Hi Sheila,

I have a caution on my DBS, will this ever go away? Because I am trying to open a care agency.

I am a care assistant and I would like to open a care agency.

Do I need a care manager etc. nurse to work along side?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Hello,

Because you have received a police caution in the past does not mean that you cannot work in Adult Care (ASC).

There are a number of offences that bar you from working in ASC but they are the most serious offences usually involving violence.

I have taken the following three paragraphs from the Disclosure and Barring Service website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about):

An employer may request a criminal records check processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as part of its recruitment process.

For certain roles the check will also include information held on the DBS children and adults’ barred lists, together with any information held locally by police forces that is reasonably considered to be relevant to the applied for post.

These checks are to assist employers in making safer recruitment and licensing decisions. However a check is just one part of robust recruitment practice. When a check has been processed by the DBS and completed the applicant will receive a DBS certificate (DBS check).

There are a number of important points here:

• A check is just one part of a safe recruitment process;
• How many years have passed since the caution will be important;
• When asked if you have a conviction or a caution you must declare it.

Please read the DBS website carefully.

You should also read the CQC advice too http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/criminal-record-checks

I hope this is helpful.

Please contact me again if you require further advice.

Sheila