What is a DBS Check?
What is a DBS Check? Find out what it involves, who needs one, and how it helps keep workplaces and vulnerable individuals safe.
Introduction
If you’re applying for a job, volunteering role, or considering an apprenticeship, especially roles that involve working with children, vulnerable adults, or in sensitive environments, you’ve probably heard about DBS checks. But what exactly is a DBS check, and why is it so important?
A DBS check is a background screening used by employers and organisations across the UK to help ensure that people they employ are suitable for working with vulnerable groups. This is particularly important for childcare, where safeguarding is a top priority.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a DBS check is, the different types available, who needs one, and how the process works, so you can understand why it matters and how it affects you.
What Is A DBS Check?
DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, a government organisation in the UK responsible for helping employers make safer recruitment decisions. The DBS checks an individual’s criminal record and other relevant information to make sure they’re suitable for roles involving work with children, vulnerable adults, or other sensitive positions.
The service also checks two important lists - the Children’s Barred List and the Adults’ Barred List - which detail people who are legally not allowed to work with these vulnerable groups. This helps prevent unsuitable individuals from gaining access to vulnerable people through employment or volunteering.
Types of DBS Checks
There are three main types of DBS checks, each providing a different level of information depending on the role you’re applying for:
Basic DBS Check - This reveals any unspent convictions or conditional cautions on your criminal record. It’s available to anyone and is usually required for roles that don’t involve working closely with vulnerable groups.
Standard DBS Check - This check includes both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. It’s often needed for jobs such as security staff or certain positions within the legal profession.
Enhanced DBS Check- The most detailed check, which includes everything in a Standard check plus any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant. It also involves checks against the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists if the role involves working with vulnerable groups. This check is required for roles like teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers.
Each level ensures employers get the right information to keep vulnerable people safe, while respecting your privacy as much as possible.
What Information Does a DBS Check Show?
The information included in a DBS check depends on the type of check being carried out, but generally it can include:
- Criminal Convictions: Both spent and unspent convictions may be disclosed, depending on the check type. Basic checks show only unspent convictions, while Standard and Enhanced checks include spent convictions as well.
- Cautions, Warnings, and Reprimands: These are less serious than convictions but still relevant and can appear on Standard and Enhanced checks.
- Barred Lists: For Enhanced DBS checks, if you’re applying for a role involving children or vulnerable adults, the check will include whether you’re on the Children’s or Adults’ Barred List. Being on these lists means you are legally prohibited from working with these groups.
The goal is to give employers the information they need to make safe recruitment decisions while respecting individuals' privacy.
Who Needs a DBS Check?
DBS checks are typically required for people working or volunteering in roles where they have regular contact with children, vulnerable adults, or other sensitive situations. Some common examples include:
- Healthcare workers
- Teachers and school staff
- Childcare providers and nursery workers
- Social workers and support staff
- Security personnel
- Volunteers in community or charity organisations
- Foster workers
- Prison workers
Employers have a legal responsibility to request the appropriate DBS check for these roles to help protect vulnerable groups and ensure a safe working environment.
Individuals can also apply for a Basic DBS check themselves if needed, such as for certain jobs or voluntary roles that don’t require a higher-level check.
How to Apply for a DBS Check
Applying for a DBS check is a fairly straightforward process, but the steps can vary depending on whether you’re an individual or an employer.
For Individuals:
If you need a Basic DBS check, you can apply directly online through the official DBS website. For Standard or Enhanced checks, usually your employer or the organisation you’re volunteering with will handle the application process on your behalf.
For Employers:
Employers must register with the DBS to submit applications for Standard and Enhanced checks. They’ll collect the applicant’s personal details, proof of identity, and complete the application either online or by paper form. Once submitted, the DBS processes the check, which typically takes a few weeks.
It’s important to provide accurate information and the correct documents to avoid delays. After the check is completed, the DBS certificate will be sent directly to the individual, who can then share it with the employer if required.
Costs and Validity
A Basic DBS check currently costs £21.50 if you apply yourself. Standard and Enhanced checks usually cost employers around £40 to £44 per check, depending on the service used. Volunteers often receive checks for free or at a reduced cost through certain schemes or charities.
There’s no official expiration date for a DBS certificate, but many employers ask for a new check every 3 years or so to ensure ongoing suitability. Check with your employer what their requirements are regarding how recent your DBS check must be.
What Happens After a DBS Check?
After your DBS check is processed, you’ll receive a certificate that details the information found. This certificate is sent directly to you, not your employer, to protect your privacy. It’s important to carefully review the certificate for accuracy. If you notice any errors or missing information, you can contact the DBS to request a correction.
You will need to share the certificate with your employer or organisation as proof of your check, and some employers may ask to see the original document or a copy. If you have a criminal record, it doesn’t automatically mean you won’t get the job. Employers usually consider the nature of the offence, how long ago it happened, and how relevant it is to the role you’re applying for.
Importance of DBS Checks for Employers and Employees
DBS checks play a crucial role in creating safer workplaces. For employers, they’re an essential part of responsible recruitment, helping to ensure that those who pose a risk to vulnerable groups are identified before they’re hired. This not only protects children, vulnerable adults, and the wider public but also helps organisations comply with legal obligations and industry regulations.
For employees, volunteers, and apprentices—such as those taking part in childcare apprenticeships—DBS checks provide reassurance that they are working in a trusted and safe environment alongside people who have also undergone screening. Ultimately, DBS checks contribute to a culture of safety, transparency, and accountability, benefiting everyone involved.
Conclusion
A DBS check is an important tool designed to help keep vulnerable people safe by ensuring that those working in sensitive roles—whether in paid jobs, volunteer positions, or apprenticeships like childcare—are properly vetted. Whether you’re an employer or someone applying for a role, understanding what a DBS check involves can help you navigate the process with confidence.
Ultimately, DBS checks promote safer communities and give peace of mind to employers, employees, and apprentices alike. If you’re preparing to get a DBS check, take it as a positive step towards responsible and trusted work.
Both the Impact Futures and The Childcare Company brands are used interchangeably for both Impact Futures Training Limited and The Child Care Company (Old Windsor) Limited.