Do Locum Dispensers Need a DBS Check in the UK?
If you are working or planning to work as a locum dispenser, you may be asking:
Do I legally need a DBS check?
The answer is not entirely straightforward. There is no single law that states every locum dispenser must hold a DBS certificate. However, in practice, most pharmacies will require one as part of their safeguarding and governance procedures.
This article explains the legal background, what pharmacies typically expect and what is considered good practice.
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service and provides information about an individual’s criminal record history.
There are different levels of DBS checks:
• Basic
• Standard
• Enhanced
In community pharmacy, an Enhanced DBS check is commonly requested because staff have access to medicines, sensitive patient information and may interact with vulnerable individuals.
Is a DBS Check a Legal Requirement for Locum Dispensers?
There is no specific statute that says a locum dispenser must hold a DBS check in all circumstances.
However:
• Pharmacies have safeguarding obligations
• Employers must ensure safe recruitment practices
• Contractors are responsible for protecting vulnerable patients
Because of these responsibilities, most community pharmacies require all staff, including temporary dispensers, to have an Enhanced DBS check.
In practice, it is usually a contractual requirement rather than a direct statutory obligation.
Why Do Pharmacies Require DBS Checks?
Pharmacies operate in healthcare settings where staff may:
• Handle controlled medicines
• Access confidential patient records
• Support vulnerable adults or children
• Interact with members of the public daily
From a governance perspective, a DBS check helps demonstrate:
• Due diligence
• Risk management
• Compliance with safeguarding standards
For larger pharmacy chains and regional groups, DBS checks are almost always mandatory for onboarding.
What About Independent Pharmacies?
Independent pharmacies may vary slightly in their processes, but most still require:
• An up to date Enhanced DBS certificate
• Disclosure of any relevant convictions
Even if not legally required in a specific setting, many contractors choose to adopt consistent safeguarding standards across all staff.
Does the Same Apply to Registered Pharmacy Technicians?
Registered pharmacy technicians are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council and also typically require DBS clearance.
While GPhC registration is separate from DBS requirements, most pharmacies treat safeguarding documentation consistently across pharmacists, technicians and dispensers.
How Often Should a DBS Check Be Updated?
There is no universal expiry date for DBS certificates. However, many employers consider checks older than three years to be outdated.
Some locums choose to:
• Join the DBS Update Service
• Maintain a current certificate to avoid delays
Keeping your DBS status up to date improves booking flexibility and reduces administrative delays.
What Happens If I Do Not Have a DBS Check?
If you do not hold a current DBS certificate:
• Some pharmacies may refuse to book you
• Bookings may be delayed
• You may be limited to certain roles
For locum dispensers who wish to work regularly, having a valid DBS check is strongly advisable.
Guidance for Pharmacy Providers
Pharmacies engaging locum dispensers should:
• Verify DBS status before confirming shifts
• Maintain documentation records
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed
• Apply consistent recruitment standards
This protects patients and demonstrates responsible governance.
Structured staffing partners such as Pharm-Assist support this process by confirming documentation requirements before shifts are agreed, reducing last minute risk.
Final Thoughts
While there is no single law stating that every locum dispenser must hold a DBS check, in practice most UK pharmacies require an Enhanced DBS certificate as part of safeguarding and governance procedures.
For dispensers who want consistent locum opportunities, maintaining a current DBS check is considered good professional practice.
If you are seeking structured and transparent locum opportunities, Pharm-Assist supports dispensers and pharmacies across the UK with clear documentation requirements and organised staffing arrangements.