A Disclosure and Barring Service check is an essential requirement when submitting a job application for certain roles. Employers can ask you to submit a DBS report while applying for the job or once you have been finalized for the role.

A DBS check becomes all the more important if you are applying for a job in which you will come in direct contact with children and other vulnerable populations. Suchpeople need a more comprehensive check to ensure that those coming in contactwith them will remain safe.

What does a DBS check show?

A DBS check provides your employer with complete details about your criminal history and any other relevant information that will help them judge whether or not you are suitable for the job. ADBS check can offer more information on –

• Any convictions that you have faced
• Any reprimands or warning issues to you
• Any other relevant details.

TypesofDBSChecks

DBS checks are primarily of three kinds –

• Basic DBS Check
• Standard DBS Check
• Enhanced DBS Check

Any person can apply for a basic DBS check; however, for the other two categories, only an employer can apply for the particular DBS check.

As the name suggests, a basic DBS check will provide a complete yet simplistic view of a person’s criminal history. However, an enhanced DBS check will offer a much deeper insight.

What shows up on an enhanced DBS check?

An enhanced DBS check is not required by most businesses; only some specific organizations will ask for an enhanced DBS check. The following information can show up on an enhanced DBS check –

• It will show a comprehensive detail of your criminal history including convictions, warnings, reprimands, and any kind of caution that is on your police record.

• It will also check the children and adult barred lists to see whether you have been barred from working with either of them (or, as required by your role).
• If you have been convicted in the past, complete details about each conviction will be shared including the date of conviction, offence details, and sentence given.
• The police are also allowed by law to share any kind of additional information that they think is relevant to the check.

Important Things to Know

Here are some important things to note about an enhanced DBS check –

• An individual can not apply for an enhanced DBS check. The employer (or, the employing organization) will need to request an enhanced DBS check.
• An enhanced DBS check cannot be requested for any and every business. It is allowed for specific roles only; especially, for roles that require the individual to come in contact with children and vulnerable adults.

• Before applying for an enhanced DBS check, the employer must seek the consent of the employee as well.