Obtaining a DBS Check as a Private Tutor In 2013, The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged together to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). As a result of this merge, old CRB checks are now called DBS checks. DBS checks are required for certain jobs or voluntary work. For example, someone may need to undergo a DBS check in order to work with children, work in healthcare or to apply to foster or adopt a child. To work as a private tutor, you don’t need to have a DBS check. However, it is recommended that you try to obtain one, which is often more difficult than it sounds. In the UK, individuals can’t apply for DBS checks on themselves, so self-employed tutors who haven’t previously worked in childcare through a school or company, often find it difficult to get one. In most cases, tutors who do have a DBS check have obtained one through a previous employer. For those who don’t have one but wish to obtain one, there a few (less than ideal) options. 1. Apply for one through an umbrella body like a recruitment company (who will probably expect you to register for agency work). 2. Register with a private tutoring agency who will apply for one on your behalf. 3. Become a member of The Tutor’s Association, who arrange for members to have a DBS check for a small fee (in addition to TTA’s membership fee) It’s generally acknowledged by tutors and the industry in general that these options are far from ideal and there has been talk on other websites of the Government making it easier for tutors to obtain DBS checks. If your students are primarily adults over 18 years old, there is perhaps, less of a need to have a DBS certificate, although having one will give your tutees piece of mind.
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