Overview

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). CRB checks are now called DBS checks.

Vulnerable groups of people need to be protected and  DBS checks assist in ensuring that the most suitable people are appointed to roles working with these vulnerable groups.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check enables employers to check the criminal records of current and potential employees in order to ascertain whether or not they are suitable to work with vulnerable adults and children. For individuals working in certain positions, a valid DBS disclosure is a legislative requirement.

They search the applicants’ criminal record history in order for the employer to make a sound recruitment decision based on the information found on the DBS Check.

The requirements for DBS Disclosures and the different levels vary from organisation to organisation, depending on the sector and the employees’ individual job role.

What are the different levels of checks?

Basic Disclosure

A basic disclosure is available for anyone living within the UK, and is available to both individuals and employers.

The search checks the applicants criminal history for any ‘unspent’ convictions.

Standard DBS Check

This level of check is only available to employers to obtain on behalf of their employees. It searches the applicants’ criminal history for any cautions, warnings, reprimands and convictions (both spent and unspent)

Enhanced DBS Check

This level of check is only available to employers to obtain on behalf of their employees. It searches the applicants’ criminal history for any cautions, warnings, reprimands and convictions (both spent and unspent)

Additionally an enhanced check can also search the barred lists to check whether the applicant is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Both standard and enhanced applications are processed by the DBS following their Code of Practice.