The Disclosure and Barring Service is the new name for the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) which has now merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
You can register for a CQC approved DBS check here
Normally speaking, employers are not entitled to make enquiries about previous criminal convictions of their employees. However, a number of occupations, positions and professions are exempt from this rule. The DBS Service issue criminal records certificates for professions included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. DBS checks can be performed as part of an organisation’s pre-recruitment checks prior to starting employment. Individuals and the self employed cannot apply.
Standard Check (£26 – Oct 2013)
To be eligible for this check, the position must be included
in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions)
Order 1975
Enhanced Check (£44 – Oct 2013)
To be eligible for this check, the position must be included
in the ROA AND in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records)
regulations
Enhanced check with barred lists check (£44 – Oct 2013)
Table below: Quick guide to who needs a DBS check
DBS checks do not have an expiry date. It is up to the employer to decide if they need an updated check. The DBS provide an update service that is available to individuals who want to keep their DBS certificates up to date online. It also allows employers to check their employees DBS certificates online. This service costs £13 per year (Oct 2013)
It is the legal responsibility of the counter signing officer submitting a DBS check that the role for which they are submitting a DBS check is eligible. If you are not sure, please email customerservices@dbs.gsi.gov.uk with your enquiry, heading the email Application Eligibility Enquiry – Urgent