An up to date DBS check is essential.

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Those employing a Live In or Live Out Nanny, Maternity Nurse, Governess or Nanny/Housekeeper or Nanny/PA should be made aware that whilst it is preferable to engage those who have a recent DBS disclosure, the disclosure should not be relied upon as an indication or measure of a Nannies childcare capabilities or credibility as a care giver. You should also note that a DBS check is only up to date at the time of issue. As a result of this, many employers may require a new DBS check to be completed or at least be in process before you begin a new position. Please note that we no longer provide a DBS service, we do however recommend Total CRB which is a government appointed umbrella organisation to process all DBS applications.

Basic disclosure

The basic disclosure is primarily for positions involving regular contact with children or vulnerable adults, but can also be used for some other professions of high responsibility (for example, accountancy). Standard Disclosures reveal details of any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings the applicant has received, regardless of length of time since the incidents; together with details of whether that person is banned from working with children or vulnerable adults (if these details have been requested).

Standard disclosure

The standard disclosure is for positions involving greater contact with children or vulnerable adults (for example: teachers, nurses, midwives, doctors, dentists, social workers, student nurses, student midwives, medical students, dental students, pharmacists, pharmacy students) and for certain additional professions (for example, judicial appointments). In general, the type of work will involve regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of children or vulnerable people.

In addition to the information provided on a Standard Disclosure, the Enhanced Disclosure involves an additional check with the police, who check if any other information is held on file that may be relevant (for instance, investigations that have not led to a criminal record). The police decide what (if any) additional information will be added to the Disclosure. In rare circumstances the police may write to the employer separately giving confidential information about an ongoing criminal investigation into the applicant. This information may not be released to the applicant and the employer cannot reveal it to them.

Enhanced disclosure

As above - plus a check of the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service" DBS barred lists

How long does it take and how long are they valid for?

At the moment in England & Wales it takes an average of 4 weeks to get results once the application has been submitted, in Scotland a little longer. They are only valid to the date they are produced, they also carry no absolute guarantee of accuracy.

The Agency Policy on CRB checks.

As Agencies who supply Nannies do not directly employ the Nanny we are not able to make some one do a DBS check, we do however encourage all potential applicants to have a DBS check however ultimately it is the nanny's choice.

General information

Those employing a nanny should be made aware that whilst it is preferable to engage those who have a recent CRB disclosure, the disclosure should not be relied upon as an indication or measure of a Nannies childcare capabilities or credibility as a care giver.