An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, formerly known as an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, is a thorough background check conducted in the United Kingdom. It provides detailed information about a person's criminal history, including both spent and unspent convictions, as well as other relevant information.Â
Here's what an Enhanced DBS check typically shows:
Criminal Convictions
This includes details of any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands, regardless of whether they are spent or unspent (under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).Â
Spent convictions are those that are considered legally 'forgiven' after a specified period of time, whereas unspent convictions are recent or more serious offences.
Police Records
The check includes information from the Police National Computer (PNC), which is a central database containing details of criminal records, investigations, and intelligence held by police forces in the UK.
Relevant Information
The check might also include additional information that the police consider relevant to the application, even if it's not a formal conviction or caution.Â
This could include things like ongoing investigations, allegations or concerns that the police believe are important for safeguarding purposes.
List 99/Children's Barred List Check
For positions involving working with children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS check includes a check against the Children's Barred List (previously known as List 99).Â
This list contains the names of individuals who are barred from working with these groups due to previous offences or concerns.
Additional Information
In some cases, the police might choose to include other information they feel is relevant, even if it doesn't fall under a formal conviction, caution or warning.Â
This could be based on their professional judgment and assessment of the individual's background.
Examples Of Roles That Typically Require An Enhanced DBS Check

Conclusion
It's important to note that Enhanced DBS checks are subject to certain rules and regulations, and not all positions or roles are eligible for this level of checking. Enhanced checks are typically required for roles that involve close contact with children or vulnerable adults, as well as certain roles within healthcare, finance, security and other sensitive areas.
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