DBS checks: work experience providers

The requirements for carrying out DBS checks on individuals supervising work experience depend on whether pupils are over or under 16. Read our summary to get to grips with these requirements.

Last reviewed on 14 June 2023
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 9606
Contents
  1. Pre-16: checks may be required
  2. Post-16: checks are not required
  3. Does the work experience student need a check?

Pre-16: checks may be required

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks with barred list information may be required on some people who supervise a child under the age of 16 on a work experience placement.

It's up to you to decide what checks are necessary and you should make this decision after considering the circumstances, including the nature of the supervision and the frequency of the activity. 

You must consider whether the person supervising the child will be:

  • Unsupervised
  • Providing the activity overnight or frequently (more than 3 days in a 30-day period)

If the person is unsupervised and in frequent contact with the child, their work is likely to be regulated activity. If this is the case, you could ask the employer providing the work experience to make sure the individual is not a barred person.

Post-16: checks