DBS Check
A Disclosure and Barring Service check - a UK background screening process that reveals criminal convictions and cautions relevant to a role.
Quick Reference
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check) is a background screening process used by employers in England and Wales to check whether a person has a criminal record. It replaced the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check in 2012 and is administered by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Employers use DBS checks to make safer recruitment decisions, particularly for roles involving children, vulnerable adults, or positions of trust. There is no single universal expiry date - the DBS certificate itself does not expire, but most organisations set their own renewal policies, typically every 1-3 years for regulated roles.
Scotland uses a separate system (Disclosure Scotland / PVG scheme), and Northern Ireland uses Access NI.
Types of DBS Check
Basic DBS Check
Shows only unspent criminal convictions. Available to any individual for any job. Does not show spent convictions or cautions.
Standard DBS Check
Shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. More thorough than Basic.
Enhanced DBS Check
Most thorough level. Includes everything in Standard plus any relevant information held by local police forces.
Enhanced DBS with Barred List Check
Enhanced check PLUS a check against the list of people barred from working with children and/or vulnerable adults.
What Happens If It's Missed?
If an employer fails to obtain or renew a DBS check for a regulated role, they are in breach of their legal duty of care and safeguarding obligations. Staff without current checks may not legally continue working in regulated positions. In care homes, schools, and healthcare settings, this can trigger CQC, Ofsted, or regulatory body investigations. Employers can face prosecution, reputational damage, and civil liability. The risks are not theoretical - regulators regularly identify DBS lapses during inspections.
How Businesses Track & Manage This
Most organisations track DBS renewals in a central register - either a spreadsheet or purpose-built compliance software. The challenge is scale: a care home with 60 staff, multiple contractors, and volunteer workers can have 80+ DBS checks at different stages. Manual tracking fails when the HR manager is on leave, when an employee changes role, or when agency staff are onboarded rapidly. Purpose-built tracking software like ExpiryEdge notifies the responsible person 60-90 days before each DBS renewal is due - individually, for every worker, automatically.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a DBS check last?
The DBS certificate itself has no fixed expiry date. However, employers set their own renewal policies - typically every 1-3 years for regulated roles. The DBS Update Service allows employers to check whether a certificate is still current between renewal cycles (£13/year subscription for the employee).
Can someone start work before their DBS check is returned?
In many cases, yes - employers can hire on the basis of a risk assessment and verbal assurance while the check is processed, provided the role is not regulated activity. For regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, employers must wait for a clear Enhanced DBS with Barred List check or carry out specific risk mitigation. Policies vary by sector and employer.
Who pays for a DBS check?
Employers typically pay for DBS checks for their staff (£18-£38 depending on level). Voluntary roles are exempt from the fee. Individuals can apply for a Basic check themselves.
What is the DBS Update Service?
A subscription service (£13/year, paid by the employee) that keeps a DBS certificate up to date. Employers can check the certificate online rather than requesting a new one, saving time and cost. Particularly useful for roles with frequent DBS requirements.
Does a DBS check show all criminal history?
Not necessarily. The level of check determines what is shown. Basic shows only unspent convictions. Standard adds spent convictions and cautions. Enhanced adds police intelligence. Barred list checks add checks against specific registers. Spent convictions that meet filtering criteria may not appear at all.
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