Will I Need a DBS Check to Work in a GP Surgery?
There are various professions available, that involve working in a GP surgery, from actually being a GP, to a practice nurse, to being a receptionist, a healthcare worker, a cleaner etc. All play vital roles. Many of these jobs involve working around vulnerable people. They are positions of trust, with a lot of confidential information and huge responsibility. Therefore, it’s sensible to get all people working in a GP surgery DBS Checked. This will ensure that patients, staff, and practice managers have peace of mind that the surgery is safe, with trusted staff members.
Do GPs require a DBS Check?
GPs will require an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists, because their work will involve regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults, which could include the elderly and people with disabilities. If you have past criminal offences that show you have convictions connected to violence, abuse or neglect towards children or the elderly, or any sexual offences, you and the surgery would be legally liable.
Which Other Job Roles in a GP Surgery Need a DBS Check?
All other job roles within a GP Surgery require a DBS Check, from doctors, to consultants, phlebotomists, nurses, staff giving vaccinations, practice managers, receptionists, trainee GP students, volunteers, to anyone who is interacting with patients, their relatives, their friends, or social workers. All these positions require a DBS Check.
What Level of DBS Check is Needed?
If your job role, has you physically providing healthcare, like a doctor or nurse, then you would need an Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists for children and vulnerable adults. If your job role is a receptionist, or cleaner, you may require a Basic DBS.
However, it is the surgery’s decision, and it could be that they wish to have Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks for their staff.
If you’re asked to complete a DBS Check, do triple check your application to ensure all information is accurate and complete; and ensure you provide the right ID to accompany it. You can complete your application form online, and this is generally the most efficient way to do this. If you have any queries, it is easier for the DBS to trace these with an online application. Typically, you should receive your DBS Check Certificate within four weeks, though it may arrive quicker in two weeks.
Working in a GP Surgery is an enormously rewarding job, where you make a real difference to the lives of everyday people, regardless of what job role you do there. It’s a highly responsible job, where you could hear a lot of confidential information. You may also be regularly around children or vulnerable adults during your working day in positions of trust. It is to be expected that you will need a clear DBS Check to work in a GP Surgery.
Healthcare is super important and everyone who enters the surgery needs to feel safe and secure to get the healthcare they require, without any risk of danger. It’s worth ensuring every staff member is DBS Checked.
