | £58.46 | £60.25 |
| 501 – 750 | £57.63 | £59.25 |
| 751 – 1000 | £55.54 | £56.75 |
| 1001+ | £54.50 | £55.50 |
Choosing Checks Direct for social worker DBS checks
Our expertise ensures social work organisations meet their regulatory obligations while maintaining a safe and secure environment for those they serve. We’re proud to have assisted nearly 5,000 satisfied clients, processing over 100,000 DBS and other background checks annually.
Our online services help you save time, money, and resources, while providing a range of additional benefits tailored to the unique needs of the social work sector:
Service user safety & risk management
Implement thorough vetting practices to protect vulnerable individuals, staff, and social care facilities from potential risks or misconduct.
Professional
governance
Gain peace of mind knowing that background checks are conducted professionally and securely, adhering to Social Work England standards and best practices.
Service
continuity
Meet your staffing needs quickly with our fast-track vetting system, ensuring uninterrupted care provision and minimal disruption to your social services.
Public trust & local authority reputation
Build trust with service users, families, and regulatory bodies by maintaining transparent and reliable recruitment processes.
Workforce
efficiency
Improve staff retention by hiring the right social care professionals for the right roles, reducing turnover and associated costs while maintaining high-quality care.
Regulatory
compliance
Receive expert guidance to perform the appropriate checks and ensure compliance with Social Work England guidelines, local authority requirements, and other social care regulatory standards.
FAQs
DBS checks are accurate up to the point of issue and therefore social care organisations should request new checks periodically (typically every 1-3 years) or subscribe to the DBS Update Service. This allows employers to see if there have been any changes to a certificate.
For most roles within social services, an Enhanced DBS and barred lists check is required.
The DBS check prevents individuals who may pose a risk of harm to vulnerable individuals from taking up roles where they may be in unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.
It is illegal to work in ‘regulated activities’ without having undergone an Enhanced DBS and barred lists check, which covers the majority of roles within social services.
No, a DBS check is more general, while a barred list check is a specific component of an Enhanced DBS check. Standard and Basic DBS checks do not include barred list checks. A barred list check is required for people who work closely with children or vulnerable adults.
A DBS check and a CRB check are the same. In 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged under the Protection of Freedoms Act to form ‘The Disclosure and Barring Service’.
As social workers are in contact with some of the most vulnerable members of society, an Enhanced DBS and barred lists check is typically required.
In exceptional circumstances. If there’s an urgent need for staff and the role involves direct contact with vulnerable adults, the employer can request an Adults’ First Check. This is a quicker, interim check of the Adults’ Barred List, and if it’s clear, the individual can start work under strict supervision while awaiting the full Enhanced DBS check results.
Yes, Checks Direct offer quick and easy DBS check applications using our online portal. Simply register for an account and apply for the checks your business requires.
Apply for DBS checks for social workers online today
Keep your organisation and people safe with our independent and verified checks.
Related Services
Additional social care sector services:
