What are the 3 types of DBS Checks
Discover the 3 Types of DBS Checks: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable people lies at the heart of an evolved society and DBS checks is a very important method of helping to keep people safe and secure.
A DBS check is a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, a criminal record check that helps employers to make informed decisions when hiring individuals for roles that engage with vulnerable groups or that require a certain level of trust.
But what exactly are the three different types of DBS checks? MyVetting will take you through Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks and explore how they contribute to the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.
Key Takeaways
- The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is responsible for conducting criminal record checks in the UK.
- Three types of DBS checks are available, including Basic, Standard and Enhanced with or without a barred list check.
- MyVetting.com provides online DBS checks that are fast, affordable and secure.
DBS Checks – The lowdown
DBS checks evaluate an individual’s suitability for roles that involve vulnerable groups or that require an element of trust. There are three main types of DBS checks: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. Each type of check provides varying levels of information about an individual’s criminal record, which helps employers make more secure hiring decisions.
What is the Disclosure and Barring Service
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), is the UK public body responsible for conducting criminal record checks and maintaining the DBS Barred List.
Who Needs a DBS check?
Basic DBS Check
The Basic DBS Check includes unspent criminal convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Basic DBS checks are often required for roles such as:
- maintenance workers
- engineers
- tradespeople
- catering staff
- drivers
- porters
- cleaners
- admin
Anyone is eligible for a Basic DBS and it is the only DBS check that people can run on themselves. This could be useful for sole traders that want to show credibility and trustworthiness.
Standard and Enhanced Checks
There are five main groups of roles that may be eligible for a standard or enhanced DBS check, as specified in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. These roles include:
- Professions
- Regulated industries
- Health and social care roles
- National security-related roles
- Roles involved in the criminal justice system.
Standard DBS Check
Compared to a Basic DBS check, a Standard DBS check provides a broader perspective on an individual’s criminal history.
The role or position of the staff member or volunteer must meet certain criteria to qualify for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check. These criteria are specified in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and/or in the Police Act Regulations.
In a Standard DBS check, information disclosed includes:
- Cautions
- Convictions
- Reprimands
- Warnings
- Previously stepped-down cautions or convictions
An employer or organisation may request a Standard DBS check for roles that necessitate it.
Enhanced DBS Check
Non-negotiable for roles involving vulnerable adults or children, the Enhanced DBS check represents the most detailed level of scrutiny. In addition to the information provided in a Standard DBS check, Enhanced checks include:
- Verifications against barred lists
- Data supplied by local police
Positions in education and healthcare involving unaccompanied interaction with children or vulnerable adults typically require an enhanced DBS check.
Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List
An Enhanced DBS check with Barred List also verifies the candidate against the children’s or adults’ barred list. The DBS barred lists contain information regarding those who are not allowed to work with certain vulnerable groups in specific settings.
The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) regulations specify certain roles that require an Enhanced with Barred List Check. It is necessary for these roles only. This level of check is required for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals in roles with unsupervised contact.
Regulated Activity Roles and DBS Checks
Roles in regulated activities, involving work with vulnerable individuals in fields like education, healthcare, and childcare, often require DBS checks for the safety and welfare of these individuals.
MyVetting.com’s DBS Check Services
Providing a secure, efficient, and user-friendly platform, MyVetting.com delivers DBS checks with a client dashboard that allows you to track checks’ progress. With over 20 years of industry experience and approval from the UK Home Office, MyVetting.com is a trusted provider of DBS check services.
MyVetting.com’s platform provides a fast, accurate, and secure online screening portal, enabling users to create an account, submit applications, and manage their checks with ease. The platform’s security measures, such as data encryption and Cyber Essentials Certification, ensure that sensitive information is protected.
Legal Framework and Compliance
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Police Act 1997 comprise the legal framework governing DBS checks. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 is designed to rehabilitate offenders who have not been reconvicted of any serious offence for a certain period of time, allowing their criminal convictions to be spent or ignored. The Police Act 1997 establishes the legal infrastructure for the execution of DBS checks and delineates the criteria for qualification for different types of checks.
DBS checks contribute to the adherence to safeguarding regulations by prohibiting ineligible candidates from working with vulnerable people. They constitute a critical part of the safeguarding process and are intended to avert the engagement of individuals who are forbidden from working with vulnerable groups.
DBS checks in a nutshell
DBS checks play an essential role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, providing employers with valuable information about an individual’s criminal history. With three main types of DBS checks – Basic, Standard, and Enhanced – to support recruitment, employers can ensure that they are making informed decisions when hiring individuals for roles involving vulnerable groups.
Recognising the importance of DBS checks in maintaining safety and security for vulnerable individuals is underpinned by understanding the different types of checks and their requirements. Employers and organisations can take the necessary steps to guarantee a secure and nurturing environment for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a basic and enhanced DBS check?
The difference between a basic and enhanced DBS check is that the enhanced one contains more information, including police forces information, whereas the basic one only shows convictions, cautions and reprimands.
What are the 4 main parts to a DBS check?
A DBS check consists of four main parts: a Basic check to show unspent convictions and cautions, a Standard check, an Enhanced check and a check of the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists. Additionally, it includes a Police National Computer (PNC) search, a physical application form, Errors and Omissions on the form, and a final Enhanced DBS check at the local police force.
