Checks for agency staff

Understand which checks you must carry out on agency staff such as supply teachers. Find out whether you need to get DBS certificates and what to record on the SCR, and download a template form to record written confirmation of checks.

Last reviewed on 16 June 2022

School types: All · School phases: All

Ref: 33278

Contents

When employing someone via an agency, you must:

Get written confirmation from the agency that it has carried out the checks on the staff member that you would have done if you employed them directly (see our record form below for a list of these checks)
Make sure you receive written confirmation that an enhanced DBS check has been obtained
Make sure that the enhanced DBS certificate comes with barred list information, where the position requires it, and that this is done before any appointment is made

You should also check that the person presenting themselves for work is the same person on whom the checks were carried out.

This is set out in paragraphs 285 to 288 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2022.

Maintained schools: you must get a copy of the certificate only if the agency staff member's DBS