The DBS service offers 3 levels of checks, these are as follows:
- Basic
- Standard
- Enhanced
Basic: This level of check discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions, but it does not provide detailed information. There are no eligibility criteria for this type of check and it can be requested for any reason, as long as they have permission from the candidate.
Individuals can also request a Basic DBS for themselves for any purpose.
Standard: This check will display the details of both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings that are held on the Police National Computer, which are not subject to filtering.
A Standard check will need to follow eligibility criteria prescribed in legislation and is only available for positions in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Common industries that request Standard DBS checks:
- Finance – Positions regulated by FCA, Prudential Regulation Authority or the Bank of England/FCA Approved Person
- Legal - Barristers, Solicitors, Legal Executive
- Football Stewards
- Pharmaceutical
- Security - Bodyguard, Security Guard, Doorman/Bouncer
You can confirm your candidate's eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-check-eligible-positions-guidance
Enhanced: This is the most comprehensive level of DBS. It will show cautions, reprimands, warnings, spent and unspent convictions, plus any extra information held about the candidate on local police records, however, they will only include this if considered relevant to the job role.
The eligibility for this kind of check is prescribed in legislation and it's suitable for people working with children or vulnerable adults due to age, illness, and/or disability.
It can also include a search in the Adult's Barred List and the Children's Barred List for the candidate who will be performing a regulated activity within their role.
Common job roles that Enhanced DBS:
- Support Workers/Care Worker
- Nanny's
- Teachers
- Psychotherapists
- Doctors
- Social Workers
You can confirm your candidate's eligibility for an Enhanced DBS here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-workforce-guidance