Do You Need to go Through Employment Screening to Work for the NHS?

Are you thinking of applying for a job with the NHS? Well, whether a porter or surgeon, canteen worker or nurse, the recruitment process will work along a similar framework. So, will you be required to take part in employment screening when working for the NHS?

Of course, you will. But only if your application is successful. Let’s take a look at the checks the NHS run on new employees in more detail here. 

Proof of Identity Requirements

The NHS Jobs website states that if you are offered a job, then your employer (the local health board) will be legally required to run a number of background screening checks to ensure you’re suitable for the post.

And one of the first things you will be asked to do as part of this, is to prove who you are. All job applicants must have the right to work in the UK and therefore, you will be asked to present a number of identification documents to ensure this. A passport, driving licence or other legal documentation should evidence your eligibility.

Employment History Checks

The next step is to see if your CV checks out. The NHS will work with a system, similar to what we offer here at CBS, that highlights any employment gaps and verifies what you did during these breaks. References will also be sought from any employer you’ve had in the last 3 years.

Qualification Checks

Not all NHS careers require qualifications or industry registrations, but for those that do, your education and certifications will be verified.

Occupational Health Tests

Whatever position you apply for within the NHS, you will be expected to take part in a pre-appointed health check. This is to ensure you are fit to complete the job you have been positioned in and to see if you will require any special help to do so.

DBS Checks

Whether you will be subject to a DBS check depends on the role you’re applying for, but if you will have access to patients in receipt of health services you should assume this is a necessity. In some cases, the position will fall under regulated activity and therefore, will require an enhanced criminal record check alongside analysis of the Barred List.

A DBS check will highlight any cautions, convictions, reprimands or warnings you have been given and help the employer decide whether you are suitable for the position you have applied for.

If the position you are applying for is security related then you may also be asked to comply with a background screening test that looks at your credit history.

If you have questions related to any NHS job post it is important to ask the health board you’re applying to for answers. However, we can help if you’re looking for info regarding DBS checks, referencing or any other kind of employment screening.

Find out all you need to know about online DBS checks here or check out a few of our informative blog posts to learn more regarding specific situations.

(main image: Pete under CC BY 2.0)