DBS checks for CQC registration

If you are applying to be a registered person you must get an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before you submit your application.

We will return your application if you do not have this.

Why DBS checks are required

For anyone applying to be an:

• individual provider
• registered partner
• registered manager

the DBS check forms part of the information that must be provided with the application. We will consider any criminal convictions or other disclosures in your DBS check. These could have a bearing on the assessment of both your suitability and character.

The DBS check that supports your application must be no more than 12 months old when you apply for registration. We will return your application if your DBS is out of date.

Which type of DBS you need

You must have an enhanced DBS check with appropriate barred list information to support your application.

An enhanced DBS check shows convictions, legal warnings, reprimands or cautions you have received. Also, the police may disclose other intelligence or information they might have about you, whether or not it has resulted in a conviction or caution.

Barred list information

The barring information relevant to your application depends on the type of service.

The DBS holds two barred lists, one for people barred from working with children, the other for people barred from working with adults. People may appear on one list or on both.

The DBS check that supports your application must be either be:

• An enhanced DBS with a children's barred list check.
  Apply for this if your service is for people under 18 years old only.
• An enhanced DBS with an adult's barred list check.
  Apply for this if your service is for people aged 18 and over only.
• An enhanced DBS with an adults and children's barred list check.
  Apply for this if your service is for people of all ages.

If you are NOT a registered healthcare professional

You will need to apply for a CQC countersigned enhanced DBS (CQC-CE-DBS). This means CQC authorises extra checks to be carried out as part of the DBS process to confirm your identity.

It can take up to 60 working days to receive your DBS certificate. Until you have it, you will not be able to submit your application.

If you have a CQC countersigned enhanced DBS you do not need to send this to us unless we request it in writing.

Apply for CQC countersigned enhanced DBS

If you are a registered healthcare professional

If you are registered with any of these professional bodies you still need to have the appropriate enhanced DBS but it does not have to be CQC countersigned:

• General Dental Council
• General Medical Council
• General Pharmaceutical Council
• Health and Care Professions Council
• Nursing and Midwifery Council

This is because registration with these professional bodies incorporates checks on your identity and professional standing.

As part of your application, you must:

• Send us your original, enhanced DBS certificate. This must be the paper version and not a copy. Your DBS check must be no more than 12 months old.
• Tell us your professional body, registration number and (where applicable) profession.
• Use your current name. Your DBS check must also list any previous and legal names, including the name you used to register with your professional body.
• If you have a CQC countersigned enhanced DBS you do not need to send this in unless we request it in writing.

You must send your original enhanced DBS certificate by post to:

CQC National Customer Service Centre
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PA

Once we have processed your enhanced DBS certificate, we will return your documents by registered post.