06Nov 2018 by admin

Futureproof Jobs

The way we work in the UK has changed hugely over the past 50 years. Gone are the coal mines, the shipyards, factories and heavy industry. In recent years, the internet has revolutionised the way we shop, leading to the demise of many huge retail brands like Woolworths, BHS or ToysRUs. Many more jobs are being automated. It's all very scary if you're thinking about a career. So how do you know your job is still going to exist in ten years? Unfortunately, we don't have a crystal ball. Experts do reckon that there are some so-called futureproof jobs however. These are the sorts of jobs which will always be around, or which could even see increased demand in the future. Get Creative for Futureproof Jobs One of the main…
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02Nov 2018 by admin

CRB and DBS Checks – True or False?

We know there’s a lot of myths and misunderstanding when it comes to DBS checks. There's misunderstanding because the system is complicated. It doesn’t help that over time the law changes, new rules are introduced and criteria change. To confuse matters further, there are separate bodies doing similar checks in Northern Ireland and Scotland, but with different names. We’re going to try to break down some of the most common questions about DBS checks, with a simple true/false answer. I can choose what DBS checks I have False. The Disclosure and Barring Service, which is a government body, lays down what jobs need DBS checks. Employers then look at their guidelines when deciding who needs a check. You are of course well within your rights to refuse to have a…
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25Oct 2018 by admin

CRB, DBS Checks and Mental Health History

We're all a lot more aware of mental health issues than even a few years ago. According to leading mental health charity Mind, 1 in every 4 of us will experience some sort of mental health problem every year. In many cases these are minor blips, which we recover from quickly. Sometimes though, people are so seriously ill that they require treatment in hospital. Despite progress in understanding mental health issues there is still some degree of stigma to admitting you've suffered mental health problems. If you're applying for a job which requires DBS checks, how much is going to be disclosed on your form? What's Shown on DBS Checks DBS checks are the same thing as CRB checks. CRB is an outdated term as the Disclosure and Barring Service…
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16Oct 2018 by admin

Top 5 Reasons to do your DBS Check Online

Are you frightened of the internet? Even people who are comfortable posting on social media or shopping online sometimes prefer to do the important stuff using pen and paper. There's no financial incentive to doing your DBS check online. The cost is the same whether you post the form or submit it over the internet. There are however lots of other reasons why getting online is the sensible option. 1. Online catches mistakes in your DBS check One of the most common reasons for delays in the DBS system is incorrect forms. People misspell their names, don't include a full address history, forget to add their date of birth. If you use a paper form, these mistakes won't be picked up until it arrives on someone's desk at the DBS…
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09Oct 2018 by admin

DBS Checks and Sports Coaches

There's been a lot of publicity over recent years about the importance of DBS checking for sports coaches. The case which got most media attention concerned football coaches in the 1970s. Some coaches used their position to abuse children in their care. Decades later, these cases have come to light and several formal coaches have been prosecuted. DBS checks are run to try to address these issues with sports coaches, but it's important to understand how the system works. DBS Checks for Employers If you are running a sports coaching business, then it's your job to understand and use the DBS system. This also applies to people in charge of voluntary organisations who don't get paid for their work. If you are part of a larger governing body such as…
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04Oct 2018 by admin

International Schools Told to Stop doing DBS Checks

Recent announcements by the British government aim to ban DBS checking for international schools. There are around 500 British International schools across the globe, educating pupils on a UK curriculum. Most schools have a mix of ex-pat and local children. Lots of the teachers working in International Schools are British, and this may be the source of the problem. What is an International School? In simple terms, a British international school provides a British education, overseas. They have traditionally grown up in areas where lots of British people have moved to work. Parents choose an international school because they want their kids to be taught in English, and study for the same exams they'd sit at home. Local parents also choose to send their children to a British international school to…
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