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Background Checks and DBS Verification

Understanding our comprehensive verification process to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

100% Verified Carers

Every carer on CarerNest undergoes our rigorous verification process before they can accept bookings. This includes enhanced DBS checks, identity verification, and professional reference checks.

Types of Background Checks

Enhanced DBS Check

All carers undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks

  • Criminal record check
  • Barred list check
  • Police information check
  • Valid for 3 years

Identity Verification

Multi-point identity verification process

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of address
  • Right to work verification
  • Biometric verification

Professional References

Verification of work history and character references

  • Previous employer references
  • Professional character references
  • Training and qualification verification
  • Employment gap explanations

Enhanced DBS Check Details

What is an Enhanced DBS Check?

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is the highest level of criminal record check available in the UK. It's required for roles involving close contact with vulnerable adults and children.

What does it include?

Criminal Record Check
  • • Spent and unspent convictions
  • • Cautions, reprimands, and warnings
  • • Pending prosecutions
Barred List Check
  • • Adults' barred list
  • • Children's barred list
  • • Prohibition from teaching
Police Information

Enhanced checks may also include relevant police information held locally that might be relevant to the role, even if it didn't result in a conviction.

Verification Timeline

1

Application Submission

Day 1

Carer submits application with required documents

2

Document Review

Days 1-2

Initial review of identity documents and qualifications

3

DBS Application

Day 3

Enhanced DBS check application submitted

4

Reference Checks

Days 3-7

Contact previous employers and character references

5

DBS Results

Days 7-14

DBS certificate received and reviewed

6

Final Approval

Day 14-21

Complete verification and profile activation

Typical Processing Time

The complete verification process typically takes 14-21 days. DBS checks can take longer during peak periods or if additional information is required.

What if Issues are Found?

Minor Issues

Minor, non-relevant offenses may not automatically disqualify a carer. We assess each case individually.

  • • Individual risk assessment
  • • Context consideration
  • • Time since offense
  • • Relevance to care role

Serious Issues

Serious offenses or barred list entries result in automatic rejection from our platform.

  • • Violence against vulnerable people
  • • Sexual offenses
  • • Fraud or theft
  • • Barred list entries

Ongoing Monitoring

Our commitment to safety doesn't end after initial verification. We maintain ongoing monitoring to ensure continued safety.

Regular Re-verification

  • • DBS checks renewed every 3 years
  • • Annual insurance verification
  • • Qualification updates
  • • Reference re-checks as needed

Continuous Monitoring

  • • Client feedback monitoring
  • • Incident reporting system
  • • Performance tracking
  • • Professional development tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a DBS check take?

Enhanced DBS checks typically take 7-14 days, but can take longer during busy periods or if additional information is required.

Can I see a carer's DBS certificate?

For privacy reasons, we don't share DBS certificates directly. However, all carers display a verification badge confirming their enhanced DBS check has been completed and approved.

What if a carer's DBS check expires?

Carers cannot accept new bookings if their DBS check expires. They must renew their check and have it approved before they can resume taking bookings.