If you are starting a new job, applying to volunteer, or setting up as a self employed carer or tutor, you have probably come across the term DBS check. For many people, this is the first time they have had to think about a criminal record check, and the process can feel confusing.
There are several types of checks, different application routes, and varying rules depending on your role.
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS check, short for Disclosure and Barring Service check, is a criminal record check carried out in England and Wales.
It allows employers, charities, and other organisations to see whether someone has a criminal record before they take on a role, particularly one that involves working with children, vulnerable adults, or positions of trust.
The DBS was formed by merging the Criminal Records Bureau and the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
This is why some people still refer to the process as a CRB check or search for an enhanced CRB check, even though the correct current term is DBS check.
What Does a DBS Check Show?
The information shown depends on the level of check requested. A basic check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. A standard check adds spent convictions and cautions.
An enhanced check includes all of this plus any relevant information held by local police forces, and for certain roles, a check against the children’s or adults’ barred lists.
Types of DBS Checks
There are three main levels of DBS check, and choosing the right one depends on the nature of the role.
What Is a Basic DBS Check?
A basic DBS check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions only. It can be requested by an individual for themselves or by an employer for roles that do not involve regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.
Many employers now ask new starters to arrange a basic DBS check online as part of standard pre-employment checks.
What Is a Standard DBS Check?
A standard DBS check includes both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings held on the Police National Computer.
This level is generally used for certain professions set out in law, such as some roles in the legal and accountancy sectors, and cannot usually be applied for directly by an individual outside of an eligible role.
What Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
An enhanced DBS check is the most detailed level available. Alongside the information found in a standard check, it can include additional information held by local police that is reasonably considered relevant to the role.
For roles involving close contact with children or vulnerable adults, such as childcare, teaching, or care work, an enhanced DBS check may also include a check against the barred lists.
| DBS Check Type | What It Shows | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic DBS check | Unspent convictions and conditional cautions | General employment, self employment, personal requests |
| Standard DBS check | Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings | Certain legal, accountancy and financial roles |
| Enhanced DBS check | All standard information plus relevant police information and barred list checks where applicable | Childcare, teaching, healthcare, social care, charity roles with children or vulnerable adults |
Which DBS Check Do I Need?
The right level of check depends on the sector and the type of contact the role involves.
- DBS check for employment: Most general employers request a basic DBS check unless the role falls under a regulated activity.
- DBS check for volunteers: Many volunteering roles, particularly those with children or vulnerable adults, require an enhanced DBS check, often processed free of charge through the organisation.
- DBS check for self employed: Self employed tutors, carers, and childminders often need to apply for their own enhanced DBS check, since there is no employer to submit the application on their behalf.
- DBS check for childcare and nursery staff: Nurseries and childminders generally require an enhanced DBS check with a check against the children’s barred list.
- DBS check for teachers and schools: Schools require an enhanced DBS check for teaching and support staff who have contact with pupils.
- DBS check for carers: Care workers supporting vulnerable adults typically need an enhanced check, sometimes with an adults’ barred list check.
If you are unsure which check applies to your role, your employer, agency, or the organisation you are volunteering with should be able to confirm this, since applying for the wrong level of check can delay your start date.
How to Apply for a DBS Check
There are two main routes to apply for a DBS check: through an employer or organisation, or as an individual applying for a basic check on your own behalf.
Applying Through an Employer
Standard and enhanced DBS checks must usually be submitted through a registered body, such as an employer, umbrella body, or DBS check provider. The applicant completes an identity verification process, and the request is then submitted to the DBS.
Applying as an Individual or Self Employed Worker
If you are self employed or want a check for your own records, you can apply for a basic DBS check yourself directly through the government service or an approved provider offering DBS checks online.
Enhanced checks for individuals who are self employed, such as private tutors or personal carers, usually need to go through a registered umbrella body, since individuals cannot apply for an enhanced check entirely on their own without one.
| Application Route | Who Can Use It | Check Levels Available |
|---|---|---|
| Individual application | Self employed workers, personal requests | Basic DBS check |
| Employer or umbrella body application | Employees, volunteers, self employed via registered body | Basic, standard, enhanced |
| Charity or school application | Staff and volunteers | Usually enhanced, often at reduced or no cost |
How Long Does a DBS Check Take?
Processing times vary depending on the level of check and how quickly identity documents are verified.
A basic DBS check usually takes around a few days once identity checks are complete, while standard and enhanced checks can take longer, particularly if local police forces need to review and add information.
Delays are more common if application details do not exactly match official records, so accuracy at the application stage helps avoid unnecessary hold ups.
How Long Is a DBS Check Valid For?
A DBS certificate does not have a fixed expiry date set by the DBS itself. It reflects a person’s record at the point it was issued, so it becomes less current over time.
Many employers set their own policy on how often a DBS check should be renewed, commonly every one to three years, particularly for roles involving children or vulnerable adults.
The DBS Update Service
The DBS Update Service allows individuals to keep their DBS certificate up to date for a small annual fee, rather than applying for a brand new check each time.
This is useful for people who move between similar roles, since employers can check the certificate’s status online with the applicant’s consent, which can significantly reduce waiting times for a new role.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different levels of DBS check, and which one applies to your situation, makes the process far less stressful.
Whether you are an employer setting up checks for new staff, a volunteer supporting a local charity, or a self employed worker arranging your own certificate, knowing the right steps helps you get the correct check completed without unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a DBS check online?
Yes, basic DBS checks can be applied for online, and many registered bodies also offer an online application process for standard and enhanced checks.
How long does a basic DBS check take?
A basic DBS check is typically one of the quicker checks to process, though timing can vary depending on identity verification and how promptly documents are provided.
Does a DBS check expire?
A DBS certificate does not have an official expiry date, but it only reflects information available at the time it was issued, which is why many employers ask for periodic renewals.
How often should you get a DBS check?
This depends on the employer or organisation's policy. Many require renewal every one to three years, particularly for roles involving regulated activity.
What is the difference between a standard and enhanced DBS check?
A standard check shows spent and unspent convictions and cautions. An enhanced check includes this information plus relevant police intelligence and, where applicable, barred list checks.
How do I know which DBS check I need for a new job?
The organisation offering the role should confirm the required level, since this depends on the sector and whether the position involves regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.
