DBS Checks2024-10-08T17:00:11+01:00

DBS Checks

We deliver three levels of online DBS checks – Basic DBS Check, Standard DBS Check and Enhanced DSB Checks. With MyVetting.com, these checks are carried out online to protect vulnerable people in society in both work and leisure time.

Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks. What is an online DBS check? 

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a check on an individual’s criminal record to assess their suitability for a paid or volunteer role with an organisation. There are three levels of DBS check and the type of DBS check required depends on the role being undertaken. 

DBS checks enable employers to check criminal records before people start a new role with them or move role if they’re already employed by an organisation.  

An online DBS check is simply a digital DBS check that can be carried out online, from your own device. With MyVetting, you can a DBS check online in a few clicks

Sign up today

Be the first to gain early bird access to our online DBS checks

What does DBS mean?

DBS is the shortened name for the Disclosure and Barring Service, the public body responsible for completing DBS checks in the UK. Online DBS checks can be carried out with MyVetting, a digital DBS check provider. Both ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials certified, your data security is guaranteed by our encrypted online system.    

You can apply for a basic DBS check or apply for enhanced DBS online through MyVetting’s online portal.

My Vetting DBS Check Packages

Basic DBS

£18

Basic DBS Government fee

+

£6

MyVetting Handling Fee

=

£24

Total

  • Basic (24h), Data-Encrypted Online System

  • Approved UK Home Office Provider

  • Powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT)

  • Live Status Updates

  • Expert Customer Support

  • Our fees range from £6.00 to £11.00 (inc. VAT) depending on the number of checks required annually.

Standard DBS

£18

Basic DBS Government fee

+

£6

MyVetting Handling Fee

=

£24

Total

  • Data-Encrypted Online System

  • Standard Checks in 5-10 working days

  • Approved UK Home Office Provider

  • Powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT)

  • Live Status Updates

  • Expert Customer Support

  • Our fees range from £6.00 to £11.00 (inc. VAT) depending on the number of checks required annually

Enhanced DBS

£38

Enhanced DBS Government Fee

+

£6

MyVetting Handling Fee

=

£44

Total

  • Enhanced Checks in 5-10 working days

  • Data-Encrypted Online System

  • Approved UK Home Office Provider

  • Powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT)

  • Live Status Updates

  • Expert Customer Support

  • Our fees range from £6.00 to £11.00 (inc. VAT) depending on the number of checks required annually

Volunteer DBS

£0

Government fee

+

£6

MyVetting Handling Fee

=

£6

Total

  • Data-Encrypted Online System

  • Volunteer Checks in 5-10 working days

  • Approved UK Home Office Provider

  • Powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT)

  • Live Status Updates

  • Expert Customer Support

  • Our fees range from £6.00 to £11.00 (inc. VAT) depending on the number of checks required annually

Can I check my own criminal record?

Individuals are eligible to request a basic online DBS check on themselves.  

Other levels of DBS must be requested by an employer or organisation. If you are self-employed and are required to undertake a DBS for a job, the organisation will be able to request a basic, standard or enhanced DBS as required by the role in question.  

For roles that require close contact with children or vulnerable adults, including regulated activity, a check of the children’s or adults barred list may be requested. The children’s barred list may be referred to as ‘List 99’. Online enhanced DBS checks with barred list checks are available on Myvetting.com 

A DBS check will not cover the time someone lived outside the UK. 

Can I check a DBS online?

MyVetting.com allows you to run employee and volunteer online DBS checks, with an easy-to-use dashboard where you can check, manage and track your checks accessible with your online DBS account login.  Start your online DBS application in seconds.

MyVetting’s Online DBS process

MyVetting’s streamlined online DBS process is simple and straightforward for both employers and applicants. You can apply for enhanced DBS check online through MyVetting’s easy-to-use portal. 

Employers and organisations, known as Clients at MyVetting, register for free and buy the number of checks that you need. With instant access to your own dashboard, you can send online DBS checks in a few clicks and track the progress of each check 24/7.  

You can top up your online DBS check credits at any time, with the price per check decreasing depending on the number of checks you’re buying. The completed DBS reports will be delivered straight to your dashboard, so that you can make accurate and informed recruitment decisions on your candidates.  

When you start the online DBS check, candidates will be notified by SMS and/or email to their device or smartphone.  

They can upload their evidence using their device, which dramatically reduces the processing time for the client. When their online DBS check has been completed, the report will be emailed to the candidate ready to share with the company or organisation that requested it. 

MyVetting’s enhanced DBS check online process means that there’s no lengthy paperwork or in-person meetings to slow the recruitment process down, but we guarantee the integrity and the security of all online DBS checks carried out on our platform. Basic and Standard DBS applications are just as quick and simple to complete.

How much do online DBS checks cost? 

At MyVetting, we’ve worked hard to make sure that online DBS checks are as affordable as possible, so that you can make your budgets work harder without compromising on safety or security. 

For paid employment, there is a government-fixed fee of £18 for each basic or standard DBS check. This rises to £38 for enhanced DBS checks with or without barred lists.  

At MyVetting we add a handling fee for each online DBS check completed, on a sliding scale that begins once you buy over 10 checks. We’ve worked hard to make our discounts start as soon as possible. 

MyVetting online DBS price breaks per check

  • 1-10 checks – £11 handling fee 
  • 11-99 checks – £9 handling fee 
  • 100+ checks – £6 handling fee 

There is no government fee associated with online volunteer DBS checks, simply the MyVetting handling fee. 

What Types of Online DBS checks are there?

There are three main types of DBS check, with a further check of barred lists available for the relevant roles. All types of DBS checks are available online. The different types of online DBS check are: 

  • Online Basic DBS check – declares unspent convictions and conditional cautions 
  • Online Standard DBS check – declares spent and unspent convictions and cautions 
  • Online Enhanced DBS check – declares spent and unspent convictions and cautions, and any information held by local police on the Police National Computer considered relevant to the role in question 
  • Online Enhanced DBS with Children and/or Adult’s Barred list check 

You cannot fail a DBS check. However, applicants that feature on a barred list check are banned from working in roles with either/or children or vulnerable adults and it is an offence to knowingly hire someone that you know is barred 

Employers are required by law to carry out DBS checks on relevant roles within their organisation and have a recruitment policy on ex-offenders that can be shared with any applicant that requests to see it. 

How online DBS checks supports employers

Moving your DBS checks online both accelerates and streamlines the process for employers. Along with faster turnaround times, we can also dramatically reduce the cost of a DBS check and we offer price breaks that kick in quickly.  

Reducing time and financial outlay on DBS checks doesn’t mean that we compromise on quality. MyVetting’s online DBS checks are as rigorous and robust as the traditional paper-based method. We’ve just developed a smarter, faster and more affordable way of meeting your background check needs. 

How online DBS checks protect people

Online DBS checks help to ensure that the people that work within your organisations, as well as the people that you work with and you serve, are safe from harm. DBS checks are key to safeguarding across the board. 

Safeguarding is essential across many sectors, such as healthcare and education. Vulnerable adults and children must legally be safeguarded, with DBS checks created to ensure unsuitable individuals could not work in roles that required regulated activity with vulnerable people.  

In HR, there’s no room for error – getting vetting checks wrong is unthinkable. At MyVetting.com, we’ve developed a fast, secure and robust system that allows HR professionals to check at speed and in confidence. 

Is the DBS the same as CRB?

DBS checks are an updated version of the CRB check. The DBS was created when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). 

dbs basic checks
DBS Checks

Buy online DBS checks 

Whether you’re buying one DBS check or hundreds, MyVetting’s online DBS check service means that you can get started in seconds.  

To get started, click ‘Buy Now’ to register. 

Buy online DBS checks through our secure payment platform 

Send, manage and track online DBS checks from your client dashboard 

Helpdesk

Frequently asked questions

What is a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:42:57+00:00

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) is a check of an individual’s criminal history. The level of check will depend on the amount of information that is accessed from police intelligence records and the DBS barred list information. All levels of DBS checks are to help employers and organisations to recruit both employees and volunteers more safely. DBS Checks were formerly known as the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.

What is a CRB check?2024-01-12T11:42:27+00:00

The DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check has taken the place of the CRB check. The introduction of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 saw the closure of the CRB and ISA (Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), with the Disclosure and Barring Service opened in its place. DBS is now responsible for checking that had previously been carried out by CRB and ISA.

What types of DBS checks are there?2024-01-12T11:41:57+00:00

There are three types (or levels) of DBS check – Basic, Standard or Enhanced. At MyVetting.com, we carry out all three levels of DBS Checks.

Basic Check – A Basic DBS Check shows all of the applicant/s’ unspent convictions. A Basic DBS Check can be applied for either by a company or by an individual.

Standard Check – A standard DBS check is more detailed than the basic check, and in addition to disclosing any of your unspent convictions, a standard check may disclose older information which is felt to be relevant to the position which you are applying for. Standard checks are mostly used for positions in financial services or the justice system, so things like theft or fraud convictions might be of particular interest. Decisions about what to disclose are made on a case-by-case basis.

Enhanced Check – An Enhanced DBS Check is mandatory for roles that involve children and/or vulnerable adults, whether in paid employment or volunteering. An Enhanced DBS Check will show all spent and unspent criminal convictions and reprimands. An Enhanced DBS is checked against the Police National Computer and the children and adults barred lists.

Do I need a DBS Check?2024-01-12T11:41:02+00:00

If you are an applicant, your employer or lead organisation should be able to tell you if you need a DBS Check. They can use the UK Government Eligibility Tool to check as required and it will indicate whether an employee or volunteer needs a DBS Check for a specific role and also what level of check they need. Businesses and organisations will be liable legally if safeguarding is compromised when working with children and/or vulnerable adults. To prevent safeguarding issues, all eligible staff and volunteers should be checked as indicated by the Eligibility Tool.

What DBS check do employees need?2024-01-12T11:40:52+00:00

It is the responsibility of the employer or organisation to decide on the level of disclosure for an employee or volunteer. This may be guided by the role and/or the environment they will work in, for example in a caring or coaching role. The UK Government Eligibility Tool can help you to identify what level of DBS Check is required.

Is a DBS check a legal requirement?2024-01-12T11:39:03+00:00

A business or organisation is legally responsible for ensuring an individual can apply for a particular role. Employers and organisations are legally obliged to check and confirm, via DBS Check, that anyone working for their organisation with or near children and vulnerable adults has not been barred from working with either adults or children.

Can you fail a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:36:46+00:00

You cannot fail a DBS check as a DBS Check will only show whether an applicant has a criminal record or not. It is the employer’s decision as to whether an applicant is suitable for employment.

Who owns the DBS certificate?2024-01-12T11:36:38+00:00

A DBS Certificate belongs to the person whose name is printed on the certificate. It should be made available to your employer.

How long does a DBS certificate last?2024-01-12T11:36:27+00:00

DBS Certificates do not have an expiry date; however, an organisation or employer should stipulate how regularly DBS Certificates should be renewed by employees, contractors or volunteers. If you leave employment to start a new role you will need to complete this procedure again. It is recommended that Disclosures are renewed annually or at least every 2 years.

Can anyone ask for a DBS?2024-01-12T11:36:22+00:00

An individual can request a Basic disclosure on and for themself.  The Basic Check includes information on unspent convictions. However, an individual cannot request a Standard DBS Check or Enhanced DBS Check. These levels of DBS Checks must be requested by an employer or umbrella organisation.

Can I get my own DBS check?2024-01-12T11:35:57+00:00

An individual can request a Basic disclosure on themselves, which will contain information on unspent convictions. An individual cannot request a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check.

Can I contact the DBS directly?2024-01-12T11:26:50+00:00

Contact the DBS directly by phone on 03000 200 190 or by email at customerservices@dbs.gov.uk 

You will need your reference number.

Who pays for a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:26:38+00:00

That will depend on the policy of your employer or organisation. Some companies pay for applicants’ DBS Checks while others request that applicants pay for their own DBS Check at the point of application. If you are an applicant and unsure of the company policy, please check directly with the organisation.

What is a spent conviction on a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:26:32+00:00

A ‘spent’ conviction is a conviction, caution, warning or reprimand that has been received by an individual but that has expired after a certain period of time. While the conviction is ‘unspent’, it remains on their criminal record and the Police National Computer. The period of time that a record will remain before expiring is defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spent convictions will not appear on a Basic DBS Check. For Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks, spent convictions may or may not appear – according to filtering according to legislation put in place on 29th May 2013. This means that while spent convictions will not appear on a Basic DBS Check, they may also not appear on a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check – however the list of conviction types and offences that can never be filtered from a certificate is considerable.

What is an unspent conviction on a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:26:25+00:00

An unspent conviction, warning, caution or reprimand is one that has had a certain length of time attached to it by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 which means that it is still on their criminal record and on the Police National Computer. It will appear on Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Check certificates.

I have lost my DBS Disclosure document. Can I get another copy?2024-01-12T11:26:16+00:00

There are only certain circumstances under which the DBS will reprint a DBS Check:

  • If the original DBS certificate was lost in the post en-route to the applicant
  • If this loss is reported within 90 days of the issue date.
  • For DBS Checks, there will only be one paper copy of the certificate and this is issued to the applicant.
Do all checks complete within 24 hours?2024-01-12T11:26:09+00:00

Most of the Basic DBS Checks can be completed within 24 hours, but we ask that you allow 48 hours in case of a large volume of traffic at the Disclosure and Barring Service. Standard and Enhanced Checks are more involved and can take up to 10 working days, however, at MyVetting.com, we work towards 10 working days, targeting five working days. It may take up to 10 days for your certificate to arrive in the post.

I’ve got a DBS. Can I use it for a new job?2024-01-12T11:26:01+00:00

Every DBS certificate is connected with a role within the named organisation. Moving organisation will require a new DBS check and moving roles within the same organisation may mean that you need to move from a Standard DBS Check to an Enhanced DBS Check, if you are now working with or near vulnerable people.

My online payment is not being accepted?2024-01-12T11:25:10+00:00

At MyVetting.com, we accept the following payment and card payment options via a secure payment gateway. They are:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Apple Pay
  • GPay

If you experience any issues, please contact us.

My online application is not being accepted?2024-01-12T11:24:00+00:00

Complete the application form and proceed to the payment page. If any issues arise, we ask that you please check all information that has been added in the correct format. If you need further support, please contact us.

I’ve not been in the UK for 5 years. Can I still apply for a DBS?2024-02-13T22:19:48+00:00

This is not a problem. It is not a requirement of the DBS for the applicant to hold 5 years UK-based address history. When completing your application simply provide your full 5-year address history, including any international addresses.

What are DBS Barred Lists?2024-01-12T11:18:41+00:00

DBS Barred Lists are lists administered by the DBS that include individuals who are barred from working with children, vulnerable adults or both.

What is filtering?2024-01-12T11:18:02+00:00

Filtering is the process used by the DBS to assess whether particular information on convictions and cautions is protected under current legislation and, therefore, should be removed from an individual’s DBS Certificate before printing. Employers and organisations can ask an individual to provide information on convictions and cautions that they are legally entitled to know about. Both Standard and Enhanced DBS Certificates include details of convictions and cautions – including youth cautions, reprimands and warnings – recorded on the Police National Computer. Police National Computer data relating to protected cautions and convictions will be filtered out and will not appear on certificates.

Go to Top