DBS Check: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How It Differs from Other Types

In the United Kingdom, ensuring the safety of vulnerable people—such as children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities—is a top priority. One of the most important tools used to achieve this is the DBS check, carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This article provides a clear and informative guide to what a DBS check is, who needs one, and how it differs from other types of background checks.

What Is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check conducted by the Disclosure and Barring Service, a government agency in the UK. Its purpose is to help employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups.

The DBS check reveals an individual’s criminal record and can include information such as:

• Unspent and spent convictions
• Cautions, warnings, or reprimands
• Whether the individual is on a list of people barred from working with children or vulnerable adults (depending on the level of check)

There are different levels of DBS checks, depending on the nature of the job or voluntary role.

Who Needs a DBS Check?

A wide range of professionals and volunteers across different sectors are required to have a DBS check. Whether you’re applying for a new job or volunteering, you may need one if the role involves trust, responsibility, or contact with vulnerable groups.

Common roles that require a DBS check include:

• Teachers and school staff
• Nursery workers and childminders
• Doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants
• Social workers and care home staff
• Foster carers and adoptive parents
• Sports coaches and youth workers
• Volunteers working with children or adults at risk

Even some roles that don’t directly involve vulnerable people may still require a DBS check for safeguarding purposes or to meet employer policies.

Types of DBS Checks

There are three main types of DBS checks, each offering a different level of detail:

1. Basic DBS Check

Shows only unspent convictions.

Can be requested by an individual or employer.

Suitable for roles that do not involve regular contact with vulnerable people.

2. Standard DBS Check

Shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.

Typically required for positions of trust, such as in financial services or legal professions.

3. Enhanced DBS Check

Includes everything in the standard check, plus any additional information held by local police that may be relevant.

Often used for roles involving regular contact with vulnerable groups.

May also include a check against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists, which identifies individuals legally banned from working with those groups.

How Is a DBS Check Different from Other Background Checks?

The DBS check is specific to the UK and focuses on criminal history in the context of safeguarding. It is legally required for many roles, particularly those in regulated sectors like education and healthcare.

Here’s how it differs from other checks:

• Global or international background checks may include credit history, employment history, or overseas criminal records—but do not substitute for a DBS check in the UK.
• Employment reference checks verify work experience and references but do not show criminal history.
• Right-to-work checks confirm a person’s legal ability to work in the UK, not their criminal background.
• The DBS barred lists are unique and crucial—most other background checks don’t reveal whether someone is legally banned from working with children or adults at risk.

How to Get a DBS Check

The process for obtaining a DBS check varies based on the level required:

• Basic DBS Check: Individuals can apply directly through the government website or through a third-party provider.
• Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks: These must be requested by an employer or a registered umbrella body. Individuals cannot apply for these levels themselves.

You will be asked to provide identification documents, such as a passport or utility bill, and the DBS will process the application by checking national and local police records.

The DBS check is a vital part of the UK’s safeguarding system, helping protect the most vulnerable members of society. It offers peace of mind to employers and the public by ensuring that people in positions of trust are appropriately vetted. Whether you are applying for a job in a school, hospital, or care home—or volunteering in your local community—a DBS check helps maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.