DBS Officer

Why Southwark

About Southwark

We are passionate about delivering the best customer service and getting our community active. Every team member plays their part, working within a diverse and dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

What You'll Be Doing

We’re looking for an organised and detail‑focused DBS Officer to support the Council’s safeguarding and safer recruitment responsibilities.

You’ll manage DBS rechecks and applications, maintain accurate compliant records, and work closely with onboarding and HR colleagues to ensure all employees in DBS‑eligible roles meet requirements. This is a key role where accuracy, confidentiality and clear communication really matter.

What you’ll do

• Carry out DBS Update Service checks and manage new DBS applications
• Maintain the central DBS Register using Excel, SharePoint and SAP
• Communicate with employees, sending requests, reminders and confirmations
• Support onboarding of new starters in DBS‑eligible roles
• Ensure all activity is accurate, auditable and GDPR‑compliant

What We're Looking For

What we’re looking for

• Knowledge of DBS processes and safeguarding requirements
• Experience in HR, recruitment, onboarding or compliance
• Strong IT and data‑handling skills, with excellent attention to detail
• Clear communication skills and a customer‑focused approach
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and anti‑racist practice

Additional Information

Closing Date: 24th May 2026

Interview Date: TBC

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Benefits and more information:

- https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Attachments

• Click here to view the Job description and Person specification