DBS Checks

DBS Checks are background checks that look into a person’s criminal history. There are three levels of DBS Checks – Basic, Standard and Enhanced – and each has a different purpose. They help employers to make safer recruitment decisions and can prevent unsuitable people from coming into contact with vulnerable groups.

DBS Checks are a legal requirement for certain jobs. For example, people working in education, healthcare and social care require DBS Checks by law. There are also certain jobs in finance, law and veterinary care that also require DBS Checks.

Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS Check. However, employers are legally responsible for making sure a job role is eligible for a Standard DBS Check or an Enhanced DBS Check. You must select the relevant workforce during an application for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check and have permission from the applicant or employee.

DBS Checks are processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service, previously known as the Criminal Records Bureau. Employers can be based in Scotland but employees must be based in England or Wales. Disclosure Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government, provide the service in Scotland.

Basic DBS Checks can be obtained for anyone; whereas Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks can only be obtained for certain roles.

If you’ve checked the DBS eligibility criteria and you’re still unsure, contact us and we will be on hand to help. We can give you expert advice on guidance so you apply for the DBS Check you need.

The minimum age for a DBS Check is 16 years old.

There is no eligibility requirement for a Basic DBS check. However, the UK Government publishes guidance and has tools for you to see if you’re eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check. If you’ve seen these resources and you’re still unsure, contact us and our team will be on hand to help.

Individuals can’t apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check directly. If you’re self-employed, you can apply for a DBS Check through an association or organisation that uses your services.

All trusted DBS providers will be listed on the DBS’ Umbrella Body directory. Before choosing your provider, make sure to check they’re listed on the directory first. Also, companies register as Umbrella Bodies of the DBS should normally highlight the accreditation on their website.

Our DBS ID Checking guidelines are published here. While Full guidence from the GOV website outline how applicants are required to provide a range of ID documents as part of the DBS check application process. Employers must follow the three routes for ID checking and follow the guidelines carefully.

Prices vary for every type of check and this is clearly marked on our webpages. Volume-based pricing is available and all costs you see on our website include VAT and fees. There are no hidden costs, such as setup or annual renewal fees.

Regulated activity is work that a barred person must not do, outlined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. The DBS publishes guidance to determine what counts as regulated activity but there’s no definitive list.

Applications for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks must select a workforce and applications can’t be processed if that information isn’t included. There are three options to choose – Child workforce, Adult workforce or Other workforce. You can select Child and Adult workforce if the job includes work with both. The term ‘Other’ doesn’t have specified criteria but it’s for roles that don’t include working with children or vulnerable adults.

The DBS Barred Lists include the Children’s Barred List and the Adults’ Barred List. These are commonly used in vetting checks to ensure someone isn’t barred from working with a vulnerable group, such as children or vulnerable adults.

The DBS Update Service is a paid-for annual subscription that enables applicants and employees to keep their DBS certificates up to date and employers to check the status of DBS certificates. The service is for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks only.

If an Adult First Check returns a clear result, applicants are permitted to start work or training with vulnerable adults before they have a DBS Certificate. However, this is only used in exceptional circumstances. Employers must be take care in their decision making and ensure safeguarding measures are put in place.

There’s no expiry date for a DBS Certificate. However, the DBS suggest a renewal is carried out every three years. In some cases, that can differ according to an employer’s best practice or regulations set by external regulators.

Appeals can be made to the DBS if an applicant has been mistakenly included on lists to be barred from certain roles or if a mistake has been made on a DBS Check. Appeals can be made by individual applicants or by their employers if they have permission from the applicant.

From 2002 to 2012, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks were used to search for an applicant’s criminal history on the Police National Computer. These checks were then replaced by DBS Checks when the CRB merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. CRB Checks are no longer a valid safeguarding measure, even if some people still hold a CRB certificate.

You can email the DBS at [email protected] or call their helpline on 03000 200 190. For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service 

You can track your DBS applications using your dashboard. To do this, simply access your Existing Applications, open the Processing at DBS table and click on their DBS tracking number (in the View column).

You will then need to click Track Progress to be redirected to the DBS’ tracking page. Once on the tracking page, you will be able to view the stage the application is on and the dates the application progressed to each stage. If any of your applications are taking longer than expected, please contact one of our advisors who will be able to look into this further.

Please note: The DBS will allow for an application to be escalated, if an application has been in Stage four for 60+ days. Our advisors will manage and monitor your applications to ensure any applications which reach this deadline are escalated immediately and prevent further delays.