The invasion of Ukraine shocked the world and inspired many to welcome Ukrainians into their homes. This is why, in March 2022, the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme was set up. This scheme lets UK residents offer shelter to Ukrainians escaping war, even if they have no UK ties. 

With a tremendous response from UK citizens who want to support Ukraine, swift implementation of safety measures became essential to the program’s success. One of these important measures is DBS checks. To show why these criminal record screenings are critical, Care Check explains the process, requirements and everything else you need to know in this blog.

Why do Homes for Ukraine Sponsors Need DBS Checks?

To sponsor a Ukrainian, you need a DBS check. But why? Carrying out DBS checks on sponsors enables the scheme to safeguard Ukrainian refugees by ensuring that they aren’t housed by people whose criminal history poses a threat to their wellbeing. These checks are crucial to the successful operation of the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship program and help ensure a secure environment for the refugees.

Which DBS Check do Ukrainian Sponsors Require?

When you apply to sponsor a Ukrainian, your local authorities will decide which type of DBS check is required and will discuss this with you during the application process. The two most frequently used DBS checks are Basic DBS Checks and Enhanced DBS Checks, which you can find out more information about below.

Who Requires a Basic DBS Check?

Basic DBS Checks are, as their name suggests, the most basic level of criminal record check available in the UK. They reveal an individual’s unspent convictions and conditional cautions. 

If your household is sponsoring adult refugees only, every member of the household over the age of 16 will require a Basic DBS Check. 

Who Requires an Enhanced DBS Check? 

Enhanced DBS Checks are used when the individual will come into regular contact with a vulnerable group, such as children or the elderly. Enhanced Checks disclose spent convictions, unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands and checks against barred lists. 

In households that will sponsor a Ukrainian family with children under the age of 18, or a family with adults who require additional support from the hosts, every household member over the age of 16 will be required to have an Enhanced DBS Check. 

Tip: If you want to know more about getting a DBS check for under 18’s, read our blog.

How do Ukrainian Sponsors get DBS Checks?

If you want to provide housing to Ukrainian conflict refugees, reach out to your local authority. They will guide you through the application process for DBS Checks and all necessary steps. 

If you’re a local authority seeking assistance and guidance with processing DBS Checks for sponsor households, contact us now. Our experienced team can speed up the process while removing the stress involved, so you can provide more help while we handle the DBS checks.

Who Pays for the DBS Check?

Local councils will cover the cost of DBS checks for anyone participating in the scheme to make it possible for as many households as possible to sponsor Ukrainian conflict refugees.