What is DBS Check?
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check reveals an individual's criminal record history for employers and licensing bodies. There are three levels: Basic (any unspent conviction), Standard (spent and unspent for regulated roles), and Enhanced (with barred-list check for work with children or vulnerable adults). DBS is the England and Wales equivalent of Disclosure Scotland and AccessNI. Enhanced DBS subscriptions to the Update Service let workers reuse a check across employers.
DBS Check: frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS check?
- A Basic DBS check shows only unspent convictions and anyone can apply for one. A Standard check adds spent convictions, cautions and warnings, and is for specific roles such as security or financial work. An Enhanced check includes the same as Standard plus any relevant local police information and, where applicable, a check of the children's and/or adults' barred lists — required for roles working closely with vulnerable groups.
- How long does a DBS check last?
- A DBS certificate has no official expiry date — it is a snapshot of the date it was issued. Many employers re-check every one to three years. Subscribing to the DBS Update Service (£16/year) lets a Standard or Enhanced check be kept current and reused across employers.
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<p>Source: <a href="https://yolist.uk/glossary/dbs-check">DBS Check — Yolist UK Business & Trade Glossary</a></p>