What does a DBS Check show?

Types of DBS Checks

There are four types of DBS checks, and each result in a certificate being issued to the individual.

Employers may request to see the certificate to help ensure they hire suitable people.

The Four DBS Check Levels:

Basic DBS Check

Basic DBS Check 

Standard DBS Check

Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List(s)

Each check provides different levels of information.

Basic

• Available to anyone for any reason, including employment

• Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 197

• Individuals can apply directly, or an employer can apply on their behalf with consent

Standard DBS Check

• Used for certain roles, like security guards

• Shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands from the Police National Computer (unless filtered)

• Individuals cannot apply directly; it must be done by an employer through a Registered Body

• DBS doesn’t charge for volunteer checks, but admin fees may apply if using a third party

Enhanced DBS Check

• Needed for roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults, or roles like taxi licensing or working in gambling regulation

• Includes all the information in a Standard check, plus:

  - Optional check of one or both Barred Lists, if eligible

  - Relevant police information, if deemed necessary

• Cannot be requested by individuals—only through a recruiting organisation via a Registered Body

• DBS fee waived for volunteers, though admin fees may still apply

Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List(s)

• Required for certain roles involving close work with children or vulnerable adults

• Includes everything in an Enhanced check, plus a check of one or both Barred Lists (children and/or adults)

• Helps identify if a person is banned from working in those sectors

Eligibility for Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS checks is set by law. Recruiters can only request these checks if the role is legally eligible—this is known as asking an 'exempted question'.

This applies to certain jobs, licences, or positions listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

The minimum age to apply for a DBS check is 16.