Basic Disclosure Check

FAQs

• How long does a Basic Disclosure check take to process?

  Basic Disclosure checks are typically processed within a week from the date your application is submitted and all required documents are received. However, processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your case and current demand. If you have lived at multiple addresses or have a common name, this may extend the processing time slightly. It’s important to ensure all your documents are correct and legible when submitting your application to avoid any delays.

• What information appears on a Basic Disclosure certificate?

  A Basic Disclosure certificate will show details of any unspent convictions held on the Police National Computer. This includes convictions that have not yet become ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The certificate will also include your personal details such as name, date of birth, and place of birth for identification purposes.

  If you have no unspent convictions, the certificate will clearly state “NONE RECORDED”. Basic Disclosure checks do not show spent convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other police intelligence that might appear on Standard or Enhanced DBS checks.

• Can an employer request a Basic Disclosure check for any job role?

  Yes, employers can request a Basic Disclosure check for virtually any job role, as this level of check is not restricted by eligibility criteria. Unlike Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, which can only be requested for specific roles or activities, Basic Disclosure checks can be used across all sectors and job types.

  However, employers should consider whether a Basic Disclosure check provides sufficient information for their needs. For roles involving vulnerable groups, children, or positions of trust, a Standard or Enhanced DBS check may be legally required or more appropriate. Employers should also be mindful of proportionality and only request criminal record checks where they are relevant to the role in question.

• Who can apply for a Basic Disclosure check - the employer or employee?

  It is generally recommended and preferred that the employee makes the application. This might be directly through the Disclosure and Barring Service website or through a third-party umbrella body that the employer uses for managing the application process. The employee has the knowledge of their own personal details in order to complete the application, and for data protection it is better that they input the details themselves. The employer should then check and verify the details. In some cases, it may be necessary or preferred for the employer to apply on behalf of the applicant. In this situation, it is vital that the employer has the employee’s consent to complete the application on their behalf. The employer must also ensure that they have all the personal information from the employee that is required for the application, and that they input the data accurately.