What Is a DBS Check and Why Is It Important?

If you're applying for a job in healthcare, social care, childcare, education, or another role where safeguarding is important, you may be asked to complete a DBS check. For some job seekers, this can be confusing, especially if it is your first time going through the process.

A DBS check is a criminal record check carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Employers use DBS checks where they are legally entitled to do so as part of their recruitment and safeguarding processes.

In this guide, we'll explain what a DBS check is, the different types, why employers may ask for one, and what candidates should know before starting the process.

What Does DBS Stand For?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. The DBS is responsible for processing criminal record checks in England and Wales and helping employers make safer recruitment decisions where the law allows them to request a check.

The level of DBS check required depends on the role and the duties involved. Employers should only request Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred Lists checks where the position is legally eligible for that level of check.

For official information, visit the Disclosure and Barring Service on GOV.UK.

What Does a DBS Check Show?

The information disclosed depends on the level of check being carried out.

The Four Types of DBS Check

1. Basic DBS Check

A Basic DBS check can be used for any position or purpose, including employment. It shows convictions and conditional cautions that are considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Individuals can apply directly for a Basic DBS check through the official government service.

Read the official Basic DBS guidance on GOV.UK.

2. Standard DBS Check

A Standard DBS check is available for specific roles, positions, and licences that are legally eligible for this level of check. It can disclose spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions that have not been filtered under the applicable rules.

This type of check is not something an employer can request simply because they prefer a more detailed background check. The role must be legally eligible.

Check the official Standard DBS eligibility guidance.

3. Enhanced DBS Check

An Enhanced DBS check includes the information available on a Standard check and can also include relevant information held by local police.

Enhanced checks are used for certain positions where the nature of the work means a higher level of safeguarding scrutiny is appropriate and legally permitted.

This is particularly relevant to some roles involving children or adults who may be receiving health or social care services.

Read the official Enhanced DBS eligibility guidance.

4. Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists

This is the most detailed level of DBS check. In addition to the information covered by an Enhanced check, it can include a check against one or both of the DBS Barred Lists.

The relevant barred list depends on the nature of the role. Employers must meet specific legal requirements before requesting this type of check.

View the full DBS guidance on GOV.UK.

Why Is a DBS Check Important?

For employers, DBS checks can be an important part of a safer recruitment process. They can help organisations make informed decisions when recruiting people into roles where criminal record information is legally relevant.

For candidates, completing a DBS check is often an important part of progressing through recruitment. A request for a DBS check does not automatically mean that an employer suspects anything about you. In many sectors, it is simply a standard part of the recruitment and safeguarding process for eligible roles.

Why Are DBS Checks Important in Healthcare?

DBS checks are particularly relevant in parts of the healthcare and social care workforce because some roles involve working closely with patients, service users, children, or adults who may be vulnerable.

The exact level of check depends on the duties and whether the role meets the legal eligibility requirements. Employers should use the official DBS eligibility guidance rather than assuming that every healthcare position requires the same type of check.

For information about regulated activity involving adults, see the official GOV.UK guidance on regulated activity with adults.

Does Everyone Need a DBS Check?

No. Not every job requires a DBS check, and not every role is eligible for every level of check.

The type of work you are doing, or will be doing, determines whether a DBS check can legally be requested and which level may apply.

Employers can use the official GOV.UK DBS eligibility tool to help determine which type of check may be appropriate for a role.

Can a DBS Check Affect Your Job Application?

A DBS check is one part of a wider recruitment process. The information disclosed on a certificate does not automatically determine whether someone can or cannot be employed. Employers need to consider the relevant law, the nature of the role, and their recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities.

It is also important to understand that some criminal record information is filtered and therefore does not appear on Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates.

For more information, see the official DBS filtering guidance.

What Is the DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service allows individuals to keep Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates up to date. Where the relevant conditions are met, an employer can use the service to check whether a certificate remains current.

The Update Service is currently available for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks. It does not apply to Basic DBS checks.

Employers must be legally entitled to carry out the status check and must have the applicant's permission.

Read the official DBS Update Service employer guidance.

How Long Does a DBS Check Last?

A DBS certificate does not have an official expiry date. However, employers decide when a new check is needed based on their own recruitment and safeguarding policies and the requirements of the role.

Where appropriate, the DBS Update Service can make it easier for employers to check the status of eligible Standard and Enhanced certificates.

What Should You Do If an Employer Requests a DBS Check?

If you've been asked to complete a DBS check, don't panic. It is a normal part of recruitment for many eligible roles.

Make sure the information you provide is accurate, follow the instructions from the employer or recruitment agency, and have the required identity documents available when requested.

If you are unsure why a particular level of DBS check has been requested, you can ask the employer or recruitment agency to explain the role's DBS requirements.

DBS Checks and MRA Candidates

At Marice Recruitment Agency Ltd, some of the vacancies we recruit for may involve background checks as part of the recruitment process. This is particularly relevant to certain healthcare and care-related positions where safeguarding requirements apply.

Where a DBS check is required, candidates should complete the process carefully and provide accurate information. Our recruitment process is designed to help candidates understand the requirements associated with the opportunities they apply for.

Whether you're looking for a healthcare role, warehouse opportunity, or cleaning position, understanding the recruitment process can help you feel more prepared and confident.

Final Thoughts

A DBS check is an important part of recruitment for many eligible roles across the UK. Understanding the different levels of checks and why they are used can make the process much less stressful, particularly if you're applying for your first role that requires a background check.

Always rely on official DBS guidance for the latest information because eligibility rules and processes can change.

For official information, visit the Disclosure and Barring Service on GOV.UK.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the latest opportunities with Marice Recruitment Agency Ltd and find roles across healthcare, warehousing, and cleaning services.

Useful DBS Resources

• Disclosure and Barring Service - GOV.UK
• Find out which DBS check is right for an employee - GOV.UK
• Standard DBS eligibility guidance - GOV.UK
• Enhanced DBS eligibility guidance - GOV.UK
• DBS Update Service guidance - GOV.UK
• DBS filtering guidance - GOV.UK

Note: DBS rules and guidance can change. The information in this article is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice. Candidates and employers should check the latest official guidance from GOV.UK for their specific circumstances.