DBS Searches for Accountants

[MrPT]

Okay, this board seems to be more applicable...

If i'm registered with The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and apply for a job, like a

book keeper or accountant or something, are they entitled to perform a DBS search (formerly CRB) to

reveal my prior caution (now spent).

I would appreciate anybody trained in law clarifying this. I don't think I do have to declare it to

them or believe they can do a search on me, and this is why...

Does the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act cover cautions?

Yes. The law was changed on 19 December 2008. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act now covers simple

cautions, reprimands and warnings (which become spent immediately) and conditional cautions (which

become spent after 3 months). The change covers all cautions, reprimands, and warnings including

those administered before 19 December 2008.

The DBS say, in order to do even a basic search:

Standard checks –
To be eligible for a standard level DBS check the position must be included in the Rehabilitation of

Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975

The RoOA (Exceptions) Order 1975 covers certain industries, and as far as I can see this

wouldn't cover my situation as I am not registered with one of the two bodies it specifies:

Excepted Professions

[snip]

3. Chartered accountant, certified accountant.

Interpretation

“certified accountant” means a member of the Association of Certified Accountants;
“chartered accountant” means a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

or of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;

I believe the abbreviations for both are the ACCA & the ICAEW.


Is my interpretation correct?

Thank You to anybody who contributes to this thread.

[Eloise01]

Re: DBS Searches for Accountants

DBS checks, except in relation to certain categories of workers, are attached to the job - the employer can only conduct such a search if the job qualifies for one. Therefore it's impossible to say whether an employer would conduct one. They can't just choose to, they must demonstrate that they require one for the position.

[MrPT]

Re: DBS Searches for Accountants

Would an accounting firm taking on an AAT accountant be a job allowed to undertake such a search though?

[Eloise01]

Re: DBS Searches for Accountants

Sorry but that is a question only the DBS can answer. The employer has to get permission to run searches, so they have to justify why a position needs to have one. If their explanation is satisfactory, then they can. There is no blanket answer to the question. It would depend on the position. So, for example, cleaners don't need one but cleaners in a bank do. It's impossible to say - it could depend on many factors to do with the job.

[mariefab]

Re: DBS Searches for Accountants

Hope this helps.

http://www.civilandcorporate.co.uk/f...isclosure.html