Do local election candidates need DBS checks, and should they?

[TheKittenswithMittens]

It's a question. Do candidates for local elections need DBS checking? If not, should they?

Why would they? What purpose would it serve?

No, a DBS search is not required.

However, anyone who has received a prison sentence of at least three months (even if suspended) in the last five years cannot stand as a councillor.

Likewise, anyone subject to a sexual harm prevention order or similar cannot stand as a councillor either.

Some authorities do require an enhanced DBS check for any councillors becoming a member of a committee that deals with education or social services.

There may well be a case to be made that requesting a basic DBS check (which many employers do these days as well) might be good practice.

Thanks. It means I could complain that my local VAP shop is selling weed and the councillor that I complain to has convictions for possessing cannabis.