What is a Basic Disclosure?

A Basic Disclosure is a criminal record check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional

cautions. Convictions become spent after a set period, which varies based on the offence and

sentence. Conditional cautions are spent after three months.

Anyone working or planning to work in England or Wales can apply for a DBS Basic Check, while those

working in Scotland would need to apply for a Disclosure Scotland Basic Check. uCheck offers both

for employers, via our online portal.

There are no eligibility restrictions for a Basic Check - anyone can apply, regardless of their job role.

DBS Basic vs Disclosure Scotland Basic

Until January 2018, Disclosure Scotland processed all Basic Disclosures. Since then, the DBS handles checks for those working in England and Wales, while Disclosure Scotland continues to cover Scottish applications. This change reflects the different laws in Scotland around when convictions become spent. In short, the organisation that processes the Basic Check depends on where the applicant will be working.

Basic Checks for Employers

If your and employer and it has been established your employees or volunteers aren’t eligible for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks, a Basic Disclosure can still offer some reassurance and help you make more informed hiring decisions.