The main difference between Standard and Enhanced DBS checks lies in their scope and detail level. Standard DBS checks show spent and unspent convictions from criminal records, which employers use in finance or legal sector roles. Enhanced DBS checks include more information, such as local police records and additional intelligence, needed for jobs with vulnerable populations. The time to process differs – Standard checks take 2-4 weeks, while Enhanced checks take 4-8 weeks because of their comprehensive nature. Both checks cost about £18, though service providers might add fees. Each check type matches specific job requirements and legal safeguarding rules.
Understanding DBS Check Types
DBS checks exist in two main types: Standard and Enhanced, each with specific purposes in employment screening.
These checks help maintain workplace safety and follow the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act, giving employers key information about potential employees’ backgrounds.
A standard DBS check shows details about an individual’s criminal history, including both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
This check is often needed for positions involving professional duties or access to sensitive information.
The enhanced DBS check adds to the standard check by including extra information from local police records that may relate to the role.
This more complete screening is required for positions involving regular contact with children or vulnerable adults.
It contains all standard check information plus any other relevant local police force records.
The difference between these check types allows organizations to review candidates based on their specific role requirements while following employment laws and safeguarding rules.
Key Differences at a Glance
The primary differences between Standard and Enhanced DBS checks lie in their depth and application.
Both types reveal spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Enhanced DBS checks add police information and barred list searches.
Standard DBS checks suit roles in financial and legal sectors, taking 2-4 weeks to process.
These checks focus on criminal record information for positions of responsibility without direct contact with vulnerable populations.
Enhanced DBS checks, taking 4-8 weeks, are required for positions working with children and vulnerable individuals.
Organizations conducting regulated activities must get Enhanced DBS checks for specific positions, which show if someone is barred from working with vulnerable groups.
This screening helps employers determine candidates’ suitability for sensitive roles, protecting vulnerable people in their care.
Processing Times and Procedures
The timeline for completing background checks differs between Standard and Enhanced DBS certifications. Standard checks take 2-4 weeks for processing, while Enhanced checks take 4-8 weeks due to their extensive nature and additional verification steps.
This timing difference stems from the specific requirements of each check type. Standard checks review existing criminal records, showing convictions, cautions, and warnings.
Enhanced checks use a more complex process that includes local police authority consultation and examination of supplementary intelligence. The information gathered in Enhanced checks includes everything from a Standard check plus relevant police records that might not appear in basic disclosures.
Enhanced checks also include barring checks, which show whether someone is prohibited from working with vulnerable groups. This extra screening, necessary for positions involving children or vulnerable adults, adds to the processing time.
The thorough investigation provides employers with comprehensive information for hiring decisions in sensitive roles.
Costs and Payment Details
Processing times differ between Standard and Enhanced checks, but costs stay similar for both types.
Standard and Enhanced DBS checks cost approximately £18 per check, though the Enhanced version offers more thorough background information. This pricing makes both options available to employers and individuals who need verification.
Additional fees may apply when getting DBS checks through specific service providers or organizations. These extra charges can increase the total cost above the £18 base fee. Many employers pay these costs during recruitment, especially when DBS checks are required for specific job roles.
Basic DBS checks also cost around £18, showing consistent pricing across different check levels, regardless of how detailed the investigation is.
Organizations should factor in both the base fee and possible additional charges from third-party providers or administrative costs when planning their DBS check budget.
Eligibility Requirements and Applications
DBS check requirements depend on job roles and responsibilities. The check type is based on work duties and contact with vulnerable groups.
Standard DBS checks apply to positions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Exceptions Order. These include roles in financial services, legal practices, and high-responsibility positions without regular contact with vulnerable groups. The checks show unspent and spent convictions, cautions, and warnings.
Enhanced DBS checks are required for positions involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, following the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. This includes education, healthcare, and social care roles where working with children or vulnerable adults is regular work.
These checks include standard check information plus police intelligence and barring list status. Organizations must request the correct level of check based on legal requirements and job specifications to follow safeguarding regulations.
Information Disclosed in Checks
A comparison between Enhanced and Standard DBS checks shows different levels of disclosed information.
A standard DBS check provides information about an individual’s criminal history, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. These standard disclosures support background verification for positions requiring moderate levels of responsibility.
An enhanced DBS check contains more detail by including all standard disclosures plus additional elements for safeguarding roles.
Beyond basic criminal record information, an enhanced DBS check includes information from local police records related to the specific role. The check includes verification against barred lists to determine whether an individual is prohibited from working with vulnerable groups.
The broader scope of an enhanced DBS check applies to positions involving regular contact with children or vulnerable adults.
This comprehensive review allows employers to make informed decisions about candidates’ suitability for sensitive roles, creating additional protection for those in their care.
Legal Framework and Regulations
The legal differences between Standard and Enhanced DBS checks originate from two main laws. The Standard DBS check follows the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which sets out rules for disclosing spent and unspent convictions.
The Enhanced checks operate under The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which focuses on protecting vulnerable individuals through comprehensive screening.
These laws set the scope of information each check can reveal. Standard DBS checks show criminal record information specified in the Exceptions Order. Enhanced checks include police intelligence and barred list information for work with children and vulnerable adults.
New filtering rules from October 2023 have changed how both check types handle convictions.
Organizations must show valid legal reasons when requesting either check type, following the Police Act and related laws. The check level must match the job duties, with Enhanced checks limited to positions involving direct contact with vulnerable groups or roles requiring high trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Standard or Enhanced DBS?
The DBS check type needed is based on your job role. You’ll need an Enhanced check for work with children or vulnerable adults. Standard checks are appropriate for financial or legal jobs.
What Does an Enhanced Dbs Check Show?
A DBS check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, final warnings, police information, and barred list status for work with children or vulnerable adults.
What Stays on an Enhanced DBS?
An Enhanced DBS shows spent/unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, police records, relevant non-conviction information, and barred list status permanently to provide background information.
What Will Fail an Enhanced DBS?
An Enhanced DBS check will fail if a person has unspent convictions, major violent or sexual offenses, police records showing risks, or specific cautions that make them unsuitable for working with vulnerable people.
Conclusion
Enhanced and Standard DBS checks perform different functions in employment verification. Research shows Enhanced checks deliver better protective measures for vulnerable populations. The additional features of Enhanced checks, which cover local police records and barred lists, offer more thorough screening compared to Standard checks. This difference helps organizations make appropriate hiring choices while following regulations and protecting vulnerable people.