DBS Checks

How do I Obtain DBS Checks?

If you do more than 99 DBS checks a year you can register as an organisation with the DBS.

As a small contractor doing fewer than 99 checks a year you can use an organisation offering umbrella body services to apply for DBS checks.  To find an umbrella body go to: www.gov.uk/find-dbs-umbrella-body
(note, you may need to visit the umbrella body company in person to prove your identity).

For more information on DBS checks visit: www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/overview

Do I need DBS Checks to Provide Services?

Essential services – there is no NHS regulatory requirement for pharmacy contractors to have undertaken DBS checks on pharmacy staff providing Essential services.

Advanced services – there is no NHS regulatory requirement for pharmacy contractors to have undertaken DBS checks on pharmacy staff providing Advanced services (MURs, Appliance Use Reviews, Stoma Appliance Customisation). However where a pharmacy contractor requests permission from NHS England to undertake MURs off the pharmacy premises, e.g. at the patient’s house, NHS England requires that the pharmacist undergoes an enhanced DBS check before giving consent.  If it requires enhanced DBS checks, then the Policy and Procedures of NHS England state that these will be paid for by the Area Team.

Locally Commissioned Services and Enhanced Services – commissioners have the right to impose conditions for the provision of locally commissioned services. If the commissioner requires enhanced DBS checks as a pre-condition of providing a locally commissioned service, then the costs of the checks would usually be recovered either directly from the commissioner, or more likely from the income for providing the service.