It’s that time of year again. The University exams are over. Students across the country are looking for ways to fill the long summer months before Uni starts again in the autumn. Many will be looking for some sort of paid work to refill their bank accounts after a year at Uni. Having work experience behind you, especially in a relevant field, is of huge benefit when it comes to applying for graduate positions. But what happens if the jobs you are applying for needs criminal records checks? Do the same rules apply to students as to everyone else?
Criminal Records Checks – Not for All Jobs
The first point to remember is that criminal records checks are not a requirement for every position. These sorts of checks used to be known as CRB checks, but now employers ask for a DBS check instead. Most positions don’t need a background police check. If as a student you’re thinking about working the summer in an office, shop or serving burgers in a fast food joint, police checks don’t apply. However, if you’re hoping for work experience in a hospital or thinking about helping at a summer sports camp for kids, a police check will apply. This is because working with children or in healthcare settings is classed as “regulated activity”. This rule even applies to volunteers, or people working for short periods only. The good news is that most employers are very clued up about their responsibilities, and will help you through the process.
Getting A DBS Check
The process of getting a DBS certificate is just the same for students as it is for other workers. There are however a couple of aspects which students should be aware of. The process always starts will filling in the application form, and most employers will ask you to do it online.
When you’re filling out the form, the one aspect which catches out many students is the address history. If you’ve been living away from home during term times, you should list both your term time address and your parents’ home address if you’ve moved back over the summer. People who have too much information to fit on the form should click through to add further detail, or use a continuation sheet with a paper form. If you have any queries at all about how to list your addresses, or what to include and what to leave off, then check. If you take a guess and get it wrong, then this could hold up you application.
DBS Update
If you’re moving jobs regularly as a student, and needing to apply for a DBS each time, then look into the DBS Update service. There is a charge to join the scheme, but it gives you access to a dynamic database. This means on more form filling, and instant access to your information online. Having access to DBS Update might make you a more attractive candidate too. The employer knows they can allow you to start work right away.