Introduction
If you’re wondering what a DBS check reveals, you're in the right place.
Whether you're applying for a role or hiring someone new, understanding what appears on DBS check is important for making informed decisions.
Each level of DBS check shows different data of the individual.
In this guide, we breakdown key questions we regularly hear about cautions and convictions such as 'does common assault show on DBS?' or 'does domestic violence show on DBS?' so you can feel informed and confident with DBS checks.
What Does a DBS Check Show?
Most people are familiar with what a DBS check is, and what is involved in the application process. The three levels of DBS checks allow employers to ensure that their potential new employees or volunteers are credible for the role they are applying for. As it pertains to working with vulnerable adults or children, the DBS check was brought in after the CRB and ISA merged to form one organisation that would carry out Barred List checks alongside criminal record checks. There is more information about CRB checks here.
The three DBS checks (Basic, Standard and Enhanced) will all reveal details about an applicant’s criminal record. If an applicant doesn’t have a criminal record, that will say so in the DBS certificate. If there is a criminal record to show, the extent of the details will depend on which DBS application has been submitted.
Most people are familiar with what a DBS check is, and what is involved in the application process. The three levels of DBS checks allow employers to ensure that their potential new employees or volunteers are credible for the role they are applying for. As it pertains to working with vulnerable adults or children, the DBS check was brought in after the CRB and ISA merged to form one organisation that would carry out Barred List checks alongside criminal record checks. There is more information about CRB checks here.
The three DBS checks (Basic, Standard and Enhanced) will all reveal details about an applicant’s criminal record. If an applicant doesn’t have a criminal record, that will say so in the DBS certificate. If there is a criminal record to show, the extent of the details will depend on which DBS application has been submitted.
We often receive numerous questions about 'what shows up on an enhanced DBS?' and most questions around convictions and cautions such as 'does common assault show on DBS?' 'does common assault show on enhanced DBS?' or 'does domestic violence show on DBS?', we've outlined more information in the guide below to help you understand what to expect.
DBS Filtering Process
The DBS filtering system means that now, some convictions and cautions no longer appear on DBS certificates. This was introduced to prevent any employers from unfairly discriminating on offences. Put simply, cautions and convictions which are eligible for filtering can be removed at the time someone applies for a DBS check.
Here are some common offences which are not eligible for filtering:
- Violence offences
- Drug offences that involve supply
- Sexual offences
- Safeguarding offences
Here are some offences which are eligible for filtering:
- Common assault
- Motoring offences (not all, but several)
- Possession of drugs
- Theft (with no violence involved)
- Common assault
Filtering establishes what is not disclosed on an Enhanced or Standard DBS check. Filtered information will be removed from a DBS check, but not removed from police records. Meaning that if you apply for a DBS check online, you aren’t legally obliged to disclose anything that will now be filtered.
Do DBS Checks Show Cautions?
Cautions are minor offences such as petty theft, driving offences. While these cautions are present on police records, they don't necessarily show up on basic DBS checks.
It's important to know that multiple cautions can’t be filtered, provided that the offences are eligible for inclusion and that the time period has passed.
Do DBS Checks Show Convictions?
Single convictions that did not lead to suspended or custodial prison sentences can be filtered, provided that the offences are eligible and the relevant time frame has passed.
Whether a conviction or caution is eligible for filtering will entirely depend on the severity of the offence, and the length of time since the offence happened. After a certain amount of time has passed, that conviction becomes a spent conviction. Until then, it is an unspent conviction.
If you apply for an Enhanced DBS check online, the check will involve a complete criminal record check alongside checks against the DBS Children’s Barred List or the DBS Adult First List. Enhanced checks will include details of all spent and unspent convictions (under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974). Employers can only ask applicants about convictions or cautions that are not protected by filtering.
Summary
In summary, below is what is included in a DBS check:
- Basic DBS check – unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
- Standard DBS check – spent and unspent convictions, reprimands, cautions or warnings that the applicant has, provided this information is not protected.
- Enhanced DBS check – the same as above, along with any additional information that a local police force deems relevant to a DBS application.
Who can apply for DBS Checks?
You can apply for a Basic DBS check no matter your occupation. Individuals can apply themselves, or employers can request one from a candidate.
As far as Standard and Enhanced checks go, you can only apply for DBS checks online if it has been requested by a permitted employer or organisation.
For employers needing to process multiple DBS applications, please refer to our Fast Track DBS page.
Should you have any questions about the caution and conviction filtering process, such as 'will common assault show on DBS?' or 'will common assault show on enhanced DBS?' we've answered some of these below, but for even more information, please check out our FAQs page, our common DBS questions blog, or give us a call.
Here at Online DBS Checks, we are more than happy to assist with any queries you may have.
Summary
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What shows up on a basic DBS check?
Basic DBS checks only contain details of unspent convictions according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If there are no unspent criminal convictions, the results of the online DBS check will simply state that there are no such convictions. A spent conviction will not be disclosed on a basic DBS check.
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What shows up on a standard DBS check?
A Standard DBS checks shows all the information a basic DBS shows including spent convictions, and reprimands. A standard DBS check does not disclose any other police information.
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What shows up on an enhanced DBS check?
The enhanced DBS check is the highest level required for positions that involve caring for, training, supervising or sole charge of children or vulnerable adults. The check includes details of all convictions on record, whether spent or unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). This means that even minor convictions are included on the enhanced disclosure.
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Does common assault show on DBS or will common assault show on DBS?
Yes, common assault can show up on a DBS check depending on the level of check and whether the offence is considered spent or filtered. For Basic DBS checks, only unspent convictions will appear.
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Does common assault show on enhanced DBS or will common assault show on enhanced DBS?
Yes, common assault does show on an Enhanced DBS check. Even if the conviction is spent, it can still be disclosed if it's considered relevant to the role.
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Does domestic violence show on DBS?
Yes. Domestic violence convictions will show on a DBS check, particularly on Standard or Enhanced checks. Even if a caution was issued instead of a conviction, it may still be disclosed depending on the severity and time passed.
