Employers are increasingly conducting DBS checks on their staff prior to employment. In some cases, a DBS check is a legal requirement for a job role whilst for others it allows an employer to make a more informed recruitment decision. Below is our summary of each level of DBS check so you can get the correct level of check for your staff.
Standard DBS Checks
Not everyone can have a Standard or Enhanced DBS check because there are specific DBS eligibility requirements that your employees will have to meet. It is a criminal offence to knowingly request an ineligible DBS check on your employees, therefore we recommend that you are aware of the DBS criteria.
A Standard DBS check shows all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. This check is only available for positions that are included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Please refer to the eligibility guidance for Standard checks for more information.
Enhanced DBS Checks
An Enhanced DBS check shows the same as a Standard check and also contains any relevant information that the police include in the disclosure certificate. The Enhanced Check can also include the children’s or adults barred list check, if it is applicable to their role. This type of Enhanced check is only available for positions that are what the DBS refer to as a ‘regulated activity’ with children or vulnerable adults. The full guidance to enhanced checks can be found here.
You can also use our bespoke eligibility tool here, which will help you assess whether you may able to request an enhanced DBS check for your staff.
Basic DBS Checks
If a job role is not eligible for a standard or enhanced level check, then the candidate can apply for a basic check. A Basic DBS check will show all unspent convictions and is often used within the construction, catering, technology, gardening and cleaning industries or for self-employed individuals. There are no eligibility requirements for a Basic DBS check.