DBS checks
What is a DBS check and who is it for?
A DBS check helps employers make safer recruitment decisions by checking criminal records and, where relevant, barred lists.
Who may need a check
- Children. Roles in schools, nurseries and youth services.
- Vulnerable adults. Roles in care homes, healthcare and supported living.
- Positions of trust. Roles where your organisation's safeguarding policy requires a check.
The check levels
- Basic. Shows unspent convictions and cautions.
- Standard. Shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, subject to filtering.
- Enhanced. Includes Standard information plus relevant local police information.
- Enhanced with barred list(s). For eligible regulated activity with children, adults or both.
Find out which DBS check is right (GOV.UK) ↗
TalentClouds provides guidance based on DBS requirements and best practice, but not legal advice. Always check current official guidance.
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Related guides
How to request a DBS checkCreate a candidate, choose a role and send the right DBS or Right to Work check.How to submit a DBS application for countersigningReview the applicant's form, confirm identity and send it to the countersignatory.How to check progress on a DBS application as an adminFind the ENumber and open the official DBS tracking service.