DBS Check
A DBS check is a criminal record check processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service, required for roles involving vulnerable people or sensitive work.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks search police records for relevant criminal history. Three levels exist: Basic (unspent convictions only, available for any role), Standard (spent and unspent convictions, cautions, for specified roles), and Enhanced (plus local police information, for regulated activity with vulnerable groups).
DBS checks are required for many roles in healthcare, education, care work, and positions involving access to children or vulnerable adults. Employers must have legal grounds to request Standard or Enhanced checks—not all roles qualify.
Having a criminal record doesn't automatically bar you from work. The DBS filtering rules mean many old or minor offences don't appear on checks. Employers should assess relevance rather than automatically rejecting candidates with records.
Key Points
- Three levels: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced
- Required for roles with vulnerable groups
- Filtering rules mean many offences don't appear
- Having a record doesn't automatically bar employment
- Employers must have legal grounds for Standard/Enhanced checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for my own DBS check?
Employers usually pay for DBS checks they require. Some, particularly in care and charity sectors, may ask applicants to pay. You can check eligibility for free volunteer checks.
How long does a DBS check take?
Basic checks typically take 1-2 weeks. Standard and Enhanced can take 2-8 weeks depending on how many police forces need to be contacted. Apply early to avoid delays in starting.