An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, formerly known as an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, is 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 including police records.
But, what does an Enhanced DBS check show, exactly? Understanding the depth of these checks is important for both employers and applicants, as they reveal detailed background information that goes far beyond basic or standard criminal records.
In this guide we put together, we break down the most common questions about enhanced DBS checks, including 'what does an enhanced DBS check show?' and 'do allegations show up on an enhanced DBS check?'.
Read on to get a better understanding about enhanced DBS checks.
Enhanced DBS check: What does it show?
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.
What shows on an enhanced DBS?
- Criminal convictions
- Police records
- Relevant information
- List 99/children's barred list check
- Additional information
Let's break down each one of these to understand how these these checks differ to basic and standard DBS checks.
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).
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.
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).
This list contains the names of individuals who are barred from working with these groups due to previous offences or concerns.
Additional Information
When thinking of what shows on an enhanced DBS check, it's important to know that 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.
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.
FAQS
Enhanced DBS check: What does it show?
An enhanced DBS check reveals comprehensive background information including all criminal convictions (spent and unspent), cautions, warnings, reprimands, plus additional police intelligence.
Enhanced DBS Check what does it show about criminal history?
Enhanced DBS checks display your complete criminal record without filtering, including historical convictions that might be considered spent under normal circumstances, including any relevant police intelligence or ongoing investigations.
What does an enhanced DBS check show compared to basic or standard DBS checks?
Enhanced checks provide significantly more detail than basic DBS checks, including police intelligence, local force information, and details that help employers make informed safeguarding decisions for sensitive roles.
What shows on an enhanced DBS check from police records?
Enhanced DBS certificates include information from the Police National Computer, local police intelligence, arrest records (even without charges), and any additional information police consider relevant to your role application.
What shows on enhanced DBS check that's concerning?
Enhanced checks may reveal allegations, ongoing investigations, or police concerns that didn't result in formal charges but are considered relevant for safeguarding purposes in roles involving vulnerable groups.
Is what shows up on an enhanced DBS check role specific?
Yes, for example, the barred list check is only relevant to roles that include working with children or vulnerable adults. Also, the local police may decide to reveal additional allegations that may be relevant to the role you're applying for.
Do allegations show up on enhanced DBS checks?
Yes, allegations can appear on enhanced DBS checks when police consider them relevant to the position, even without resulting convictions.
What does enhanced DBS show timeline-wise?
Enhanced DBS checks cover your entire criminal history without time restrictions, potentially including very old convictions and recent intelligence that together provide a comprehensive background picture.
