Comparison of Checks
There are a range of different safer recruitment checks available for schools. An overview is below. Plus, to see an comparison of what the ICPC covers vs. the DBS, please see here.
| Type of check | Organisation | What is the check? | How to apply | Who is eligible for the check | Frequency of checks |
| Prohibition Order | TRA Teaching Regulation Agency | A professional teacher qualification check managed by the TRA. | COBIS safeguarding@cobis.org.uk | All teachers who have had teaching experience in England and Wales and who are registered with the TRA. | As part of the safer recruitment check when recruiting. If your employee spends anytime teaching back in the UK during the time they are employed by you as an overseas school, we recommend renewing this check on their return. |
| Section 128 Prohibition from management of an independent school | TRA Teaching Regulation Agency | A professional qualification check associated with the management of schools and managed by the TRA. | COBIS safeguarding@cobis.org.uk | Anyone managing an independent school and making management decisions for the school. | As part of the safer recruitment check when recruiting. If your employee spends anytime teaching back in the UK during the time they are employed by you as an overseas school, we recommend renewing this check on their return. |
| ICPC (International Child Protection Certificate) | ACRO | A police criminal record check specific for individuals wanting to work overseas with children. This check interrogates the child safeguarding systems in the UK. It is the only alternative to the Enhanced DBS (DBS is not available for schools overseas). | ACRO Website | Anyone who has lived and or worked in the United Kingdom | Every 2 years |
| Police Certificate issued by ACRO | ACRO | A police criminal record check for those wishing to work overseas, as required by the respective high commission or embassies. | ACRO Website | Anyone who has lived and or worked in the United Kingdom | This is for immigration and visa purposes so renewal will depend on rules within the relevant country. This does not replace the ICPC. |
| Local police checks | Local in country | Please check our website for further details. | Please check our website for further details. | All staff | Every 2 years |
| DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Includes the following: | UK Government | ||||
| Enhanced DBS | UK Government | A check for those working in England and Wales and requested from employers in England and Wales. Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. It can also include the Barred List if the applicant is involved in regulated activity working with children and/or vulnerable adults. | Not available for overseas schools | Not available for overseas schools | Not available for overseas schools |
| Standard DBS | UK Government | A check for those working in England and Wales and requested from employers in England and Wales. Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings | Not available for overseas schools | Not available for overseas schools | Not available for overseas schools |
| Basic DBS (please see below for more information) | UK Government | A basic criminal record check not suitable for those working in schools. Checks unspent convictions only. The lowest level of screening. | UK Gov | Available for those working and living in England or Wales | Every 2 years |
| Barred List (included on the Enhanced DBS) | UK Government | A check for those working in England and Wales and requested from employers in England and Wales. This check can only be requested whilst an Enhanced DBS has been applied for. | Not available for overseas schools | Not available for overseas schools | Not available for overseas schools |