DBS Checks
Should I Apply?
The short answer is yes! If you are looking to start or progress a career in the care sector applying for a Basic DBS check could help you obtain a position quicker.
For any position within the care sector a DBS check is required – this could be a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the role you are applying for.
What are the different DBS checks available?
Basic DBS Check
A Basic DBS Check Searches for unspent criminal convictions and is available for individuals and organisations to obtain on their staff. A Basic DBS Check is not job specific.
A basic check can be requested by yourself or prospective employers with your consent.
A basic check will contain details of convictions and conditional cautions that are considered to be unspent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974
Standard DBS Check
The Standard check is undertaken by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in England and Wales. Information for the checks is taken from the Police National Computer (PNC).
- A standard disclosure checks the PNC for any:
- Caution
- Convictions
- Reprimands and warnings (now replaced by youth cautions)
- Previously stepped-down cautions or convictions
Individuals cannot access a Standard check themselves; this must be applied for by the employer the individual is or will be working for.
Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced DBS Check searches the applicants’ record for any – cautions, warnings, reprimands or convictions and searches the adult or children’s barred lists to check that the applicant is suitable to work with these groups.
The Enhanced DBS Check is the highest level of check available, therefore, it goes into the most level of detail. It reveals if a person has any spent or unspent convictions, warnings, cautions or reprimands on their criminal record.
List of what is included in the enhanced disclosure checks:
- Caution
- Convictions
- Reprimands and warnings (now replaced by youth cautions)
- Previously stepped-down cautions or convictions
- Police intelligence reports (local police can add anything they think is relevant)
- Inclusion on the Children’s and/or Barring List (if specified on the application)
Individuals cannot access an Enhanced check themselves; this must be applied for by the employer the individual is or will be working for.
Do I meet the requirements to obtain a basic DBS check?
A basic DBS check can easily be applied for online providing you are aged 16 or over and live in England or Wales.
I meet the requirements; how do I apply?
To apply for the Basic DBS check visit www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
The service is available between 8am and 11.30pm daily.
It will cost £18 to apply.
Once completed you should receive your DBS check within 14 working days.
What do I need to complete my application?
You will need to verify your Identification through the gov.uk website and will also require the following:
- Provide your last 5-year address history including dates from and to for each one
- Passport
- Driving Licence (Full or provisional)
- National Insurance Number
Once I receive the DBS check – what do I do?
My advice would be to register your DBS on the following platforms:
Basic DBS check – https://disclosure.homeoffice.gov.uk/
Standard and Enhanced DBS checks – https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
You can upload your DBS and keep it updated and any prospective employer can access this to check your DBS.
There is an annual cost of £13 or free if you are a volunteer to use this service.
Who do I contact if I need assistance?
DBS helpline can be contacted on 03000 200 190
www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record has lots of FAQ’s and guidance