Digital Background – DBS Standard and Enhanced Criminal Checks from £4-£7 Admin Fee – Free Sign Up
DBS Standard and Enhanced Criminal Background Checking Service
Digital Background – DBS Standard and Enhanced Criminal Checks from £4-£7 Admin Fee – Free Sign Up
Introduction:
In a significant move to enhance patient safety and safeguard vulnerable individuals, new regulations are set to come into effect in 2026 mandating Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for a wider range of roles within pharmacies.
This blog post explains this important change, clarifies who may need a DBS check, what level of check might be required, and why this measure is being implemented.
What’s Changing?
Currently, DBS checks may not be consistently required for all roles within a pharmacy.
However, in response to growing concerns around patient safety and the potential for vulnerable individuals to access medications and services, upcoming regulations (effective 2026) will broaden the scope of DBS check requirements.
These changes are being introduced to ensure a safer environment for patients and to align pharmacy practices with broader safeguarding standards.
This .GOV website page touches on the requirement in the ‘Enhanced DBS checks’ section
Why the Change?
Pharmacies are often the first point of contact for healthcare advice and services, and they play a critical role in dispensing medications to a diverse range of individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with mental health conditions.
This increased responsibility necessitates a more robust approach to safeguarding, including thorough background checks for staff members who have direct contact with patients or access to sensitive information.
Who Will Need a DBS Check?
The exact scope of roles requiring DBS checks is likely to be detailed in the forthcoming official regulatory guidance.
The following positions are likely to be affected:
| Role | Potential Activities | Likely DBS Level | Justification |
| Pharmacist | Dispensing medications, providing pharmaceutical advice, supervising staff. | Enhanced DBS with barred list check (child & adult) | Regulated activity; direct and unsupervised contact with patients, including vulnerable individuals; responsible for dispensing controlled drugs. |
| Pharmacy Technician | Assisting pharmacists with dispensing medications, managing prescriptions, and providing patient care. | Enhanced DBS with barred list check (child & adult) | Regulated activity; assisting in direct contact with patients, including vulnerable individuals; involved in dispensing medications. |
| Dispensing Assistant | Assisting with dispensing medications under the supervision of a pharmacist or technician. | Enhanced DBS with barred list check (child & adult) | Regulated activity; assisting in direct contact with patients, including vulnerable individuals; involved in dispensing medications. |
| Pharmacy Counter Assistant/Advisor | Selling over-the-counter medications, providing advice on minor ailments, and assisting customers. | Standard DBS Check or Enhanced without Barred List | Direct contact with patients, including potentially vulnerable individuals; access to over-the-counter medications. Enhanced DBS may be appropriate if the role frequently involves advising vulnerable adults or children |
| Delivery Driver | Delivering medications to patients’ homes. | Standard DBS Check | Unsupervised access to patients’ homes, including potentially vulnerable individuals; handling medications. |
| Pharmacy Manager | Overseeing the operations of the pharmacy, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. | Standard DBS Check or Enhanced without Barred List | Management responsibility and access to sensitive information. Enhanced DBS may be appropriate if the manager frequently interacts directly with vulnerable adults or children. |
| Trainee Pharmacist/Technician | Learning to dispense medications, provide pharmaceutical advice, and assist patients. | Enhanced DBS with barred list check (child & adult) | Same reasoning as a qualified pharmacist/technician, as they are involved in direct patient care, including vulnerable individuals, even while training. |
| Accuracy Checking Technician (ACT) | Checking dispensed medicines are correct and accurate. | Enhanced DBS with barred list check (child & adult) | Involved with regulated activity with direct patient contact |
Understanding DBS Check Levels:
Standard DBS Check: Reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
Enhanced DBS Check: Includes all information from a Standard check, plus any relevant information held by local police forces. It may also include a check of the barred lists (for working with children and/or vulnerable adults). A check of the barred lists is crucial for those in “regulated activity” involving close contact with children and/or vulnerable adults.
What Does This Mean for Pharmacy Owners and Staff?
Review Existing Policies: Pharmacy owners should review their existing recruitment and safeguarding policies to ensure they align with the upcoming regulations.
Budget for DBS Checks: Allocate budget for the cost of DBS checks for affected staff members. (Note: DBS fees vary depending on the level of check.)
Inform Staff: Communicate the upcoming changes to staff members and explain the reasons behind them.
Seek Guidance: Stay informed about the specific requirements of the new regulations and seek guidance from professional organisations and legal advisors as needed.
Start Planning: Proactively identify which roles will require DBS checks and begin the process of obtaining checks for existing staff in advance of the 2026 deadline.
Key Considerations:
Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment for each role to determine the appropriate level of DBS check.
DBS Update Service: Encourage staff to join the DBS Update Service to keep their certificates up-to-date.
Safeguarding Training: Provide staff with appropriate safeguarding training to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities in protecting vulnerable individuals.
Data Protection: Handle DBS information securely and in compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR).
Resources:
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): https://www.gov.uk/dbs
Conclusion:
The upcoming regulation changes requiring DBS checks for pharmacy staff represent a significant step forward in safeguarding patients and ensuring a safer environment for vulnerable individuals. By proactively preparing for these changes and implementing robust safeguarding practices, pharmacy owners can demonstrate their commitment to patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Things to do:
Stay informed about the specific requirements of the new regulations.
Review your pharmacy’s safeguarding policies and recruitment procedures.
Begin planning for the implementation of DBS checks for affected staff members.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional or DBS expert for specific guidance related to your pharmacy practice.
