How To Get A Locum Optometrist DBS Check

If you are working in the UK as a Locum Optometrist it’s likely that you will need an enhanced DBS check. A criminal record check is carried out to assure any employers that the candidate is suitable for the role and able to work with vulnerable adults and children.

If you live and work in Scotland, you will likely need a to join the PVG scheme as they do things slightly differently up north. For more information on the PVG Scheme you can click here. 

How to apply for an enhanced criminal record check

We will run through the whole process of applying for a DBS check below, but if you have any questions or would like some more information give us a call on 0121 451 2707 or drop us an email by clicking here.

Applying for a Locum Optometrist DBS check with Team Locum couldn’t be easier. If you’re a Locum Optometrist, simply follow the 3 steps below to apply for your criminal record check.

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Before you start the process please ensure you have your required ID documents to hand.

You need to email us, we will then submit your name and email address, you will then receive a link to complete your application. It will then come through to us for review, once that’s completed it get sent to the Disclosure Services.

What documents should I use to apply for a Locum Optometrist DBS check? You will need 3 ID documents to apply for your DBS check. The most commonly used ID documents are passports, driving licences, birth certificates, and bank statements, however there are several other ID documents you can use to apply for your Locum Optometrist DBS check. At least one of your documents will need to be in your current address. If you are unsure which documents to use, please feel free to drop our admin team an email by clicking here.

Verify your documents

You can come into the Team Locum office so that a member of staff can verify your documents. Or you can email in to [email protected].

Pay for your DBS check

The fastest, easiest, and safest way to pay for your  DBS check is though BACS transfer.

The cost of a DBS check is £60

Please bear in mind that the payment can take up to 24 hours to process.

Once you have completed the online form, had your documents verified, and made the payment for your DBS check we will cross check all of your documents to ensure everything is correct. We will then submit your DBS check and send you a tracking number via email the next working day so that you can track its progress.

Once the check is complete your DBS certificate will be posted to your home address. We recommend that you register with the update service as soon as you receive your certificate to ensure that your DBS check is kept up to date. Please keep your certificate safe as you may be asked to show this to future employers, even if you are registered with the update service.

The cost of a DBS check

If we have verified your ID documents – £60.00

How long does a DBS check take?

Criminal record checks can take up to 3 months, however most are usually completed within a couple of weeks, and sometimes even within a couple of days.

Why an enhanced DBS check?

An enhanced DBS check is the highest level of check available. Most roles within the Optometry industry require an enhanced DBS as this level will check for cautions, warnings, reprimands, and convictions, as well as checking if the candidate is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

The update service

The update service is a yearly subscription service which ensures that your DBS check is kept up to date. This is important because unless your DBS is on the update service companies, other than the one who processed it, will not be able to use it. By registering for the update service you can save yourself the cost of applying for a new DBS check each time you decide to work for a new company or agency.

The update service costs £13 a year and can be applied for by clicking here.

It is important that you keep your bank details up to date with the update service, as if they expire, or your payment bounces for any other reason you will no longer be on the update service and you might not receive a notification of this.

When should I repeat a DBS check?

According to gov.uk there is no official expiry date for a DBS check. Any information on the check will be up to date at the time the check was carried out however it is up to individual companies to decided when a new DBS check is needed.

Here at Team Locum we only accept DBS checks carried out within the last 12 months, unless they are registered with the update service. Any DBS checks that are not registered with the update service will be set to expire on our system once they reach 1 year old as the majority of companies require a DBS check on the update service.

I’m a Locum Optometrist with a criminal record

When applying to work with a new company or agency you should always disclose any criminal records. Having a criminal record does not mean you won’t be successful, that will be down to the GHPC and individual companies to decide.

Can I register with Team Locum without a DBS check?

As a Locum Optometrist you can start the registration process with Team Locum before you have a DBS check. Our online sign up form will ask that you provide one however you can very easily skip this this by simply uploading another document in its place for now. If you have any questions or issues with the registration check please feel free to give us a call.

If you have any questions about getting your DBS check, get in touch with our admin team who will be happy to talk you through the whole process.

Give us a call on 0121 451 2707 or drop us an email by clicking here.