DBS Check for Nanny Jobs: Are They Required?

A fundamental aspect of establishing trust between a family and their nanny candidate is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. But are these checks a formality, or an indispensable requirement for nannies in the UK?

DBS checks are an essential component of the UK’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable groups. They are designed to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with sensitive or vulnerable individuals by highlighting any criminal records and other relevant information from their backgrounds.

DBS checks are broadly categorised into three types:

• Standard DBS check: making a criminal record check of an individual, revealing any convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings.

• Enhanced DBS check: includes all the details of a standard check, plus any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role.

• Enhanced DBS check with barred lists: includes everything in the enhanced check and also checks whether the individual is on the barred list, which makes it illegal for them to work with the group (children or vulnerable adults) they are barred from.

For nannies, who play a key role in shaping the early years of children, an Enhanced DBS check with barred lists is a standard requirement. This makes sure that those entrusted with the care of children in domestic premises are thoroughly vetted and deemed suitable for such a sensitive and influential role.

In the following blog post, Nannies Matter explains the significance of DBS checks, their necessity and the process involved in obtaining them.

Are DBS Checks a Legal Requirement?

In the UK, an Enhanced DBS check with the children’s barred list is legally required for nannies who are Ofsted registered or carrying out regulated activity, such as providing unsupervised care for children. While families hiring a nanny outside of these circumstances are not legally obliged to request a DBS check, it remains widely recognised as best practice to protect children’s safety and wellbeing.

For families, employing a nanny without valid DBS certification can raise safeguarding concerns and, in some cases, have legal implications. Nannies who seek roles covered by regulated activity without this credential may be legally barred from working with children.

Organising a DBS check is a shared responsibility. Parents should request to see a valid DBS certificate before hiring, and nannies should keep this accreditation up to date as part of their professional portfolio.

When you recruit a nanny through a reputable agency like Nannies Matter, our team will manage the DBS check process, alongsde taking care of much of the administration involved in hiring a member of your household staff.

The Process of Organising a DBS Certificate for Nannies

A nanny is expected to have a valid DBS check before starting work with a family in the UK. In most cases, unless a family is recruiting privately without an agency, an organisation such as Nannies Matter will initiate the DBS check process. Nannies cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS check on their own unless they are Ofsted registered. As part of the application, the nanny must provide various forms of identification and other necessary information.

Employers are responsible for verifying the nanny’s identity and ensuring that all information submitted for the DBS check is accurate and complete. Anyone hiring a nanny should also be aware of when the appropriate level of DBS check is required for the role.

Once submitted, the DBS processes the application. The time frame can vary - some checks are completed within a few days, while others may take a month or more - but most are completed within six weeks. If the nanny passes the check, the DBS certificate is sent directly to them. It is then the nanny’s responsibility to present this certificate to their potential or current employer as proof they are cleared to work.

For nannies, one advantage of joining an agency like Nannies Matter is that we manage the Enhanced DBS check process for you and aim to have the results ready before you start a new position.

Validity, Renewal and the Update Service for Childcare Workers

A DBS check does not come with an official expiry date. However, it is generally advised that a new DBS check should be obtained if:

1. A significant period has elapsed: while there's no strict rule, many organisations renew DBS checks every one-to-three years.

2. The individual changes roles, especially if the setting or the nature of the work changes significantly.

To streamline the process of maintaining updated DBS checks, the DBS Update Service allows nannies to keep their DBS certificates up to date, and enables employers to check a certificate online. Key benefits of the Update Service include:

• Portability: a DBS certificate can be taken from one job to the next, as long as the new role does not require a higher level or different type of check.

• Cost-efficiency: it eliminates the need for multiple checks.

• Instant updates: employers can check the status of a DBS certificate online with the individual's consent, and ensure that no new information has arisen since the certificate was issued.

Enrolling in the DBS Update Service and being aware of when a new check might be needed are important for any nanny looking to move from job to job without encountering issues around their certification.

How to Start Your Nanny DBS Check Application Process

If you are a nanny looking to work with a family, we will match you with families ideally suited to your skills and goals, and upon a job offer, we will arrange a free enhanced DBS check. Check out our open roles today.

Connecting Families With Nannies for More Than Two Decades

Nannies Matter specialises in matching nanny candidates with families who need high-quality care. If you are looking to hire a childcare provider, we can help by finding the right person to integrate into your family dynamic, arranging Enhanced DBS checks so you can make the right, and fully informed - recruitment decision for your young family.

To learn more, simply call Nannies Matter today on 07736 337065, or fill out an online contact form and we will be in touch.