What is a DBS Check? Complete Guide to Questions

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What is a DBS Check?

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a type of background check carried out in the United Kingdom.

It allows organisations to check the criminal record history and other relevant information about an individual who is applying for a job, especially one that involves working with children or vulnerable adults.

The main purposes of a DBS check are:

1. To identify candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially positions of trust. This helps to protect vulnerable groups from potential harm.
2. To make employers aware of any relevant criminal record information so they can make informed recruitment decisions.

There are different levels of DBS checks, including:

• Basic DBS check – Checks for unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
• Standard DBS check – Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.
• Enhanced DBS check – Includes the same as the standard check plus any additional information held by local police that’s reasonably considered relevant to the role.

The level of check required depends on the nature of the role and the type of contact the individual will have with children or vulnerable adults.

Employers are responsible for determining which level of DBS check is appropriate for a given position.

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History of DBS Check

The history of DBS checks (formerly known as CRB checks) in the UK is as follows:

1. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks:

• The CRB was established in 1997 to provide criminal record checks for employers and voluntary organisations.
• CRB checks were introduced as part of the Police Act 1997 to help employers make safer recruitment decisions.

2. Transition to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS):

• In 2012, the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• This change was part of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, which aimed to scale back the scope of criminal record checks and the Vetting and Barring Scheme.

3. Evolution of DBS checks:

• The DBS continued to provide criminal record checks, but with some modifications to the previous CRB system.
• Different levels of DBS checks were introduced, including basic, standard, and enhanced checks.
• The DBS also took on the responsibility of maintaining the barred lists for individuals unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults.

4. Recent updates:

• In 2020, the DBS introduced a new update service that allows individuals to keep their DBS certificate up to date and transfer it between employers.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the DBS introduced temporary measures to support critical sectors, such as fast-tracking checks for health and social care workers.

Today, the DBS continues to play a vital role in helping employers make safer recruitment decisions and protect vulnerable groups in the UK.

The DBS checks have become an essential part of the employment and volunteering process for many organisations working with children and adults.

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Types of DBS Check and When Will You Need Each Type

There are four main types of DBS checks: the basic DBS check, used for roles involving minimal contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Also, we have the standard DBS check, used for roles that involve regular contact with children or vulnerable adults.

In addition to the types of dbs check, there is an enhanced DBS check, used for roles of trust involving significant contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Lastly, the enhanced DBS check with barred list information, used for roles that involve regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.

The table below gives a summary of what you should know about each types of disclosure and barring services check.

Type	Information Shown	Who can Apply	Typical Use Cases	Cost*	Processing Time	Eligibility Criteria	Portability	Additional Information
Basic	Unspent convictions only	Anyone	Jobs requiring some trust, not working with vulnerable groups	£18 (as of 2024)	Usually within a few days	Open to anyone, including self-employed individuals	Not portable	N/A
Standard	Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings	Employers only	Financial services, legal professions, some management roles	£18 (as of 2024)	Typically longer than Basic	Must meet eligibility criteria under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975	Not portable	N/A
Enhanced	All of Standard, plus any relevant police information	Employers only	Working with children or vulnerable adults	£38 (as of 2024)	Takes longer due to additional police checks	Must meet eligibility criteria under the ROA 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975	Portable through the DBS Update Service	Police can include any relevant information, even non-convictions
Enhanced with Barred Lists	All of Enhanced, plus check against DBS barred lists	Employers only	Regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults	£38 (as of 2024)	Longest processing time due to barred list checks	Must meet criteria for regulated activity	Portable through the DBS Update Service	Includes a check against the children’s or adult’s barred list

1. Basic DBS Check

A Basic DBS Check is the simplest level of criminal record check offered by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the UK.

It reveals any unspent criminal convictions held by the applicant.

This check is often used by employers in situations where a high level of trust is required but does not involve working with vulnerable individuals.

It is available to anyone who requests it for personal or employment purposes.

Basic DBS Checks are processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland in Scotland.

Key details about the basic DBS check:

Purpose:

• The basic DBS check is intended to show only unspent criminal convictions and conditional cautions.
• It does not include any spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings.

Eligibility:

• The basic DBS check can be requested by any individual for any purpose, not just for employment.
• It is suitable for roles that do not involve working with children or vulnerable adults.

Application Process:

• Individuals can apply for a basic DBS check directly through the gov.uk website.
• They need to provide proof of identity documents and pay the required fee.

Certificate Delivery:

• The DBS certificate is sent directly to the applicant, not to an employer.
• The applicant can then choose whether to share the certificate with a prospective employer.

Limitations:

• As it only shows unspent convictions, the basic DBS check provides a very limited criminal record history.
• For roles that require a higher level of check, such as those involving children or vulnerable adults, an enhanced DBS check would be necessary.

So, the basic dbs check is suitable for personal use or for roles that do not require access to more detailed criminal history information.

2. Standard DBS Check

A Standard DBS Check provides a more detailed record than a Basic Check and is used for roles involving more responsibility or access to sensitive information.

It shows all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings held by the individual.

This level of check is typically required for roles in regulated industries such as financial services or legal professions.

It does not include information on individuals barred from working with vulnerable groups.

The Standard DBS Check is suitable for positions that do not require working with children or vulnerable adults but still involve considerable trust.

Here are the key details about the Standard DBS Check:

Purpose:

• The Standard DBS Check is intended to show an individual’s full criminal record history, including both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Eligibility:

• The Standard DBS Check is required for certain specified professions and roles, such as:
  • Financial services (e.g. accountants, financial advisors)
  • Legal professionals (e.g. solicitors, barristers)
  • Some managerial positions

Application Process:

• The Standard DBS Check can only be requested by the employer, not by the individual themselves.
• The employer must ensure the role is eligible for a Standard DBS Check before submitting the application.

Information Included:

• In addition to spent and unspent convictions, the Standard DBS Check also reveals:
  • Cautions
  • Reprimands
  • Final warnings

Limitations:

• The Standard DBS Check does not include the additional information that may be revealed in an Enhanced DBS Check.
• For roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS Check would be required instead.

Key Differences:

• Compared to the Basic DBS Check, the Standard DBS Check provides a more comprehensive criminal record history.
• Compared to the Enhanced DBS Check, the Standard DBS Check does not include the additional local police intelligence that may be relevant to certain roles.

The Standard DBS Check sits between the Basic and Enhanced levels, providing a thorough criminal record check for specific professional roles that do not involve direct work with children or vulnerable adults.

3. Enhanced DBS Check

An Enhanced DBS Check is the most thorough level of criminal record check available.

It includes all information in the Standard DBS Check and also any additional information held by local police that is relevant to the role.

This type of check is essential for positions involving work with children or vulnerable adults, such as teaching, healthcare, and social work.

Enhanced checks may also be requested for roles in which safeguarding is a significant concern.

It provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s criminal history and any relevant police intelligence.

The Enhanced DBS Check is the highest level of criminal record check offered by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the UK.

Key details about the Enhanced DBS Check:

Purpose:

• The Enhanced DBS Check is intended to provide the most comprehensive criminal record information about an individual.
• It includes both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
• It also includes any additional relevant information held by local police that they feel is appropriate to disclose.

Eligibility:

• The Enhanced DBS Check is required for roles that involve working with children or vulnerable adults.
• This includes jobs such as teachers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and others in positions of trust.

Information Included:

• In addition to the criminal record information, the Enhanced DBS Check also includes:
  • A check of the DBS children’s barred list and/or the DBS adults’ barred list.
  • Any other information held by local police that they reasonably believe to be relevant to the role.

Application Process:

• The Enhanced DBS Check can only be requested by the employer, not by the individual.
• The employer must ensure the role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check before submitting the application.

Key Differences:

• Compared to the Basic and Standard DBS Checks, the Enhanced DBS Check provides a much more comprehensive background check.
• It is essential for safeguarding purposes in roles that involve substantial access to children or vulnerable adults.

The Enhanced DBS Check is the most thorough criminal record check available in the UK. It is a critical tool for employers to make safer recruitment decisions for positions of trust and responsibility.

4. Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists

An Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists is the most comprehensive check available and includes all details from the Enhanced DBS Check.

Additionally, it checks the applicant against the barred lists maintained by the DBS, which identify individuals barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

This check is required for roles that involve frequent or unsupervised contact with these groups, such as in schools, childcare, and certain healthcare roles.

The inclusion of barred lists ensures that those who are legally prohibited from such work are identified.

This type of check offers the highest level of protection for vulnerable groups.

Key features and purposes:

1. Purpose:
   • To check an individual’s criminal record, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
   • To check if the individual is barred from working with either children or vulnerable adults (or both).
2. Eligibility:
   • This type of check is only available for roles that are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check.
   • The roles must also involve “regulated activity” with children and/or vulnerable adults.
   • Regulated activity refers to work that a barred person must not do, such as teaching, healthcare, or social work.
3. Information Included:
   • In addition to the criminal record check, this DBS check also queries the DBS children’s barred list and/or the DBS adults’ barred list.
   • This reveals whether the individual is included on one or both of these lists, which means they are legally barred from working in roles involving regulated activity.
4. Application Process:
   • The Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Check can only be requested by the employer, not by the individual themselves.
   • The employer must ensure the role meets the criteria for this level of check before submitting the application.
5. Importance:
   • This is the most thorough DBS check available and is essential for roles with significant responsibility for or contact with children and vulnerable adults.
   • It helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and fulfill their legal duties to protect these groups.

The Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Check is a crucial tool for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults by identifying individuals who are legally barred from working in certain roles.

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Application Process for DBS Checks

The full DBS check process involves 7 key stages but commonly five are important.

The specific details and requirements of each stage may vary slightly depending on the level of DBS check being conducted (basic, standard or enhanced).

Generally, there are 5 main stages – application, identity verification, police record check, barred list check (if applicable), and certificate issuance – make up the core process for obtaining a DBS check in the UK.

The 7 stages of a DBS check are:

1. Application
2. Identity Verification
3. Police Record Check
4. Barred List Check (for enhanced checks)
5. DBS Certificate Issued
6. Update Service (optional)
7. Portability and Reuse (optional)

How to Apply for a Basic DBS Check?

The application process for a basic DBS check in the UK is as follows:

1. Applicant Identification:
   • The applicant needs to provide proof of identity documents, such as a passport, driving license, or birth certificate.
2. Application Submission:
   • The applicant can apply for a basic DBS check online through the UK government’s DBS service website.
   • Alternatively, the applicant can complete a paper application form and send it by post.
3. Payment:
   • There is a fee for a basic DBS check, which is currently £23 in England and Wales.
   • Payment can be made online or by cheque/postal order when submitting the paper application.
4. Processing:
   • Once the application is received, the DBS will process the check and search their records for any unspent criminal convictions.
5. Certificate Issued:
   • The applicant will receive their basic DBS certificate directly, either by post or electronically.
   • The certificate will list any unspent convictions found during the check.
6. Providing the Certificate:
   • The applicant is responsible for providing the basic DBS certificate to their employer or organisation as required.

The basic DBS check is the most straightforward of the DBS checks, as it only reveals unspent criminal convictions.

The process is relatively quick and simple compared to the more comprehensive standard and enhanced DBS checks.

How to apply for Standard DBS Check?

Here are the steps to apply for a Standard DBS Check in the UK:

1. Determine eligibility:
   • Ensure the role you are applying for is eligible for a Standard DBS Check. This typically includes certain professional roles like financial services and legal positions.
   • The employer is responsible for determining the appropriate level of DBS check required.
2. Gather required information:
   • You will need to provide personal details such as your full name, date of birth, address history, and any other names you have been known by.
   • You may also need to provide documents to verify your identity, such as a passport or driving license.
3. Apply through your employer:
   • The Standard DBS Check can only be requested by the employer, not by the individual applicant directly.
   • Your employer will initiate the application process on your behalf and provide you with the necessary forms and guidance.
4. Submit your application:
   • Complete the DBS application form provided by your employer, either online or by paper.
   • Ensure all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.
   • Pay the required application fee, which is usually around £23-£26.
5. Verification of identity:
   • You will need to provide original identity documents to your employer or a registered ID validation service.
   • This is to confirm your identity and support the information provided in your application.
6. DBS check processing:
   • The DBS will conduct the necessary checks on your criminal record history.
   • This includes searching police records for any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, or final warnings.
7. DBS certificate issued:
   • Once the checks are complete, the DBS will issue a certificate directly to you, the applicant.
   • You can then provide this certificate to your employer as required.

Note that, the employer is responsible for initiating and managing the Standard DBS Check application process on your behalf.

How to apply for Enhance DBS Checks

They will guide you through the necessary steps.

1. Identify the Role:
   • Determine if the role you are applying for requires an Enhanced DBS Check. This is typically for positions involving work with children or vulnerable adults.
2. Find a DBS-Registered Organisation:
   • You need to apply for the Enhanced DBS Check through an organisation that is registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
   • This is usually your employer or the organisation you will be working for.
3. Provide Identification Documents:
   • You will need to present a range of identity documents, such as a passport, driving license, birth certificate, etc.
   • The organisation will need to verify your identity.
4. Complete the Application:
   • The DBS-registered organisation will help you complete the Enhanced DBS Check application form, either online or on paper.
   • Ensure all the information provided is accurate.
5. Consent to the Check:
   • You will need to consent to the Enhanced DBS Check being carried out.
   • This includes consent for the DBS to access police records and other relevant information.
6. Pay the Fee:
   • There is a fee for the Enhanced DBS Check, currently £38 in England and Wales.
   • The fee is usually paid by the employing organisation, but you should check.
7. Wait for the Results:
   • The DBS will process your application and carry out the necessary checks.
   • You will receive the Enhanced DBS Certificate directly, either by post or electronically.
8. Provide the Certificate:
   • You must then provide the Enhanced DBS Certificate to the organisation you are applying to work for.

The key things to remember are that you need to apply through a DBS-registered organisation and provide the required identity documents.

The organisation will guide you through the application process.

Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists

The process for applying for an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists is very similar to the standard Enhanced DBS Check, but with a few additional steps:

1. Identify the Role:
   • Determine if the role you are applying for requires an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists. This is typically for roles involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.
2. Find a DBS-Registered Organisation:
   • You need to apply through an organisation that is registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
   • This is usually your employer or the organisation you will be working for.
3. Provide Identification Documents:
   • You will need to present a range of identity documents, such as a passport, driving license, birth certificate, etc.
   • The organisation will need to verify your identity.
4. Complete the Application:
   • The DBS-registered organisation will help you complete the Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists application form, either online or on paper.
   • Ensure all the information provided is accurate.
5. Consent to the Check:
   • You will need to consent to the Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists being carried out.
   • This includes consent for the DBS to access police records, local intelligence, and the barred lists.
6. Pay the Fee:
   • There is a higher fee for the Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists, currently £48 in England and Wales.
   • The fee is usually paid by the employing organisation, but you should check.
7. Wait for the Results:
   • The DBS will process your application and carry out the necessary checks, including against the barred lists.
   • You will receive the Enhanced DBS Certificate with Barred List information directly, either by post or electronically.
8. Provide the Certificate:
   • You must then provide the Enhanced DBS Certificate with Barred List information to the organisation you are applying to work for.

The key difference from the standard Enhanced DBS Check is the additional check against the DBS barred lists, which is required for roles involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.

Otherwise, the application process is very similar.

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How long does a DBS check take?

The processing time for DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks can vary, but here are the typical timelines:

Basic DBS Check:

• Around 14 days from submission of the application.

Standard DBS Check:

• Around 4-6 weeks from submission of the application.

Enhanced DBS Check:

• Around 4-8 weeks from submission of the application.

Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List:

• Around 4-8 weeks from submission of the application.

The actual processing time can be influenced by a few factors:

1. Current demand and application volumes – DBS processing times may be longer during peak periods.
2. The completeness of the application – Any missing information or documentation can delay the process.
3. Further police checks required – If additional local police checks are needed, this can extend the timeline.
4. Overseas checks – Applications that require checks on an applicant’s criminal history abroad can take longer.

It’s important to note that these are just general timelines, and the actual processing time for a specific DBS check can vary.

Applicants and employers should check the current DBS service standards and plan accordingly.

Urgent applications may be possible in some cases, but additional fees may apply.

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What shows and doesn’t on a DBS check you do?

1. Basic DBS Check

Shows:

• Unspent Convictions: Only convictions that are unspent according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Does Not Show:

• Spent Convictions: Convictions that are considered spent and are not disclosed.
• Cautions, Reprimands, Warnings: Neither cautions nor reprimands or warnings are shown.

2. Standard DBS Check

Shows:

• Criminal Convictions: Both spent and unspent convictions.
• Cautions: Both spent and unspent cautions.
• Reprimands and Warnings: Relevant reprimands and warnings that are not spent.

Does Not Show:

• Barred List Information: Does not include details on whether the individual is barred from working with vulnerable groups.
• Additional Police Information: No additional information from police forces is included.

3. Enhanced DBS Check

Shows:

• Criminal Convictions: Both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
• Additional Information: Relevant additional information from local police forces if deemed necessary for the role.
• Barred List Information: Indicates if the individual is barred from working with vulnerable groups (children or adults).

Does Not Show:

• Irrelevant Personal Information: Does not include irrelevant personal details or information not pertinent to the role or safeguarding.

4. Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Information

Shows:

• Criminal Convictions: Both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
• Additional Information: Relevant additional information from local police forces if deemed necessary for the role.
• Barred List Information: Explicitly shows whether the individual is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Does Not Show:

• Sensitive Non-Role Related Information: Does not include personal or non-relevant details outside of the safeguarding context.

Summary of Information Not Included in Any DBS Check

• Non-Criminal Information: Personal financial details, medical records, or employment history.
• Details Not Relevant to Role: Information not pertinent to the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals or job-specific requirements.

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Overseas Criminal Record Check

The Overseas Criminal Record Check, also known as the Overseas Disclosure Check, is a separate process from the standard DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks in the UK.

It is used to obtain information about an individual’s criminal history in other countries where they have lived or worked.

Key points about the Overseas Criminal Record Check:

Purpose:

– To provide employers with information about an applicant’s criminal record from the countries they have resided in outside the UK.

– This is often required for roles involving working with children or vulnerable adults, or for certain professional registrations.

Process:

– The applicant must contact the relevant authorities in the country/countries they have lived in to request a criminal record check.

– The process and requirements can vary significantly between different countries.

– In some cases, the UK employer may need to initiate the request on the applicant’s behalf.

Timeframes:

– Obtaining an Overseas Criminal Record Check can take significantly longer than a UK DBS check, often several months.

– The timescales depend on the specific country and their criminal record disclosure processes.

Limitations:

– The information provided may not be as comprehensive as a UK DBS check.

– The reliability and interpretation of the criminal record information can vary between countries.

The Overseas Criminal Record Check is an important additional step for roles where an applicant has a history of living or working abroad. It helps provide a more complete picture of the individual’s background.

Who needs an overseas criminal record check?

There are a few key scenarios where an overseas criminal record check would be required in the UK:

1. Roles working with children or vulnerable adults:
   • Individuals applying for jobs that involve regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults may need to obtain overseas criminal record checks.
   • This includes roles in sectors like education, healthcare, social care, and childcare.
2. Professional registrations:
   • Some professional bodies, such as the General Medical Council or Nursing and Midwifery Council, require overseas criminal record checks for registration.
   • This applies to professionals who have lived or worked abroad.
3. Immigration applications:
   • Those applying for certain UK visas or immigration status, such as the skilled worker visa, may need to provide overseas criminal record checks.
   • This is to demonstrate good character.
4. Security-sensitive roles:
   • For jobs that involve high levels of security clearance, an overseas criminal record check may be required.
   • This could include roles in government, the military, or sensitive private sector positions.
5. Volunteering roles:
   • Some volunteer roles working with children or vulnerable adults may also necessitate an overseas criminal record check.

The specific requirements will depend on the role, the sector, and the employer’s policies.

Applicants should check with the organisation they are applying to in order to determine if an overseas criminal record check is needed.

Where to apply for criminal record checks in the UK and overseas?

Here are the key places to apply for criminal record checks in the UK and overseas:

In the UK:

• Basic DBS Check – Apply online through the UK government’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) website.
• Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks – Apply through an organisation registered with the DBS.
• Overseas Criminal Record Checks – Contact the relevant authorities in the country/countries where the applicant has lived or worked.

Overseas:

• The process and requirements vary significantly by country. Some common options include:
• United States – Apply for an FBI Identity History Summary Check.
• Canada – Request a Criminal Record Check from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
• Australia – Apply for a National Police Check through state/territory police agencies.
• EU countries – Check the requirements with the relevant ministry of justice or police authority.
• Other countries – Consult the embassy or high commission of the specific country.

Applicants should research the appropriate channels to request criminal record checks in each country they need to cover.

This information is often available on government websites or through the employer/organisation requiring the overseas checks.

It’s important to allow sufficient time, as obtaining overseas criminal record checks can take several weeks or months depending on the country.

Applicants should factor this into their application timelines.

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What happens during a DBS review process

1. Submission of Review Application

• The individual named on the DBS certificate initiates the review by completing and submitting the DBS review application form.
• They must provide details about the information they want to be reconsidered and the grounds for review (e.g. inaccuracy, relevance, spent convictions).
• Supporting evidence should also be submitted, such as court documents, character references, etc.

2. Initial DBS Assessment

• The DBS will acknowledge receipt of the review application and carry out an initial assessment.
• They will check that the application is valid and that the grounds for review appear to be justified.

3. Gathering Additional Information

• The DBS may contact relevant parties, such as the police or courts, to gather any additional information related to the case.
• This could include obtaining new certificates, checking accuracy of records, or requesting further explanations.

4. DBS Review Decision

• The DBS will carefully consider all the information gathered during the review process.
• They will then make a decision on whether to:
  • Amend the content of the DBS certificate
  • Remove information from the certificate
  • Confirm that the original certificate was correct

5. Notification of Outcome

• The individual who requested the review will be notified in writing of the DBS’s decision.
• If the review is successful, an updated DBS certificate will be issued.
• If the review is unsuccessful, the reasons for the decision will be provided.

6. Appeal Process

• If the individual is still not satisfied with the outcome, they have the option to make a further appeal to the Independent Monitor.
• The Independent Monitor can then make a recommendation to the DBS, though the final decision rests with the DBS.

The DBS review process aims to ensure that criminal record information is accurate, up-to-date and appropriately disclosed on DBS certificates.

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How long does a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) last?

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check in the UK doesn’t have an official expiry date.

However, the validity and usefulness of a DBS check can vary depending on several factors.

Let us explain:

1. No official expiry date:
   • DBS certificates don’t have an expiration date printed on them.
   • They provide a snapshot of a person’s criminal record at the time the check was conducted.
2. Employer policies:
   • Many employers have their own policies on how long they consider a DBS check to be valid.
   • Common practices range from accepting checks done within the last 6 months to 3 years.
3. Regulatory requirements:
   • Some industries or regulatory bodies may have specific rules about how often DBS checks need to be renewed.
   • For example, schools often require staff to get new DBS checks every 3 years.
4. DBS Update Service:
   • This is a subscription service that keeps DBS certificates up-to-date.
   • It allows employers to check if any new information has been added since the original check.
   • With this service, a DBS check can remain current as long as the subscription is maintained.
5. Changes in circumstances:
   • If a person changes jobs or roles, a new DBS check may be required.
   • This is especially true if the level of check needed for the new role is different.
6. Best practices:
   • Many organisations choose to renew DBS checks regularly, often annually or every three years.
   • This helps ensure they have the most current information about their employees.

While DBS checks don’t have a fixed expiration date, their practical “lifespan” often depends on employer policies, industry standards, and individual circumstances.

It’s always best to check with the specific employer or regulatory body for their requirements regarding the validity of DBS checks.

List of helpful contacts for DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks

These are the lists of helpful contacts (website, phone numbers and emails) for DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks in the UK:

1. DBS helpline: 03000 200 190
2. DBS customer services email: customerservices@dbs.gov.uk
3. DBS online application tracking: www.gov.uk/guidance/track-a-dbs-application
4. Umbrella Bodies (for standard and enhanced checks): www.gov.uk/find-dbs-umbrella-body
5. DBS address: Disclosure and Barring Service PO Box 3961 Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 4HF
6. For Scotland: Disclosure Scotland – 0300 020 0040
7. For Northern Ireland: AccessNI – 0300 200 7888

Please verify further as we will not be held responsible for information changes on their website.

Kindly do your due diligence.

Thank you.

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