The Ultimate DBS Check Guide
DBS Checks are a common part of recruitment. But if you’ve never had to carry one out, you might find yourself asking “What is a DBS Check?”
DBS is an acronym that stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. The DBS are the government body responsible for carrying out DBS Checks as well as maintaining the Child and Adult Barred List.
A DBS Check is a search carried out to identify an individual’s criminal record history. A DBS Certificate is the official record containing a person’s criminal record history and what is produced after a DBS Check is completed. The information provided on a DBS Certificate is used by employers to help make safe and appropriate recruitment decisions.
DBS Checks are a mandatory part of recruitment in many industries. These checks are particularly important for job roles where a candidate will be working with vulnerable groups. This could be children or vulnerable adults.
DBS Checks can be complicated at times. This is why we’ve put together our Ultimate Guide to help you with any questions you may have about DBS Checks. From how long they take to complete, to how much they cost. We're here to provide you with all the necessary information so you can complete your DBS Check as soon as possible!
You can click on the headings within the contents to navigate the guide:
Contents
1. How long does a DBS Check take?
2. What does a DBS Check show?
3. What does an Enhanced DBS Check show?
4. How long does a DBS Check last?
5. What ID documents do I need for a DBS Check?
6. How much is a DBS Check?
7. Who needs a DBS Check?
8. How to get a DBS Check?
9. Who pays for a DBS Check?
How long does a DBS Check take?
We can’t guarantee how long each check will take, this could vary from hours, days, weeks or months, however, the average turnaround times are:
1 day for Basic Checks
2 days for Standard Checks
15 days for Enhanced Checks
This is from the moment a DBS application is sent to the DBS to the DBS Certificate being issued.
We countersign all of the applications we receive on the same day (if received before 4pm) to ensure we’re doing everything we can to speed up the DBS checking process for you. However, once the check is in the hands of the DBS, we have no control over the timescales and the exact time cannot be guaranteed.
What does a DBS Check show?
There are three different levels of DBS Checks: Basic, Standard and Enhanced.
Each check searches different aspects of an individual’s criminal record and therefore reveals different criminal history.
The most basic level of check will show unspent convictions and conditional cautions; however, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks can include warnings, reprimands, spent convictions and barred lists.
You can see more on what is shown specifically on each level of DBS Check here.
What does an Enhanced DBS Check show?
An Enhanced DBS Check is the highest level of DBS Check, therefore this level of check reveals the most from a criminal record.
An Enhanced DBS Check will check an applicant’s criminal history for cautions, warnings, reprimands and convictions (both spent and unspent).
This type of DBS Check may also search the DBS’s Children’s and/or Adult barred list depending on the applicant’s job role. Local police forces are also able to add any relevant information they hold on the applicant.
You can see more on what is shown specifically on each level of DBS Check here.
How long does a DBS Check last?
In theory, there is no specific expiry date on a DBS Check. Once a DBS Check has been processed, the information included on that check is accurate to the date that the check was completed. This means that any criminal activity performed after that date would not be recorded on the DBS Certificate. For this reason, many employers renew DBS Checks regularly from every six months to 3 years.
Additionally, the DBS offer the Update Service for applicants completing Standard and Enhanced Checks. Applicants have the opportunity to sign up to the DBS Update Service, allowing them to keep their DBS Certificates up to date and employers to check their DBS Certificate (with their permission).
Applicants must sign up for the Update Service themselves through the DBS directly. As an Umbrella Body of the DBS, we are unable to process this for you.
To find out more about the update service click here.
What ID documents do I need for a DBS Check?
Part of the DBS application process requires the applicant to have their ID Documents verified. The ID documents needed for a DBS check depends on the level of DBS check being completed, however the process is very similar for all:
ID Documents required for a Basic DBS Check
Applicants will need to provide two documents from this list of valid ID.
ID Documents required for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check
Applicants will need to provide three documents from this list of valid ID.
How much is a DBS Check?
The prices Personnel Checks charge for a DBS check vary based upon the level of check:
Basic DBS Check: £36
Standard DBS Check: £40
Enhanced DBS Check: £60
Volunteer DBS Check: £17
We offer discounts on DBS checks bought in larger volumes. If you think you might be interested in buying multiple checks, please speak to one of our advisors who will be able to give you information on discounts on 01254 355688.
Who needs a DBS check?
Employers request DBS Checks to help them make more informed recruitment decisions based on the results. It is not a legal requirement to have a DBS check, however, many employers and organisations require DBS checks as a condition of employment for some job roles.
For example, employees in the financial sector carrying out controlled functions may need a Standard DBS Check to ensure that the individual satisfies the requirements of their job role.
On the other hand, recruitment for a role that regularly exposes you to vulnerable adults (i.e. a carer in a nursing home) would require an Enhanced DBS Check with the purpose of guaranteeing that there aren’t any past criminal acts that may pose a threat to the vulnerable group.
Additionally, a self-employed individual may want a Basic DBS check to stand out from the crowd as more trustworthy than competitors without a DBS check (i.e. you might be more likely to choose a dog walker with a DBS check to walk your dog opposed to one who doesn’t).
Sometimes a DBS Check is necessary and requested by the employer at a Basic, Standard or Enhanced level, however, a Basic DBS Check is available to any individual who would like one.
How to get a DBS Check?
DBS Checks are available to be purchased through our website, however, you will need to firstly ensure that you are applying for the correct level of check (see our DBS eligibility guide here).
If you have any questions on how to get a DBS check please don’t hesitate to contact our team on 01254 355688.
Who pays for a DBS Check?
The payment for a DBS Check can be made by either an employer or the applicant themselves. If an employer is processing the DBS Check on your behalf, it is likely they will cover the cost for you, however this is something you should discuss with your employer first.
For more information about anything in this article, or, how our screening solutions can help you, get in touch! You can give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk
