DBS Checks: A Simple Guide to the Four Types

A DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check) is an official criminal record check used in England and Wales to help employers and organisations make lawful and safe decisions about appointing individuals to roles, particularly those involving work with children, vulnerable adults or positions of trust. The Disclosure and Barring Service issues certificates at four different levels, each designed to match the nature of the role and the information needed about a person's criminal history.

This article explains the four main types of DBS checks, what each check reveals, who can request them and how they are used in recruitment and safeguarding.

What a DBS Check Is

A DBS check searches information held on the Police National Computer (PNC), and where eligible on local police systems and DBS Barred Lists, to disclose relevant details about a person's convictions, cautions and other pertinent information. The check results in a DBS certificate that an employer or organisation will use to assess suitability for a role.

There are four levels of DBS check:

• Basic DBS check
• Standard DBS check
• Enhanced DBS check
• Enhanced DBS check with Barred Lists

Each level reveals different types and amounts of information.

Basic DBS Check

Overview

The Basic DBS check is the simplest and least detailed level of criminal record disclosure. It is available for any purpose, including applications for employment, volunteering or visas. Individuals can apply for it themselves, or an employer or organisation can apply on their behalf with their consent.

Information Disclosed

A basic check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Most convictions eventually become “spent” after a defined rehabilitation period and will not appear on a basic certificate once spent.

When It Is Used

Basic checks are commonly used for roles where a small level of criminal record information is considered appropriate but the role does not have a legal requirement for a more detailed disclosure. Because basic checks are not tied to specific roles in legislation, anyone can request one as part of a recruitment or application process.

Standard DBS Check

Overview

The Standard DBS check is more detailed than a basic check and is only available for roles that are eligible under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Employers cannot request a standard check unless the role is specifically eligible and the organisation is legally permitted to ask for this information.

Information Disclosed

A standard certificate includes:

• Spent and unspent convictions
• Cautions, reprimands and warnings
• All information on the Police National Computer (PNC) that is not filtered under DBS rules

When It Is Used

Standard checks are typically used for positions such as security officers, solicitors, certain public sector roles and other jobs where the law allows consideration of a person's full conviction and caution history.

Enhanced DBS Check

Overview

The Enhanced DBS check is a higher level of disclosure suitable for roles with greater safeguarding responsibilities - most commonly those involving regular contact with children or vulnerable adults. Like the standard check, it can only be requested for roles that are legally eligible.

Information Disclosed

An enhanced check includes:

• The same information as a standard check (spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings)
• Relevant local police information held by forces that may not be on the PNC but is considered pertinent to the role

Local police information is included at the discretion of the police and must be assessed as relevant and proportionate to the purpose of the check.

When It Is Used

Enhanced checks are required for regulated activities such as teaching, social care, healthcare and other roles where safeguarding duties are central. They are also commonly used for recruitment into organisations working with vulnerable groups.

Enhanced DBS Check With Barred Lists

Overview

The Enhanced DBS check with Barred Lists is the most comprehensive level of disclosure. It is specifically used for regulated activity involving children and/or vulnerable adults and includes everything in an enhanced check plus checks against the DBS Barred Lists.

Barred Lists Explained

The DBS maintains:

• Children's Barred List – individuals barred from caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of children
• Adults' Barred List – individuals barred from working with vulnerable adults in regulated activity

If a person is on one of these lists, the DBS certificate will indicate this, which can affect their eligibility for certain types of work.

When It Is Used

This level of check is used when a role includes regulated activity with children, vulnerable adults, or both. Examples include childminders, care home staff, foster carers, and adoption applicants. Requests for checks of barred lists are only lawful where the post falls within the statutory definition of regulated activity.

How DBS Levels Relate to Recruitment

Selecting the right level of DBS check is crucial for lawful and fair recruitment. An employer must:

• Determine whether the role is eligible for standard or enhanced checks by consulting DBS eligibility guidance or an eligibility tool
• Ensure that any request for a higher-level check is proportionate and compliant with legislation
• Obtain the applicant's consent before processing any DBS application

Employers should not request higher levels of checks than necessary for the role, as this could breach protections under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and data protection law.

Common Questions About DBS Levels

Can an individual apply for any level?

Individuals can apply for a basic DBS check directly themselves. For standard and enhanced checks, applications must be made by a registered body (usually an employer or organisation) on behalf of the applicant.

Are spent convictions always disclosed?

Spent convictions do not appear on basic DBS checks, but they may appear on standard and enhanced checks depending on filtering rules and eligibility.

What are “local police records”?

Local police forces may hold information on individuals that does not appear on national systems but is considered relevant for safeguarding or safety purposes. This can be disclosed on enhanced checks.

Key Takeaways

DBS checks are a vital tool for employers and organisations to understand criminal record information in a way that matches the responsibility and risk associated with a role. The four types - Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred Lists - provide progressively more detailed levels of disclosure, from simple unspent conviction information to comprehensive checks including police intelligence and barred list status. Understanding each level helps ensure lawful, fair and effective recruitment and safeguarding practice across sectors.