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What Is A DBS Check

Want to know more about how DBS checks work? Read our quick and easy guide to learn more about the different types of DBS checks and how you can apply for one.

 

What is a DBS check?

A DBS check is a formal search of your criminal records for the purposes of employment or voluntary work. DBS checks are carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) which is a UK government body. For Scotland, DBS checks are managed by Disclosure Scotland.

If you are applying for a job, planning to volunteer for a charity, want to adopt, foster or wish to help out on a school trip, you could be asked to complete a DBS check.

DBS checks are a standard requirement for recruitment and vetting processes in a wide array of UK industries to ensure candidates or volunteers are a suitable match. For those who work with children or vulnerable groups, DBS checks are a statutory requirement for safeguarding.

A DBS check will show any previous criminal convictions and cautions according to the level of search requested. You must be 16 years or over to undergo a DBS check.

Once the search is complete, a certificate is created displaying the results of the check. DBS certificates can be requested by employers or organisations to complete their vetting procedures.

The DBS certificate comes in the form of both an online certificate and a hard copy which will be sent directly to you.

 

What are the different types of DBS check and how do they compare?

There are four types of DBS checks. Each check searches for a different level of information. The type of DBS check you need will depend on the role and industry for which it is required.

The four types of DBS checks are:

1. Basic Check: A basic DBS check is a search for any unspent criminal convictions or conditional cautions. Basic DBS checks are used for a range of purposes. This is the only DBS that can be carried out at your own request. How to apply online

2. Standard Check: A standard DBS check will show if you have any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings. The DBS will search the Police National Computer and the information will not be filtered. Register Here

A Standard DBS Check must be requested by an organisation who plan to employ you and comes at no charge for volunteers.

3. Enhanced Check: An enhanced DBS check will search for any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings. In addition, the Police National computer will be searched and relevant police forces are able to supply further non-conviction information. Register Here

Completed at the request of an employer, enhanced DBS checks for volunteers are carried out for free.

4. Enhanced Check with barred lists: An enhanced DBS check with barred lists is the most comprehensive check and will involve searching for any spent or unspent criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings and any other information held by the local police.

The children’s barred list will be checked to verify whether the applicant has been barred from working with children. This level of DBS check is reserved for those who come into close contact with vulnerable groups such as teachers and foster carers.

Register Here

 

What will a DBS check show?

A DBS check will list any results from the search on the DBS certificate. The search is only carried out for those areas detailed in your DBS type. If no results are found during the search, your DBS certificate will show you have no convictions. You will need to let your employer see your DBS certificate to complete the recruitment process.

 

How can I check my DBS?

Once your DBS check is complete, you’ll be able to view it online and you’ll also receive a copy through the post.

 

How much is a DBS check?

DBS costs can vary from year to year. Each type of DBS costs a different amount. Check the current cost of a basic DBS

 

How long will a DBS check take?

As an important part of an application for employment, the length of time a DBS check takes can have a big impact on your plans. Lengthy waits can mean you are unable to start a new role on the date you intended so you will want to ensure your DBS check is processed as quickly as possible.

Mistakes and incomplete information in your application will cause your check to take longer. Our service ensures your basic DBS application is completed correctly before it is submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service so your basic DBS check is processed quickly without any problems. More

Enhanced DBS checks need to pass through a number of stages so they generally take longer than basic or standard checks. Our basic DBS checks are processed rapidly, within 7-14 days, because they are free from errors.

If the Disclosure and Barring Service encounter errors and inaccuracies in your application, it can take weeks for your DBS check to be completed so it is essential to ensure every part of your application is accurate before you submit it.

 

How can I apply for a DBS check online?

Apply for a basic DBS online with us in a couple of easy steps for a stress-free, quick and easy experience. We make it easy for individuals, organisations and overseas applicants to apply for a DBS online and submit a form that is error-free.

Complete your basic DBS application form online with us today and we will check every aspect of your application for you. Once all of our checks are complete we will submit your application to the Disclosure and Barring Service for you.

We will also verify your supporting documents for you before we submit your application which will speed up your application by giving the DBS one less check to do.

When your application form is ready, we will submit if for you and keep you updated with the progress of your application. We also offer cloud storage for access to your DBS certificate from anywhere at anytime, fast track applications, support with other types of DBS applications and lots more. ...more

For organisations in need of a fast and simple way to submit multiple applications with only one payment to pay, we have a range of solutions, whilst overseas applicants in need of assistance will find our services essential. Call today on 0333 030 0446 or discover more about our services

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