Introduction
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C&SW has traditionally carried out DBS (and previously CRB) checks for many of its members using a paper-based model and the royal mail system of transfer between the provider, DBS office and the C&SW provider of the process Care Futures. For some years now, it has been possible to carry out DBS checks using an “On-Line” mechanism via the internet. The major advantage of the on-line model is that application results can be with the provider much quicker and in some cases within 48 hours. Care Futures will no longer be able to offer the paper-based system from January 1st 2019 so we have researched a range of alternatives for members to use all of which use an on-line process.
Below you will find two models for your consideration – the first is one whereby you engage directly with an on-line company yourself to carry out all your own DBS application processes (just contact them via the web link shown) and the second is one where you join a local organisation which in effect replicates the work Care Futures did on your behalf but uses an on-line model. Both models offer phone support and will be able to help you manage the new way of managing DBS applications quickly and well.
Doing the work directly yourself ---- Three companies to explore
UCheck https://www.ucheck.co.uk/
Registration (One-off) £19:95 + Vat
Enhanced application (direct 1:1 care work) £52.00
Standard application (admn/back office staff) £35.40
Volunteer (Enhanced or standard) (non-paid staff) £10.40
UCheck is an online solution that lets you easily run checks on job applicants. Enter the applicant’s details just once, select which particular checks you need and get quick results. No more endless waiting, no more having to use different systems for different checks. Only need a DBS check or one other type of check? UCheck pay as you go pricing means it’s still cost effective and you’ll benefit from the speed of using UCheck for making checks online.
CareCheck https://www.carecheck.co.uk/
Registration free
Enhanced application (direct 1:1 care work) £56.00
Standard application (admn/back office staff) £38.00
Volunteer (Enhanced or standard) (non-paid staff) £12.00
Free registration and full setup within 15 minutes! Register your organisation now for the provision of criminal record checks with Care Check. Apply now for your Basic, Standard and Enhanced level DBS disclosures. Click here to manage your employees/volunteer DBS checks.
Onlinedbschecks.co.uk https://www.onlinedbschecks.co.uk/
Registration free
Enhanced application (direct 1:1 care work) £72.80
Standard application (admn/back office staff) £54.80
Volunteer (Enhanced or standard) (non-paid staff) £Not known
Getting a DBS check online is fast, simple, and straightforward. With just one simple form to complete, our DBS application service is conducted online in a matter of minutes.
Doing the work via Avon Local Medical Committee (LMC) Disclosure & Barring Service
Contact: Pauline Jenkins
HR Adviser, Avon LMC
14a High Street, Staple Hill
Bristol BS16 5HP
T: 0117 9702755
E: pauline@almc.co.uk
Enhanced application (direct 1:1 care work) £60.00
Standard application (admn/back office staff) £42.00
Volunteer (Enhanced or standard) (non-paid staff) £16.00
Process Start-up
1. C&SW Care provider registers with Avon LMC (free of charge)
e.g. Care Home, Nursing Home, Dom Care Org, Supported Living Org
2. C&SW Care provider gains Login code via registration to make applications
3. C&SW Care provider now ready to process DBS applications
DBS process
a) LMC registered C&SW Care provider accesses DBS application form via login process
b) C&SW Care provider sends form to Applicant to complete
c) Info on completed form verified by C&SW Care provider
d) C&SW Care provider sends completed accurate form to Avon LMC DBS team
e) LMC team checks form info is accurate and appropriately verified
f) LMC team send completed accurate form to DBS Application company
Conclusion
The decision members will need to make depends greatly on the availability of IT systems in their Care Home or Dom Care office settings and the expertise of management staff to use them. It is however a truth that we all now use the internet in one way or another so moving to using it to gain a quicker result for the important matter of DBS application results is crucial in the era of tricky staff recruitment processes. The cost of the LMC model is close to that which members have been paying for the C&SW process and the costs involved with two of the three direct companies is less than the current fees organisations have needed to pay.
Need help?
Please, if after reading this document you need advice or guidance please come back to me and I will see if I can support you.
David
