At a Glance
All Poppet caregivers complete an Enhanced DBS Including Barred List
Caregivers can apply for a new DBS easily when they register.
You can contact caregivers who have yet to complete their Enhanced DBS but they must complete the application before accepting your booking requests.
Safeguarding checks with Poppet
All Poppet caregivers must to complete a comprehensive background check before they can accept bookings with families.
In the UK this is an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. The Enhanced DBS is mandatory step that forms part of the safeguarding measures we take to ensure the safety of the Poppet community.
In this guide, we’ll explain the DBS application process, and how to check if a Poppet caregiver’s DBS has been completed.
Basic vs Enhanced DBS
There are different levels of DBS check. A Basic DBS can be ordered by anyone and will only show unspent convictions and conditional cautions. A basic DBS does not include important information required to be a childcare provider.
An Enhanced DBS provides additional relevant information held by police, such as warnings and reprimands. Additionally, for roles that specifically involve caring for children or vulnerable adults an Enhanced DBS can also check the Barred Lists. Only this level of check will indicate if a person has been barred by a Court from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Poppet caregivers complete the Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists check in all cases.
Is an Enhanced DBS legally required?
Individuals who offer professional care as a nursery nurse, teacher, nanny or childminder are required to complete an Enhanced DBS Check.
DBS checks for babysitters and other informal carers depend on the nature of the work they do. A DBS is not typically a legal requirement and it is usually left up to the family to decide if they require one.
How to apply for an Enhanced DBS?
Caregivers who register with Poppet are automatically shown how to complete their their Enhanced DBS. They can complete it in one of 3 approved ways:
Apply for a new Enhanced DBS certificate directly through the Poppet app.
Provide the details they hold with the DBS Update Service.
Provide an original Enhanced DBS certificate dated within the last 3 months.
How do I know if a Poppet caregiver has a DBS?
Caregivers who have a verified Enhanced DBS will show the 'DBS' check mark at the top of their profile. Caregivers without this check mark may have submitted their DBS information, but these details haven't been verified yet.
Families can contact all Poppet caregivers, including those yet to complete their Enhanced DBS. You can chat, meet up and send them booking requests, but they will need to submit their DBS application before accepting your request.
How long does it take to get a DBS Result?
In most cases an Enhanced DBS result is returned within 8-10 days. Occasionally, however, the result can take longer.
If a DBS results is not available by the time of your booking, you'll receive a notification 48 hours before the schedule start time. You will then have the option to continue with the booking if you are familiar with the caregiver and feel comfortable to do so. Or you can cancel the booking without charge.
Why do some DBS checks take longer?
While most Enhanced DBS checks are processed quickly, some can take longer due to various factors. Delays can occur if the caregiver has lived at multiple addresses, has a common name, or if there's a need for additional police checks. We understand that waiting can be frustrating, but these measures are in place to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the check.
Can I still use a Poppet caregiver while waiting for DBS verification?
Yes, you can choose to use a caregiver while waiting for their DBS verification, but this decision is entirely at your discretion. If you feel comfortable with the caregiver and have had the opportunity to meet them, you might decide to proceed with the booking. However, if you prefer to wait until the DBS check is complete, you have the option to reschedule or cancel without any penalty.
Can I ask to see a caregiver's DBS Certificate
Yes, all caregivers receive the physical copy of their Enhanced DBS certificate in the post and we encourage caregivers to bring a copy of this to meet ups and bookings with new families.
What if a caregiver doesn't have an Enhanced DBS?
If a caregiver doesn't yet have an Enhanced DBS, it doesn't necessarily mean they're not trustworthy. Some caregivers may be new to Poppet and still in the process of completing their checks. Others might be waiting for their application to be processed.
While you can still communicate with and meet these caregivers, it's essential to consider the added assurance that comes with a verified DBS check, especially if you're hiring for ongoing or unsupervised care. If you have any concerns, you can always ask the caregiver about their DBS status during your initial conversations.
What happens if a caregiver fails a DBS check?
In the rare event that a caregiver fails their DBS check, Poppet will immediately remove their profile and prevent them from accepting any bookings. The safety and well-being of the Poppet community are our top priorities, and we take all necessary steps to ensure that caregivers meet our stringent safety standards.
Take Homes
Safety is paramount at Poppet, that's why we make ensuring a caregivers have completed a comprehensive background simple and easy.