Can you start work before receiving a DBS Check?

If you will be working in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, it is against the law for your employer to employ someone who is barred from working with these groups.

To avoid risk to the organisation and the vulnerable groups it works with, you should not be permitted by your employer to start work before receiving a DBS Check.

Employers providing care services for adults can make use of a service called DBS Adult First if they wish the applicant to start working sooner, under supervision. This check can only be completed if the applicant is in a regulated activity with vulnerable adults.

Within a few days, this will indicate whether an applicant can start work in a supervised position or whether the employer should wait for the full results of the Enhanced DBS Check.