## What is a DBS Check? A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is an official background check carried out on individuals who work with children, vulnerable adults or in other sensitive environments. The check reveals any relevant criminal convictions, cautions or other information held on police records. There are three levels: - **Basic DBS** — Shows unspent convictions - **Standard DBS** — Shows both spent and unspent convictions - **Enhanced DBS** — The most comprehensive check, including local police information; required for roles working with children or vulnerable adults ## Do Commercial Cleaners Need DBS Checks? The short answer: it depends on where they're cleaning. **When DBS checks are required or strongly recommended:** - **Schools and nurseries** — Anyone regularly working on school premises during school hours should hold a current DBS certificate, including cleaning staff. - **Healthcare settings** — Hospitals, care homes, GP surgeries and other healthcare environments where patients or vulnerable adults are present. - **Childcare facilities** — Any setting where children are regularly present. - **Residential properties** — While not legally mandated, many clients reasonably expect DBS checks for cleaners working in private homes. **When DBS checks are not required:** For standard commercial cleaning in offices, factories, warehouses or retail premises where no children or vulnerable adults are present, DBS checks are not legally required. However, some clients may still request them as part of their supplier vetting process. ## Why It Matters As a client, you have a duty of care to the people on your premises. Employing a cleaning contractor without adequate vetting — particularly in sensitive environments — could expose you to significant risk and liability. ## Pristine's Approach At Pristine, all staff who work in schools, nurseries, healthcare settings and other environments where vulnerable people may be present hold current, valid DBS certificates. We take this responsibility seriously and make it easy for clients to verify the credentials of our team. If you have any questions about our DBS policy or the vetting process for our staff, please don't hesitate to get in touch on **0800 731 1763**.