What is a Standard DBS Check?
Standard DBS checks are conducted for specific roles outlined in the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. These positions require a more comprehensive disclosure of an individual’s criminal history than a Basic check, often due to the nature of the profession, such as certain roles in healthcare sector, financial services, legal professions, or the justice system.
As a registered umbrella body with the Disclosure and Barring Service, APCS provides an efficient online platform for processing Standard DBS checks with exceptional service quality. Our streamlined system enables employers to conduct thorough background screening for eligible positions.
Standard DBS checks bridge the gap between basic employment screening and enhanced safeguarding checks, making them particularly valuable for roles in regulated industries where trust and integrity are paramount. Unlike Basic checks, which anyone can apply for, Standard screening is restricted to specific eligible positions defined under UK legislation.
Our proven processing system delivers Standard DBS certificates quickly and reliably, supported by our UK-based specialist team who understand the complexities of eligibility requirements and can guide you through the application process.
For roles requiring the highest level of screening, we also offer Enhanced DBS Checks through our efficient online platform, whilst Basic DBS Checks provide accessible screening for general employment purposes.
What does a Standard DBS Check show?
A Standard DBS check provides comprehensive criminal record information, going significantly beyond the scope of Basic screening to include both current and historical conviction data. This level of disclosure offers employers detailed insights into an individual’s criminal background whilst maintaining appropriate rehabilitation principles.
The check will show:
- Convictions – All convictions, both spent and unspent, except those that are considered ‘protected’.
- Cautions – All cautions, both spent and unspent, except those that are considered ‘protected’.
Importantly, Standard DBS checks do not include:
- Barred list information (children’s or adults’)
- Additional police intelligence
The inclusion of spent convictions and cautions distinguishes Standard checks from Basic screening, allowing employers in eligible sectors to make fully informed recruitment decisions.
It’s important to note that not all spent information automatically appears on a Standard DBS certificate. A process called DBS filtering removes certain old and minor cautions and convictions, particularly those that are non-serious and have met specific timeframes since the offence. This ensures that only relevant and proportionate information is disclosed, preventing minor historical incidents from unfairly hindering an individual’s employment prospects in eligible roles. The filtering rules are statutory and apply automatically.
If an individual has no convictions or cautions, excluding any that are ‘protected’, the certificate will clearly state this, providing positive confirmation of a clean criminal record.
Who Can Apply for a Standard DBS Check?
Standard DBS checks are restricted to specific eligible roles. Unlike Basic checks, which anyone can request, Standard checks are limited to positions defined under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Eligibility Requirements
Employers only can arrange for a Standard DBS check – individuals cannot apply for their own Standard check. All applications must demonstrate clear eligibility under current DBS guidance, with the role itself determining whether this level of screening is appropriate and legally permissible.
Typical Eligible Roles
Standard DBS checks are commonly required for positions in regulated industries where integrity and trustworthiness are essential:
- Financial services roles – FCA ‘Approved Person’ positions and other regulated financial activities
- Healthcare administration – Medical receptionists and administrators with access to patients
- Justice sector positions – Prison service employees and specific magistrates’ court officers
- Emergency services – Fire and Rescue Authority employees and related public safety roles
- Legal profession – Solicitors and barristers (on entry into the profession)
- Accountancy roles – Chartered accountants (on entry into the profession)
- Security industry – Licensed security operatives
Legislative Framework
The eligibility criteria for Standard DBS checks are precisely defined under UK legislation, ensuring this level of screening is only used where genuinely justified. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 specifies which roles qualify, based on the level of responsibility, access to sensitive information, or potential impact on public welfare.
Compliance Responsibility
As an employer, you have a legal duty to ensure Standard DBS checks are only requested for genuinely eligible positions. Inappropriate requests not only breach compliance requirements but could expose your organisation to legal challenges and regulatory sanctions.
If you’re uncertain about eligibility for specific roles within your organisation, our specialist team provides confidential guidance based on current DBS legislation and can help clarify whether Standard screening is appropriate for your requirements.
Why do I need a Standard DBS Check?
Standard DBS checks serve critical functions across various regulated industries and professional sectors. Understanding when this level of screening is necessary helps ensure you’re using the appropriate tool for your specific compliance and risk management requirements.
Regulatory Compliance
Many industries have specific regulatory requirements that mandate Standard DBS screening for certain positions:
- Financial services where specific roles required approval by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Healthcare settings where administrative staff have access to sensitive patient information or clinical areas
- Emergency services where staff respond to public emergencies and hold positions of community trust
Professional Standards
Certain professional bodies and licensing authorities require Standard DBS checks as part of their membership or licensing criteria:
- Accountancy bodies for chartered and certified accountants handling client finances
- Legal regulatory bodies for solicitors and barristers
- Healthcare professional registration for roles involving patient contact
- Financial conduct authorisation for individuals seeking approved person status
How the Application Works with APCS
Our Standard DBS check process combines efficiency with rigorous compliance, ensuring your applications progress smoothly through every stage. The system operates through five clearly defined steps designed to minimise administrative burden whilst maintaining complete regulatory adherence.
For Employer Applications
- Set up your employer account – Register your organisation on our secure online portal with no setup fees or hidden charges. Most accounts receive same-day activation.
- Initiate applications – Provide secure links to applicants enabling them to complete their own application forms online, reducing your administrative workload.
- Monitor progress – Track all applications through our comprehensive Management Reporting System, providing real-time visibility of processing status.
- ID verification – Choose between digital verification services or traditional document checking methods, both fully compliant with DBS requirements.
- Certificate delivery – Receive electronic notifications when certificates are issued, with physical certificates sent directly to applicants by the DBS.
Process Management
Throughout the application journey, our system provides complete transparency through automated status updates and progress tracking. The online portal validates information as it’s entered, significantly reducing processing delays caused by incomplete or incorrect details.
Our UK-based support team monitors all applications proactively, identifying potential issues before they cause delays and providing immediate assistance when required. This hands-on approach ensures your Standard DBS checks progress as efficiently as possible through the official DBS processing stages.
The automated workflow manages document requirements, eligibility verification, and submission protocols, ensuring every application meets DBS standards before electronic transmission. This quality control approach maximises processing speed.
How much does a Standard DBS Check Cost?
The total cost for a Standard DBS check through APCS is £34.70. This comprises the official DBS fee of £21.50 and our administrative processing charge of £11.00 + VAT. Our transparent pricing structure ensures you understand exactly what you’re paying for with no surprise charges or hidden costs.
Setting up your employer account with APCS is completely free, with same-day activation available for most organisations. This enables you to begin submitting applications immediately without delays to your recruitment processes.
For organisations requiring volume screening, we offer discounts on our administrative fees based on monthly application quantities. Large employers or those with specific requirements are invited to contact our account team directly for a tailored quotation that reflects your screening volumes and business needs.
Our flexible billing options include monthly invoicing for qualifying organisations, enabling you to manage cash flow effectively whilst maintaining consistent screening capabilities. All fees are regularly reviewed to ensure we maintain competitive pricing whilst delivering exceptional service quality.
How long does a Standard DBS Check take?
Standard DBS checks are typically processed faster than Enhanced screening, with APCS currently receiving approximately 80% of Standard certificates back within 1 day of electronic submission to the DBS and 99% back within 7 days of submission.
The processing timeline involves several distinct stages, each optimised for maximum efficiency:
Application Processing: Our team reviews and validates applications before electronic submission to the DBS, typically within 1 hour of receipt for complete applications.
DBS Processing: The Disclosure and Barring Service conducts criminal record searches across the Police National Computer and relevant databases.
Certificate Production: Once processing is complete, the DBS produces and posts physical certificates directly to applicants’ nominated addresses.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
Application Quality: Complete and accurate information accelerates processing. Our online validation system catches common errors before submission, reducing delays.
DBS Operational Capacity: Overall processing times can fluctuate based on the DBS’s current workload and operational efficiency.
Address History Complexity: Unusual address patterns or incomplete location information may require additional verification steps.
Postal Delivery: As certificates are dispatched by standard post, occasional postal delays can affect final delivery times.
For time-sensitive recruitment situations, we recommend submitting applications as early as possible in your hiring process. Our team provides regular progress updates and can prioritise urgent cases where operationally feasible. Whilst we cannot expedite official DBS processing, we ensure every stage within our control operates at maximum efficiency.
Why Choose APCS for DBS Checks?
APCS combines over two decades of experience as a registered DBS umbrella body with cutting-edge technology and personalised service, delivering the reliability and expertise that employers need for their Standard DBS screening requirements.
Proven Track Record: Our 20+ years as a registered umbrella body means we’ve successfully navigated every type of application scenario and built the expertise to resolve processing challenges quickly and effectively.
Exceptional Turnaround Times: With 80% of Standard checks returned within 1 day and 99% within 7 days, our processing speeds are among the fastest in the industry.
Transparent Pricing: We maintain clear, competitive pricing with no setup fees, training charges, or minimum spend requirements. You pay only for the checks you need.
ISO 27001 Data Security: Our certified Information Security Management System ensures your sensitive data remains protected throughout the entire screening process.
UK-Based Specialist Support: Our expert team understands the complexities of DBS eligibility requirements and provides immediate assistance via phone and email during business hours.
Flexible Service Options: From occasional screening needs to high-volume recruitment programmes, we adapt our service to meet your specific requirements without compromising on quality or compliance.
Regulatory Expertise: Our deep understanding of DBS legislation and eligibility criteria helps ensure your applications meet all regulatory requirements, reducing compliance risks.
Technology Innovation: Our intuitive online platform combines ease of use with robust security, enabling efficient application management whilst maintaining complete data protection.
Whether you need occasional Standard DBS checks for specific appointments or regular screening support for ongoing recruitment, APCS provides the professional service and regulatory expertise to meet your requirements efficiently and reliably.
Compliance & Data Protection
Processing Standard DBS checks involves handling highly sensitive criminal record information, requiring the most rigorous data protection and regulatory compliance standards. Our comprehensive framework ensures your personal and organisational data remains secure throughout every stage of the screening process.
GDPR and UK Data Protection Compliance: All operations are fully aligned with current data protection legislation, with specific protocols designed for criminal record data handling. Personal information is processed only for legitimate screening purposes and retained for the minimum necessary period.
ISO 27001 Certification: Our Information Security Management System meets international standards for information security, with all data stored in certified UK data centres. This certification is maintained through regular independent audits and continuous improvement processes.
Staff Vetting and Training: All personnel with access to DBS application data undergo enhanced screening themselves and receive comprehensive training on the DBS Code of Practice and data handling requirements. Internal access controls operate on a strict need-to-know basis.
Regulatory Compliance: As a registered umbrella body, we maintain full accreditation through regular DBS audits and compliance reviews. Our policies and procedures are continuously updated to reflect legislative changes and evolving industry best practices.
Secure Processing Infrastructure: All data transmission uses encrypted connections, with robust physical security measures protecting any paper documentation. Application data is processed strictly in accordance with DBS requirements and securely deleted when no longer needed.
Applicant Rights: We provide clear information about personal data processing and actively support individuals’ rights under data protection legislation, including access to their information and correction of any inaccuracies.
Our commitment to compliance and data protection provides confidence that your Standard DBS applications are handled with the highest professional standards, meeting all regulatory requirements whilst protecting privacy and confidentiality throughout the screening process.
