The cost of not conducting Enhanced DBS Checks for care staff

Acquiring new members of staff for your care organisation can be challenging. It’s a sector where staff turnover is much higher than most, and it’s vital that vacancies are filled quickly to ensure that your organisation continues to flow smoothly.

However, this does not mean that you should take shortcuts when it comes to the recruitment process. By cutting corners, you could end up employing somebody who is not fit for the role, costing your organisation lots of money. In fact, the CIPD estimates that the average cost of filling a vacancy, including labour costs, is £6,125!

So, you need to make sure that your care business can quickly fill any vacancies, but you need to find a way to avoid the time-consuming hurdles of the recruitment process. Is it possible? Fortunately, yes, with the assistance of Enhanced DBS Checks.

Our partners over at uCheck, who are market-leading experts in background screening, have written this blog to give insight on why Enhanced DBS Checks must be conducted for care staff, and what could go wrong if they aren’t.

What are Enhanced DBS Checks?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) provides DBS Checks to enable employers to check prospective employees’ criminal history.

Enhanced DBS checks show an applicant’s spent and unspent convictions and cautions. If requested, they may also show inclusions on the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists. Local police forces may also release extra information about the applicant as part of the check. This information is only included when it is relevant to the post the applicant is applying for.

The following information is included for each conviction:

• Date of conviction
• Court details
• Details of the offence
• Date of offence
• Sentence details

Why should Enhanced DBS Checks be conducted?

Enhanced DBS Checks are integral to meeting the legal and ethical responsibilities of care providers. By ensuring that all staff members undergo rigorous background checks, care businesses demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for their clients. This diligence not only safeguards the individuals under their care but also contributes to building trust with both clients and their families, who rely on the integrity and reliability of the care provider.

Furthermore, adhering to these checks reinforces the care provider’s reputation and helps maintain a high standard of care, which is essential for the industry’s credibility and for meeting regulatory requirements. Ultimately, Enhanced DBS Checks are a fundamental component in upholding the quality and trustworthiness of care services.

What are the costs of skipping Enhanced DBS Checks?

Neglecting to conduct Enhanced DBS Checks for candidates in a care business can lead to significant risks and consequences, both for the vulnerable individuals under care and the organisation itself.

The absence of thorough background checks increases the likelihood of employing individuals who might pose a threat to the safety and well-being of clients. This can result in serious incidents of abuse or neglect, leading to emotional and physical harm to those who are most defenseless. Such occurrences not only impact the individuals directly involved but also undermine the trust that families and communities have in care providers, potentially causing long-lasting damage to client relationships and public confidence.

From a legal standpoint, failing to perform these checks can result in severe liabilities for the care business. Organisations may face regulatory penalties, legal action, and significant fines for non-compliance with industry standards and laws designed to protect vulnerable groups. This legal exposure can be financially devastating, diverting resources away from the core mission of providing quality care.

Additionally, the negative publicity from any incidents can irreparably harm the business’s reputation, making it difficult to attract new clients and retain existing ones.

The financial implications of such reputational damage, alongside potential compensation claims, mean that the costs of neglecting Enhanced DBS Checks far outweigh the expense and effort involved in conducting them. Ultimately, these checks are a crucial investment in the safety, integrity, and sustainability of a care business.

Enhanced DBS Checks made simple with uCheck

uCheck makes background checks simple for thousands of care organisations just like yours.

Their easy-to-use digital platform, Atlas, can provide you with quick Enhanced DBS Check results. Their average turnaround time is 48 hours, and their record is just 13 minutes!

By working with uCheck, your care business can benefit from:

• Extra time on the clock with speedy pre-employment checks
• More bang for your buck by only paying for the checks you need
• A support team that’s by your side and ready for anything

And if you’re not already convinced, Care England members are eligible for free registration, saving you £49 + VAT!

Ready to get started? Register for free today and use code CAREENGLANDFREE at checkout.