What Is A DBS Check? | .uk

by Amber Rolfe

When it comes to finding your dream role, some companies might ask for more than an application…

If you’re applying for a role that involves working with children or vulnerable adults, you might find an extra hurdle in your onboarding process: the DBS check. It sounds official and perhaps a little intimidating, but it’s actually a standard part of the recruitment process for many sectors.

Whether you’re an aspiring teacher, a healthcare professional, or you’re just wondering what the disclosure and barring service actually is, we’ve got you covered. Here is everything you need to know about DBS checks.

Key takeaways from this article

• A DBS check is a record of your criminal history used by employers to check your suitability for a role.
• There are four main types of checks: Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred Lists.
• Most checks are requested by the employer, though you can request a Basic check for yourself.
• Checks do not strictly ‘expire’, but employers decide how recent the certificate needs to be.

What is a DBS check?

A DBS check (formerly known as a CRB check) is a way for employers to check your criminal record. It stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, which is the public body that carries out these checks in England and Wales.

This background check helps employers make safer recruitment decisions, and it’s a legal requirement for many roles – particularly those where you’ll be working unsupervised with vulnerable groups. 

It stops unsuitable people from working with children or vulnerable adults, keeping everyone safe.

What is a CRB check?

CRB checks are what DBS checks were previously known as, before the DBS replaced the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) as part of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

However, its function remains the same.

The different types of DBS checks

Not all checks are created equal. In fact, there are four different levels of inspection, and the one you need depends entirely on the job you are doing.

Here’s a breakdown of the different certificates you might encounter:

1. Basic DBS check

This is the lowest level of check. A DBS certificate at this level will only show details of ‘unspent’ convictions and conditional cautions. Anyone can apply for this one, and you don’t strictly need an employer to request it for you. However, as this check will only show unspent convictions – employers may still need to complete their own checks before hiring you.

2. Standard DBS check

This goes a little deeper. A standard check reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings held on the Police National Computer. This is generally for roles like court officers, prison staff, or security roles.

3. Enhanced DBS check

An enhanced DBS check shows the same info as the standard check, but it also includes any information held by your local police force that’s considered relevant to the role. This is common for teachers or nurses.

4. Enhanced with Barred Lists check

This is the most comprehensive check available. It includes everything in the enhanced check, plus a check of the DBS Barred Lists. These lists contain names of individuals specifically barred from working with children or adults. This is strictly for people engaging in ‘regulated activity’ – essentially, unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups.

What is the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act?

When is a DBS check needed?

Organisations can only request a standard or enhanced check if the role specifically requires it. They are legally entitled to ask for a disclosure and barring service check if you are applying to work as a:

• Teacher or Teaching Assistant
• Social Worker
• Care Worker
• Medical professional (Doctor, Nurse, Dentist)
• Foster Carer
• Childminder

However, it’s not just limited to healthcare and education. Solicitors, Barristers, Accountants, and Vets often need checks when entering the profession.

If you’re just curious about your own record or a potential employer asks for a basic check for a role that doesn’t involve vulnerable people, that is allowed too. But for the heavy-duty checks, there has to be a valid reason.

How do I get a DBS check?

The process for getting a DBS check depends on the type of check you’re applying for. Here’s how to do it, based on the type of check you need:

1. Basic DBS Check

You can apply for this yourself online through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) website, on gov.uk, or via a registered third-party provider. This check is available to anyone and shows unspent convictions or cautions. Here are the steps you need to take to get a Basic DBS Check:

• Visit the official DBS website or a registered provider.
• Complete the online application form with your personal details.
• Provide proof of identity (e.g., passport, driving license).
• Pay the application fee.
• Wait for the DBS to process your application and send you the certificate.

2. Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks

These checks must be initiated by an employer, organisation, or charity. You cannot apply for these yourself. The organisation will request the check on your behalf if it’s required for your role. The process usually looks like this:

• The request: Your employer gets a DBS application form (often via a registered umbrella body).
• The form: They give it to you to fill out. You’ll need to provide address history and personal details.
• The proof: You return the form along with documents proving your identity (passport, driving licence, etc.).
• The submission: The employer sends it off to the DBS.
• The wait: The DBS processes the check. This can involve checking police records.
• The result: You receive your DBS certificate in the post. You then show this to your employer.

If you’re self-employed, you can’t apply for a standard or enhanced check on yourself. You would need to go through a recruitment company or a local authority if you need one for a contract. You can, however, request a Basic check for yourself online anytime.

Disclosing a criminal record: How (and when) to tell an employer

Can I appeal against a DBS check?

If you think the information stated in your DBS check isn’t accurate, you can appeal against it.

Whether it’s that there’s been a mistake in the criminal records provided, or your personal details are incorrect – you’ll need to report any mistakes within three months of receiving the DBS certificate.

Either you or your employer can do this (providing they’ve spoken to you first), and local authorities will then follow up to go through any next steps.

What is the DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service is an online subscription that allows you to keep your standard or enhanced certificates up to date. It also enables employers to check a DBS certificate online. 

Why use it?

• Speed: Employers can check your status instantly online, meaning you can start work sooner.
• Convenience: You don’t need to fill out a new form every time you move roles within the same workforce (e.g., moving from one school to another).
• Cost: It saves paying for a full new check every time.

It costs £13 a year (it’s free for volunteers), and you have 30 days from the date your certificate is issued to sign up.

Register for the DBS Update Service

Frequently asked questions

How much does a DBS check cost?

Usually, your employer pays for the check, so it won’t cost you a penny. If you’re applying for a Basic check yourself, or if your employer requires you to cover the cost, prices vary. Currently, a Basic check is £18. Standard checks are £18, and Enhanced checks are £38 (though admin fees from umbrella bodies can apply).

How long does it take?

Generally, a DBS check takes around 14 days. However, this varies wildly depending on the level of the check, the accuracy of the details you provided, and how busy your local police force is. Some come back in 48 hours; others can take weeks.

How long does a check last?

Technically, a DBS check has no expiry date. It is a snapshot of your record at the time it was issued. However, employers might decide a certificate is ‘too old’ if it was issued three years ago. This is where the Update Service comes in handy, as it keeps the information current.

What is the minimum age for a check?

You need to be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a DBS check.

Does a criminal record mean I won’t get the job?

Not necessarily. Employers can’t turn you down just because you have a record unless the offence makes you unsuitable for that specific role. For example, a driving offence might stop you from being a delivery driver, but it might not matter if you’re an office administrator.

If you have spent convictions, they might not even show up. The DBS uses a ‘filtering’ process where certain old or minor offences are removed from certificates, so they don’t haunt you forever.

Can I fail a DBS check?

It’s not an exam! You can’t pass or fail. The certificate simply lists information. It is up to the employer to decide if that information impacts your suitability for the job.

 Browse all guidance on employment law

For more information on DBS checks, please visit gov.uk.

 

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