An Enhanced DBS Check is the most thorough criminal record screening available in the UK, administered by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It reveals both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and relevant police intelligence.
This check is required for roles involving close contact with vulnerable groups, including children and adults at risk.
The process costs £49.50 for paid positions and is free for volunteers, with an average processing time of 28 days.
The following sections provide detailed information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and the available Update Service.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced DBS Checks are the UK’s most comprehensive criminal record screening, revealing spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and police intelligence.
- They are required for roles involving vulnerable groups like children or adults, including teachers, nurses, care workers, and taxi drivers.
- Two types exist: standard Enhanced (criminal records only) and Enhanced with barred list search (includes Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists).
- Processing takes approximately 28 days and costs £75.90, though volunteers receive free checks; individuals cannot self-apply, only employers can.
- The Update Service allows professionals to maintain DBS clearance status for £13 annually, enabling certificate transfers between roles without reapplying.
Understanding Enhanced DBS Checks and Their Purpose
An Enhanced DBS check represents the most extensive level of criminal record screening available in the United Kingdom, serving as a critical safeguarding tool for organizations employing individuals who will work closely with vulnerable populations. Administered by the Disclosure and Barring Service, these extensive criminal record checks reveal spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and relevant police information assessed by Chief Police Officers. Enhanced checks may include a barred list search for positions involving direct care or supervision of vulnerable groups. Organizations must obtain employer consent before initiating these screenings, as individuals cannot apply independently. With a processing time of approximately 28 days, these checks cost £49.50, though volunteers receive them free of charge, enabling informed recruitment decisions that prioritize safeguarding.
Who Qualifies for an Enhanced DBS Check?
Eligibility for an Enhanced DBS check is strictly defined by the nature of the role and the level of contact with vulnerable populations. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 establishes eligibility criteria for positions involving regulated activities and safeguarding responsibilities. Employers must obtain consent from applicants before processing these checks, as individuals cannot apply independently.
| Sector | Role Examples | Barred List Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Teachers, teaching assistants | Children’s Barred List |
| Healthcare | Nurses, care workers | Adults’ Barred List |
| Transport | Taxi drivers, private hire drivers | Context-dependent |
Enhanced DBS checks verify suitability for working with vulnerable groups. Employers confirm roles meet specific criteria before initiating applications, maintaining compliance with safeguarding requirements and protecting children and adults at risk.
The Two Types of Enhanced DBS Checks Explained
Enhanced DBS checks divide into two distinct categories based on whether they incorporate barred list searches. The standard Enhanced DBS check reveals an individual’s complete criminal record details, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and local police information deemed relevant by Chief Police Officers. The advanced version with barred list search includes these same elements but additionally cross-references against the DBS Children’s and Adult’s Barred Lists. This second type applies specifically to positions involving care, support, or sole charge of vulnerable individuals. Both variations provide a higher level of scrutiny for roles requiring regular contact with vulnerable groups, cost £75.90 for employers, and undergo processing through the Disclosure and Barring Service under the same timeframes.
What Information Appears on an Enhanced DBS Check?
Understanding which type of Enhanced DBS check applies to a particular role naturally leads to questions about what information these certificates actually reveal to prospective employers. An Enhanced DBS Check displays thorough details of an individual’s criminal record, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. The certificate also contains relevant information from local police forces, determined significant by the Chief Police Officer.
| Information Category | Details Included | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Record | Convictions, cautions, warnings | Full offense history |
| Court Information | Date, court name, sentence | Detailed context |
| Barred Lists | Children’s Barred List, Adults First | Protecting vulnerable groups |
| Police Intelligence | Local force data | Risk assessment |
| Serious Crimes | Violence, sexual offenses | Never filtered |
Filtered Convictions, Cautions, and Local Police Records
While Enhanced DBS checks reveal extensive criminal history, not all past offences necessarily appear on the final certificate due to filtering rules established under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Filtered convictions and cautions meeting specific criteria are protected from disclosure, though serious violent or sexual offences remain permanently visible. Enhanced DBS checks display all unspent convictions alongside spent convictions ineligible for filtering.
Local police records may contribute relevant information held about an individual, even without formal convictions. This police information can greatly impact a hiring decision if deemed appropriate to the role. Applicants should consider submitting a subject access request to review their records beforehand, guaranteeing awareness of any disclosed material that might influence employment outcomes and allowing opportunity to address potential concerns proactively.
Processing Times and Validity Periods
Processing Times and Validity Periods
Organizations and applicants should anticipate an average processing time of approximately 28 days for Enhanced DBS checks, though this timeline can extend depending on the responsiveness of individual police forces and the complexity of an applicant’s history. If no updates appear after 60 days, application escalation becomes available to expedite processing.
Regarding validity periods, Enhanced DBS checks technically never expire, but the information remains current only until the issue date. Consequently, organizations establish their own check policies for periodic checks, typically conducting renewals every one to three years. This approach guarantees that spent and unspent convictions remain current for safeguarding purposes. Since these checks capture extensive criminal history, maintaining updated records proves essential for protecting vulnerable populations.
Costs and Application Requirements
The application process for an Enhanced DBS check carries a fixed cost of £75.90, inclusive of VAT, with no option for expedited processing through additional fees. Individuals cannot initiate applications independently; only eligible employers may request Enhanced DBS checks with applicant consent. Employers must verify that positions qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, which permits these checks for roles involving vulnerable groups such as healthcare professionals and teachers. The detailed application process requires thorough information submission, with processing time averaging 28 days depending on local police forces’ workload. Application requirements mandate that employers demonstrate legitimate need for enhanced screening based on the nature of work and potential contact with protected populations.
Eligibility Criteria for Self-Employed Individuals and Regulated Activity
Self-employed professionals face distinct eligibility requirements when seeking Enhanced DBS checks, primarily determined by whether their work constitutes regulated activity with vulnerable populations. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act establishes the framework for eligibility criteria, specifying roles involving vulnerable groups that necessitate an Enhanced DBS Certificate.
Self-employed individuals qualify when providing:
- Direct care or supervision to children or adults requiring support
- Unsupervised contact with vulnerable persons in educational or healthcare settings
- Private hire services transporting vulnerable individuals
- Professional services requiring licensing bodies’ oversight for safeguarding public welfare
Self-employed individuals cannot directly request these checks themselves. They require consent and must apply through employers or licensing bodies, maintaining proper verification processes that protect vulnerable populations.
DBS Update Service and Online Identity Verification Options
Since 2013, professionals holding Enhanced DBS certificates have been able to subscribe to the Update Service, a mechanism that maintains their clearance status without requiring repeated applications for each new position. This Enhanced Disclosure portability allows individuals to transfer their criminal record check between roles while employers conduct instant status checks online.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £13 per year |
| Portability | Transfer between roles without reapplication |
| Employer Access | Real-time status check capability |
| Identity Verification | Online identity verification streamlines application process |
| Required Information | Personal details including name, address, National Insurance number |
The application process incorporates online identity verification, requiring applicants to submit specific personal details for secure confirmation, thereby expediting DBS processing and maintaining accuracy throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does an Enhanced DBS Check Show?
An Enhanced DBS check reveals extensive criminal record information, including all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. It displays specific details for each entry, such as conviction dates, courts, offence descriptions, and sentences. The check may include relevant information from local police forces deemed necessary for safeguarding. Additionally, it incorporates barred list checks for positions involving vulnerable groups. While certain older or minor offences may be filtered, serious convictions always appear regardless of filtering rules.
What Does an Enhanced Background Check Include?
An enhanced background check includes a person’s complete criminal history, displaying both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. It may contain relevant information held by local police forces if a Chief Police Officer deems it appropriate. For roles involving vulnerable groups, the check searches the Children’s or Adults’ Barred Lists. Each conviction entry details the date, court, offence description, and sentence. Some convictions may be filtered depending on specific criteria.
What Can Make You Fail an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced DBS check can fail due to several factors. Unspent convictions, cautions, or warnings for serious offences relevant to the position will raise concerns. Appearing on the Children’s or Adults’ Barred List results in automatic disqualification for roles involving vulnerable groups. Non-conviction information from police records may also negatively impact the assessment. Additionally, failing to disclose criminal history or providing false information during the application process can jeopardize the outcome.
Is It Good to Have an Enhanced DBS?
Yes, having an Enhanced DBS check is beneficial for individuals seeking employment in sectors involving vulnerable groups, such as education, healthcare, and social care. It demonstrates a commitment to safety and integrity, greatly improving employability in roles where safeguarding is paramount. A clear Enhanced DBS check reassures employers of a candidate’s trustworthiness and compliance with legal requirements, making them more appealing in specialized job markets that prioritize the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
Conclusion
Enhanced DBS checks serve as a critical safeguarding tool in the UK, providing thorough background information for roles involving vulnerable groups. Understanding the distinction between standard and barred list checks, along with eligibility requirements and processing procedures, enables employers and individuals to complete the application process effectively. While costs and timescales vary, the DBS Update Service offers ongoing verification benefits. Compliance with these checks guarantees appropriate protection for children and vulnerable adults across regulated activities and positions of trust.