DBS Check: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How It Differs from Other Types
In the United Kingdom, ensuring safety and trust in workplaces—especially those involving vulnerable groups—is a priority. A DBS check, short for Disclosure and Barring Service check, is a crucial tool used to help employers make safer recruitment decisions. It involves examining a person’s criminal record to determine whether they are suitable for certain roles, particularly those involving children or adults at risk.
This article will explain what a DBS check is, who needs it, how it works, and how it differs from other types of background checks.
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service, a UK government body. It helps employers identify candidates who may be unsuitable for specific jobs due to their criminal history. The check searches police records and, depending on the level requested, may also include checks against government lists of people barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
The goal of a DBS check is to protect the most vulnerable people in society by preventing individuals with harmful intentions or histories from entering sensitive roles.
Who Needs a DBS Check?
A DBS check is needed by individuals working in positions of trust, particularly where they interact with children, elderly people, or those who require special care. Common roles that require a DBS check include:
- Teachers and school staff
- Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers
- Social workers and care home employees
- Foster parents and adoptive applicants
- Volunteers in youth clubs or charities
- Childminders and private tutors
- Taxi drivers, if working with schools or care services
In many professions, a DBS check is not just recommended—it’s legally required.
Types of DBS Checks and Key Differences
There are three main types of DBS checks, and it’s important to understand the differences between them.
1. Basic DBS Check
This is the simplest form of DBS check and shows only unspent criminal convictions. Anyone can apply for a basic check, including individuals applying for themselves. It’s often used for general employment checks where there’s no direct work with vulnerable people.
2. Standard DBS Check
This type of check is more detailed and shows both spent and unspent convictions, as well as cautions, warnings, and reprimands. It’s typically used for jobs in the legal or financial sectors, such as accountants, security roles, or court employees. Unlike the basic check, it must be requested through an employer.
3. Enhanced DBS Check
The most in-depth check, the Enhanced DBS Check, includes everything found in the standard check plus any relevant information held by local police. If required, it can also include a barred list check, which identifies individuals banned from working with vulnerable groups. This check is essential for positions like teachers, carers, or healthcare providers.
How Is a DBS Check Different from Other Background Checks?
A DBS check is specific to the UK and focuses on criminal records and safeguarding concerns. Here’s how it differs from other background checks:
- Credit Checks: Used by financial institutions to assess an individual’s financial history, not their criminal background.
- Employment References: These confirm job history and performance but don’t reveal criminal records.
- International Background Checks: These are conducted for individuals who’ve lived or worked abroad and may require cooperation with foreign authorities.
- Disclosure Scotland or AccessNI: These are regional equivalents for Scotland and Northern Ireland but follow different processes.
What sets the DBS apart is its role in legal compliance and safeguarding responsibilities in England and Wales.
How to Get a DBS Check
The process for obtaining a DBS check depends on the level required:
Basic DBS Check: You can apply online through the official government portal or through a responsible organization.
Standard or Enhanced DBS Check: These must be applied for by an employer or registered body on behalf of the individual. The applicant will need to provide proof of identity and consent.
The process is usually completed within a few weeks, and the results are sent directly to the applicant.
DBS checks are a critical part of maintaining trust and safety in many UK professions. Whether you’re hiring a teacher, nurse, or volunteer, understanding the right level of DBS check and how it differs from other checks ensures compliance and protects those who rely on our care.
If you need a DBS check or guidance on which type to choose, visit crbdirect.org.uk — a registered company with the UK government, helping individuals and businesses complete criminal records checks securely and efficiently.
