Apply for DBS Checks Online
An online DBS Check is an official document issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Online DBS applications are faster, simpler and more convenient than dealing with a paper DBS application form. Depending on your needs, you can apply for online DBS checks at all three disclosure levels.
What are DBS Checks?
The Disclosure and Barring Service conduct DBS Checks on behalf of individuals or employers.
A DBS Check produces details of an individual’s criminal record history and provides additional information on any unspent convictions. These checks ensure that the applicant is safe to work in their chosen profession. The Disclosure and Barring Service was formed after the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged in December 2012. As a result, ‘CRB Checks’ is now known as ‘DBS Checks’; there is no difference between the two.
DBS Check Level
A DBS online application is faster, simpler and more convenient than dealing with a paper DBS application form. You can apply for online DBS checks at all three disclosure levels depending on your needs. Our DBS online application process is perfect for both employers and individuals, allowing you to fast track through to completion thanks to our streamlined and efficient services.
Please carefully select the type of DBS check you require before you proceed with your online DBS application.
Basic DBS Check
The Basic DBS check, provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service, only contains details of unspent convictions. You can apply for a basic DBS check no matter your occupation. Employers may request a check from candidates applying for a job, and individuals in any field can apply for a DBS check online.
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Standard DBS Check
The Standard DBS check is only available for certain occupations and for entry into professions as specified in the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Standard DBS checks show:
- Current convictions
- Spent convictions
- Cautions
- Reprimands
- Warnings
You can only apply for a Standard DBS check online if it has been requested by a permitted employer or organisation.
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Enhanced DBS Check
The Enhanced DBS check is the highest level of check available. As well as disclosing spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, depending on the position it will also check the individual against the children’s and adult’s barred lists. You can only apply for an enhanced DBS check online if you are caring, training, supervising or working closely with children or vulnerable adults.
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For Employers
If you are an employer that expects to process multiple DBS applications, why not check out our package for employers? Our ISO27001 accredited service for employers allows you to take control of the entire DBS online application process. Clients are provided with their own secure control panel from where they can add new candidates, monitor the progress of their online DBS applications and, most importantly, see the results as they come in. Have any other questions regarding DBS checks? Get in touch today!
- The number of days for a DBS check completion are listed based on average turnaround times. These times can be influenced by a number of factors including having a common name, multiple addresses, having recently changed your name and more.
*The turnaround times given are the average times taken for completion of the application. The time it takes can vary depending on local police searches, multiple addresses, common names and multiple name changes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Before applying for a DBS Check, you must understand which type of check you require.
The three types of DBS Check (Basic, Standard and Enhanced) offer different levels of coverage for an individual, and each has a different outcome. Depending on the employment sector, a different check may be required.
Applying for a DBS Check by completing an online DBS application form is the quickest and simplest way to verify somebody’s criminal record history. It is important to note that only an employer can request a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, but individuals can still apply for a Basic DBS Check.
Every business must perform Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks as a mandatory exercise if their duties include ‘regulated activities’. Regulated activities are generally regarded in two separate categories as ‘activities with children’ and ‘activities with adults’.
Some employment sectors, however, require a DBS Check regardless of the specific duties of the job role. The main purpose of a DBS Check is to ensure that potential employees are safe for working in the company; therefore, some businesses deem them necessary regardless of particular duties.
DBS Checks can also determine whether an individual has been barred from performing particular duties. Many companies perform DBS Checks as a safety precaution to mitigate risks to the company.
Regulated activity is generally referred to as duties that a particular individual cannot partake in if they have been ‘barred’.
Examples of these activities include anything surrounding children or vulnerable adults. For roles in education such as teaching or additional support or in the care sector, such as working in a care home, it is strictly forbidden for barred individuals to work here.
This law is stated in The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and details all regulations surrounding this.
There is typically no time frame for the information included on a DBS Check certificate. As DBS Checks can revise an individual’s entire criminal record history, the information that appears on a DBS certificate can relate to any time period.
The DBS certificate can include information about a conviction regardless of how much time has passed since it was issued depending on the level of check and the filtering guidelines. It is essential to attend to any discrepancies as they arise to avoid them appearing on your DBS certificate in the future.
You can track the status of your application online through our site. If you are having trouble accessing your application’s status, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. The professional team at Online DBS Checks are more than happy to assist with any queries.
All types of DBS Checks are designed to protect children and vulnerable adults within the workplace against staff and employees. These checks are in place to ensure that all employees are safe to work within their intended environment and pose no threat to those surrounding them.
If you would like more information on vulnerable adults and children and why it is crucial to protect them at all times, please visit our blog outlining all you need to know.
