Disclosure and Barring Service checks

Whilst the AfSFH feels it is important to guide and provide access to information about DBS checks, it is not within the remit of the Association to act as the 'registered body' through which an Enhanced DBS appplication is made. An application must be made through a 'recruiting organisation' and as such, it is the responsibility of the member to secure this. Enhanced DBS checks can only be requested by employers or organisations that are registered and listed with the DBS body.

Members of the NCH: Can use the NCH DBS certification scheme. Please follow the link below to access this scheme:

https://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk/wiki/doku.php/members:policies:crbchecks

Members practising in England and Wales (also the Channel Isles and The Isle of Man) can follow the link below to find out more information about Enhanced DBS application:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about

Members practising in Scotland

Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme: Scottish members also have the option to join the PVG Scheme which is managed by Disclosure Scotland. The Scheme is suitable for people doing 'regulated' work with children and protected adults; that includes teaching, caring roles, working directly or providing personal services to children and/or protected adults.

It is suitable for self-employed people involved in 'regulated' work.

When an individual applies to join the scheme, Disclosure Scotland carry out criminal record checks and share the results with the individual (or organisation who has applied on behalf of the individual). The PVG Scheme member is issued with a certificate that shows proof of their membership. Disclosure Scotland continue to check PVG Scheme members to check that they are suitable to work in 'regulated' roles. Anyone considered unsuitable at any point will be barred (placed on barred list/s) and removed from the scheme.

Membership lasts indefinitely, unless the member is removed or decides to leave the scheme.

Cost of registration: £59 (stated price is correct at time of writing, but please check with the organisation(s) directly for up-to-date pricing).

Enhanced DBS: Members working in Scotland can request that their 'registered body' supports their application to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG). Follow the link below for further information and support:

https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/

Members practising in Northern Ireland. The system is slightly different in Northern Ireland in that members will first of all need to open an 'nidirect' account before applying for an Access NI criminal record check. An account can be opened online. On successful completion of account application, members will be sent a confirmation e-mail which will allow them to activate the account. Once the account is activated it remains open for 14 days, during which time, proof of identity and all appropriate documentation must be submitted to avoid having to open another account. If there is no criminal history to disclose, a digital certificate is made available via nidirect, which can be viewed online and shared with an employer as appropriate. If the check reveals a criminal history, a paper copy of the information will be sent via the post.

Further information on making a DBS application in Northern Ireland can be accessed via the link below:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks

For additional information about DBS checks, take a look here:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-referrals-guidance--2