There is lots of confusion about the different levels of DBS checks, and what each check is needed for. Many job seekers think there is only one level of check. Enhanced checks are the most detailed DBS checks and the most high-profile, as this is the check that people need if working with vulnerable groups such as children, or patients in hospital.
A Standard DBS Check is also fairly detailed, and provides comprehensive information on an applicant's criminal history, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. Employers can apply for Standard checks on behalf of their employees, but individuals cannot request them directly as they are restricted to people working doing what is legally known as regulated activity.
What does a standard disclosure show?
Standard disclosure certificates will show both spent and unspent convictions, alongside cautions, reprimands, and warnings stored on the Police National Computer. The DBS does not automatically disclose every piece of information about the applicant, however. There is a process called filtering, whereby the DBS staff will look at the oldest and least relevant information and decide whether it is in the applicant’s best interests to disclose. In general terms, convictions and cautions received as a minor are automatically filtered out by the DBS, and other information is decided on a case-by-case basis. By accessing this comprehensive information about an applicant’s criminal past, employers can make well-informed recruitment decisions.
Who is eligible for a standard check?
Standard DBS checks are applicable only to positions which fall within the government’s definition of regulated activity. Some roles might require a standard DBS check to become initially registered in the profession and others might require repeated DBS checks every two or three years. There is a wide range of occupations and roles which need a standard DBS check, and what they all have in common is that they involve a degree of responsibility, access to people’s information, or are in the financial or legal sectors. Some of the positions which would need a standard DBS check are financial advisors, medical receptionists with patient contact, prison workers, football stewards, and members of professional associations like the Master Locksmiths Association. If a position needs a standard DBS check, this is usually clearly stated in the job advert.
Getting A Standard DBS Check
The process to apply for a standard DBS check is the same as applying for any other class of criminal records check. First, fill in the application form which your employer has directed you to online. Take care over completing the boxes with all the correct information, missing out nothing. You will also be asked to provide some basic identity and address documents to your employer, usually online, but sometimes in person. The DBS and local police forces will then assess your application and produce the certificate with any information they feel might be relevant for your application. You then share the information with your employer, they record that they have seen the certificate, and you can forget all about DBS until renewal time.
