DBS Basic Checks – Your Quick Guide
Understanding DBS Basic Checks: A Quick Guide for Beginners
Imagine you’re applying for a job, and the employer requires a criminal record check to proceed with your application. Or perhaps you need a check for a visa application or volunteering opportunity. In instances like these, you’ll probably encounter something called a DBS Basic Check.
MyVetting.com’s guide will demystify DBS Basic Checks for you, covering everything from their purpose and how to apply, to the legal considerations and how they work for international applicants. So, let’s dive into the world of DBS Basic Checks.
Key Takeaways
- A Basic DBS Check is a criminal record check provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service in the UK.
- It provides insight into an applicant’s unspent convictions and conditional cautions to enable informed hiring decisions.
- The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 outlines its legality, limits, who can request it, what’s not included as well as international requests for those residing abroad.
Decoding the Basics of a DBS Basic Check
A DBS Basic Check is a type of criminal record check that reveals an individual’s criminal history to relevant employers or organisations. Unlike an Enhanced DBS Check, which provides more detailed information and is required for certain roles involving vulnerable individuals, a Basic DBS Check focuses on unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Both individuals and employers can request a DBS Basic Check, which is a service provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the UK.
DBS checks hold significant value as they aid in pinpointing appropriate candidates to work with susceptible groups like children and adults with vulnerabilities. A DBS Basic Check, also known as a Basic Disclosure, aims to provide information on an individual’s criminal records stored in the Police National Computer, specifically unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Keep in mind that DBS checks are categorised into three levels:
- Basic DBS Check: This discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
- Standard DBS Check: This reveals more detailed information, such as spent convictions and cautions, depending on certain conditions.
- Enhanced DBS Check: This provides the most comprehensive information, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
The Essential Purpose of DBS Basic Checks
The main purpose of Basic DBS Checks is to conduct a criminal record check for individuals as well as employers. Individuals can request their own criminal record check, and employers may request it for specific roles. By disclosing unspent convictions and cautions, DBS Basic Checks offer employers insights into an applicant’s criminal background, helping them make informed hiring decisions.
There are instances where Basic DBS Checks might be necessary for voluntary work in the UK. Although not always mandatory for volunteer roles, depending on the nature of the work and the level of interaction with vulnerable individuals, a DBS Basic check might be necessary to ensure the safety of those involved.
One should also be aware that for UK visa applications, a criminal record certificate might be necessary in specific situations. Employers can obtain DBS checks online through Registered Umbrella Bodies, which are responsible organisations authorized to process DBS checks on behalf of employers.
How to Apply for a DBS Basic Check Certificate
When applying for a DBS Basic Check, individuals need to compile the required documents for verification. These typically include a passport, driving licence, and national identity card. Once these documents are in order, the individual can proceed with the MyVetting online application process.
If an employer or organisation needs to request a check, they can do so in a few clicks from the MyVetting client DBS portal.
After submitting personal data and payment information, the applicant’s ID must be verified by a non-relative. This ensures the person requesting the check is indeed the individual they claim to be.
The entire process is fairly direct, making it simple for individuals and employers to secure a Basic DBS Certificate. Keep in mind that the provided information will only include unspent convictions and conditional cautions, as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Spent Convictions vs. Unspent Criminal Convictions
While discussing criminal records, it’s important to distinguish between spent and unspent convictions. Spent convictions are those that have surpassed a designated time frame and are no longer revealed, while unspent convictions remain on the record and are disclosed in DBS Basic Checks. In simpler terms, spent convictions are “erased” from the record after a certain period, whereas unspent convictions continue to be visible.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 plays a significant role in determining whether a conviction is spent or unspent. This act aims to rehabilitate offenders who have not been reconvicted of any serious offense for a certain period. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 facilitates the process of disregarding criminal convictions after a specified rehabilitation period has passed. It also imposes penalties for the unauthorised sharing of someone’s criminal history.
The time it takes for a conviction to become spent varies depending on the severity of the offense . Generally, convictions can be spent after a determined period, usually ranging from two to seven years. This distinction between spent and unspent convictions is an essential factor when evaluating an individual’s criminal record through a Basic DBS.
Who Can Request Your Basic Criminal Record Check?
As stated previously, employers, organisations, and individuals all qualify to request a Basic DBS Check. For employers, the purpose of a Basic DBS Check is to evaluate a candidate’s appropriateness for certain roles. By obtaining information on an applicant’s unspent convictions and cautions, employers can make informed decisions during the recruitment process.
Individuals can also request their own DBS Basic Check, allowing them to stay informed about their criminal record and be prepared when applying for jobs or other opportunities that may require a background check.
To obtain a DBS check, employers can access online services through Registered Umbrella Bodies, which are responsible organisations that process DBS checks on behalf of employers. This ensures a smooth and efficient process for obtaining the necessary criminal record information.
What’s Not Included in a Basic Disclosure
It’s necessary to understand the limitations of a DBS Basic Check and comprehend the information that’s not included in a Basic Disclosure. For instance, spent criminal records, which have been removed after reaching a specified point, will not be revealed on a DBS check. Generally, these convictions do not need to be disclosed in most employment or volunteering opportunities.
Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) in the UK are also not included in a Basic DBS Check. These notices provide an option to settle a road traffic offence without having to attend court. Paying the fixed penalty resolves the offence and will not be listed on the individual’s criminal record.
Moreover, Basic DBS Checks will not include arrests without a subsequent conviction or allegations that have not been prosecuted.
The Legality and Limits of Basic Checks
Basic DBS Checks are lawful and required for specific roles, as governed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This act governs the use of Basic DBS Checks and provides guidelines on how to apply, the cost of the check, and what information is disclosed on a basic certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on a basic DBS check?
A basic DBS check is a type of criminal record check that discloses details of unspent convictions and conditional cautions. It includes the date of conviction, the name of the court, the offence committed, the date of the offence and the sentence received. You can also check whether the conviction or caution is spent by visiting the UK government’s website and entering the details.
How far back does a DBS Basic check go?
A Basic DBS check will cover an applicant’s entire life, as far back as the police have records, revealing any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
What are the 4 types of DBS checks?
In the UK, there are four types of DBS checks available – Basic DBS Check or Basic Disclosure Scotland Check, Standard DBS Check, Enhanced DBS Check – excluding Barred List check and Enhanced DBS Check – including Barred List check.
What is the difference between basic and enhanced DBS checks?
Enhanced DBS checks contain all the information of a basic DBS check, such as unspent convictions, but also includes additional information from local police forces. Thus, an Enhanced DBS Check provides more detailed and comprehensive information about an applicant’s record than a Standard DBS Check.
