Explained: What are the different types of DBS Check?
What is a DBS Check?
DBS Checks are criminal record checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). These checks are used by employers to help them make informed decisions when hiring. In certain sectors, DBS Checks are a statutory requirement for compliance.
There are three levels of DBS Check available, Basic, Standard and Enhanced. Each level of DBS Check reveals a different degree of a person's criminal record history.
What is a Basic DBS Check?
Basic DBS Checks are the lowest level of criminal record check available
This level of DBS Check will search an individual’s criminal history, showing any unspent convictions or conditional cautions an applicant may have.
What is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS Check is used to check an applicant’s criminal history for cautions, warnings and reprimands as well as spent and unspent convictions. This DBS Check is regularly confused with the Basic DBS Check as the names are quite similar.
This level of DBS Check is the least common type of check carried out in the UK. They are only used in certain circumstances, such as obtaining certain licences or when becoming a chartered accountant or solicitor.
What is an Enhanced DBS Check?
Enhanced DBS Checks are the highest level of DBS Check available to employers in the UK. This level of check checks an applicant's criminal history for cautions, warnings, reprimands and convictions (both spent and unspent).
Local police forces will also add any relevant information they hold on the applicant. They will use their discretion to determine whether the information is relevant, depending on the nature of the work the applicants is involved in.
This level of DBS Check may also include a search of the DBS’s Children’s and/or Adult Barred List. These checks will be required if the applicant is carrying out certain activity in relation to children and/or vulnerable adults.
You can see more on what is shown specifically on each level of DBS Check here.
For more information about anything in this article, or, how our background screening solutions can help you, get in touch! You can give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk.