Advanced DBS check

[penny2810]

Sorry I don’t know where else to ask this. I have been a teaching for 20 years and I’m looking to change jobs. However I’m worried about the advanced dbs check I will need to have. I have never been in trouble with the law neither has my husband however throughout lockdown my husband lost his job he was eventually diagnosed with bi polar, severe anxiety, depression and ocd. Due to this he took an overdose because we have young children the paramedics made a safeguarding referral. Nothing came off it the social worker called to offer support and that was it. Then a few months later I had to call the police as I was worried he was going to hurt himself it was a manic episode. Again the police had to d a safeguarding but they said they were happy with everything and no one ever got in touch. That was nearly a year ago now and thank goodness my husband seems to be back on the right track. My concern is the two safeguarding phone calls will show up even though nothing was ever done as the children were not at risk it was my husbands mental health at the time.

I would be surprised if this presented an issue in any manner. Good luck with new job 🙂

Thank you I can’t see how it would from the research I’ve done as nothing was actually done and it was due to my husbands mental health at the time. Just so worried it it pops up under the other information held by police bit. Thanks for replying x

A) no, it shouldn't do in respect of you because it's in relation to your husband and there is no risk by association either.

B) even if it did show up, the new employer would then be able to use their discretion and obviously again there is no risk linked to you.

They are looking for criminal charges, this won't crop up surely.

This shouldn’t show up on your DBS in any way unless you were investigated or charged with a crime. A safeguarding referral is not a criminal offence.

The only potential issue here might be that a school might pursue termination if your children were subject to a care order, but it doesn’t sound like you are anywhere near that.

If you are concerned you can contact Unlocked or Nacro for further advice. Additionally your union should be able to advise as well.

The best thing to do is to mention it up front. I'm pretty sure you're worrying about nothing though.

My DH has something that comes up on his DBS. It was from before we were married, so 30+ years ago.
He always mentions it to anyone who asks for a DBS and has never been an issue.

As there were no convictions I wouldn’t imagine it would show up.
This website is good, it shows what will flag up on an enhanced DBS and has links explaining each bit.

... and the link would help. Clever Emi 🤦🏻‍♀️

hub.unlock.org.uk/knowledgebase/what-will-be-disclosed-on-a-standard-or-enhanced-check/

If I remember correctly only convictions which bar you from working with children and vulnerable people would appear on the enhanced DBS. if you look online there is guidance on the type of offences that would meet this criteria - but given what you have said I can't imagine you will have any issues.

Thank you for replying, I’m going to look at the links and websites mentioned. Both me and my husband are distraught it was ever referred but it’s the nature of mental health I guess. We had one phone call from a social worker checking if we needed any support and that was it so certainly no cautions, charges etc. The police were only called as a welfare check for my husband as he had just been diagnosed and was having a huge manic episode. Nothing concerning me or the children but I do understand why they have to make these referrals in such circumstances.

According to the website linked by Emmelina the certificate would be sent to you unless you signed a waiver allowing for it to be sent direct to the employer/prospective employer, which may put your mind at rest.

I'm a headteacher. Things show up on DBS from time to time, but not mental health stuff, not safeguarding referrals. If there is a disclosure each case is taken on its merits anyway. I have people with convictions working for me, and with safeguarding referrals: with each one things were put in place to support the person and keep children safe.

Even with a referral the main thing is to show that you are working with all the agencies to keep yourself and your husband and children safe. Life is not straight forward everyone knows that, having a mental health condition is not a choice, but making sure it's managed properly and safely shows you are responsible. Try not to worry.

It won't show on an enhanced DBS.

We do compliance questions at the end of interviews (Social Care) and one asks if you have ever had your own child taken into care. From what you have disclosed you wouldn't have to disclose anything with us.