DBS – What does DBS stand for? 

DBS Checks: What you need to know? 

In the United Kingdom, if you’re working or volunteering with vulnerable people, you will need to undertake a DBS check. 

Why are these checks are in place and what does DBS stand for?

In our easy-to-follow guide to DBS, we take you tell you what does DBS stand for and why you might need one. 

In the realm of employment, safeguarding, and background checks, the acronym “DBS” frequently emerges. But what does it stand for, and why is it so significant? In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the acronym DBS and delve into its relevance in the United Kingdom. 

What is ‘A guide to DBS checks?’ 

It’s your chance to find out all about DBS checks, whether an employer or organisation has asked you to get one or it’s part of your job to ensure that DBS checks are kept up to date. 

What does DBS stand for? 

DBS stands for “Disclosure and Barring Service.” It’s an important government organisation in the United Kingdom that conducts background checks that reveal the information associated with an individual’s criminal record. The DBS is also the organisation that issues DBS reports for individuals. At MyVetting.com, we work directly with the DBS to process checks.  

DBS checks are critical for various roles, such as those involving work or volunteering with vulnerable people like children or adults at risk. They may also be requested for roles as a best practice employment process. 

What is DBS? 

The DBS was formed in 2012 as a merger of two pre-existing bodies: the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). The merging of these bodies aimed to streamline the process of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, ensuring that those in positions of trust were free from concerning criminal backgrounds. 

You may have heard of a DBS and asked ‘DBS check – what is it exactly’. With three different checks on offer, you might not understand which check you need or why there are three levels of checks. There are three levels of DBS checks – Basic, Standard and Enhanced.  

We’ll take a look at each type to understand their role in the DBS checking process.  

What are Basic, Standard And Enhanced DBS Checks? 

DBS Checks and Their Types: 

DBS checks are essential in promoting safety and safeguarding within various sectors of the UK. They come in different types, each designed for specific roles and situations. Here are the primary types of DBS checks: 

Basic DBS Check: 

A Basic DBS check reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions. It is available to individuals and organisations for any purpose and role. 

Standard DBS Check: 

The Standard DBS check discloses spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. It is typically required for positions that involve some level of responsibility or trust. 

Enhanced DBS Check: 

The Enhanced DBS check is the most comprehensive and is vital for roles that include close contact with vulnerable individuals, such as children or adults at risk. It includes everything in the Standard check, plus any additional relevant information held by local police. 

Roles Requiring DBS Checks 

The requirement for a DBS check depends on the nature of the role and the level of contact with vulnerable individuals. However, DBS checks stand for protection and transparency across many sectors. Here are some examples of roles that often necessitate DBS checks: 

Teachers and Educational Staff: 

Teachers, teaching assistants, and other educational staff members who work with children are commonly required to undergo Enhanced DBS checks. 

Healthcare Professionals: 

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers with access to patient records often require DBS checks. 

Social Workers: 

Social workers, due to their close interaction with vulnerable individuals, frequently need Enhanced DBS checks. 

Care Home Workers: 

Those working in care homes and facilities for the elderly or individuals with disabilities are subject to Enhanced DBS checks. 

Foster Carers and Adoption Agencies: 

Individuals looking to become foster carers or work in adoption agencies undergo thorough Enhanced DBS checks. 

Sports Coaches: 

Coaches working with children or adults at risk in sports settings often require Enhanced DBS checks. 

Charities and Volunteer Organisations: 

Many charities and volunteer organisations request Standard or Enhanced DBS checks for their volunteers to ensure the safety of the populations they serve. 

How do I verify a DBS check? 

Verifying a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a crucial step in ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the information provided. Here’s how you can verify a DBS check: 

Request a Copy of the DBS Certificate: 

Ask the individual who provided the DBS certificate to give you a copy of the original certificate. The certificate will include the individual’s name, a reference number, and details of the check. 

Use the DBS Update Service (if applicable): 

The DBS Update Service is a subscription service that allows individuals to keep their DBS certificates up to date and share their certificates with employers online. If the person has subscribed to this service, they can provide you with their Update Service reference number, and you can verify their certificate online. 

Contact the DBS: 

You can contact the DBS directly to verify the authenticity of a DBS certificate. The DBS offers a service to verify the details of a certificate, including the certificate’s reference number and the applicant’s name and date of birth. 

Check the Certificate Details: 

Examine the DBS certificate carefully. Look for the following details: 

• The certificate’s reference number. 
• The individual’s full name and date of birth. 
• The date of issue and the date of the certificate. 
• The level of the check (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced). 
• The type of check (e.g., Children’s Barred List or Adult’s Barred List, if applicable). 
• The details of any convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands. 
• The disclosure of any other relevant information held by the police. 

Check the Certificate Expiry Date: 

DBS certificates are only valid up to the date of issue. Ensure that the certificate is recent and has not expired. 

Verify the Individual’s Identity: 

Ensure that the individual presenting the certificate is the same person named on the certificate. You may request additional identification to confirm their identity. 

Cross-Check with the DBS Online Service: 

The DBS offers an online service where you can verify the details of a DBS certificate. This service is particularly useful if the individual has shared their certificate with you through the DBS Update Service. 

Contact the Issuing Body: 

Depending on the role for which the DBS check was conducted, the certificate may have been issued by a registered body (e.g., an employer, a recruitment agency, or a licensing authority). You can contact the issuing body to verify the authenticity of the certificate. 

It’s important to note that only the individual who holds the DBS certificate or the DBS Update Service subscriber can request a new certificate or share their certificate with another party. If you have concerns about the validity of a DBS certificate, it’s advisable to contact the individual directly and ask them to provide you with the necessary information to verify the check. 

Additionally, for certain roles and sectors, regulatory bodies or professional organizations may have specific guidelines for verifying DBS checks. It’s important to follow any industry-specific requirements for verification. 

DBS Checks and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 

DBS checks are governed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which outlines the principles regarding the disclosure of criminal records. The Act is aimed at balancing the need for public protection with an individual’s right to move on from their past. 

In the context of DBS checks, the Act stipulates that certain convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands become “spent” after a specified period, during which they no longer need to be disclosed. Spent convictions do not appear on Standard or Enhanced DBS checks, but they may still be included in Basic checks. 

In summary, DBS, which stands for “Disclosure and Barring Service,” is the UK’s authoritative body for conducting background checks and issuing certificates that reveal an individual’s criminal record information. These checks are vital in various sectors, particularly those involving work with vulnerable individuals. As users of DBS checks, individuals and organisations must balance the need for public protection with the principles of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, using these checks as tools for safety and security while respecting individuals’ rights to rehabilitation and a fresh start.