Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Many of these questions are expanded upon in articles on our knowledge hub, which you can find here.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS Check is a search carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to establish someone's criminal record history. In short, it’s a criminal record check. There are three levels of DBS Check (Basic, Standard, and Enhanced) and each are required for different reasons.  

Once a check is complete, the DBS produce a certificate which confirms the criminal history of that applicant (if any). This allows employers to make recruitment decisions that both safeguard their business and the public. 

Previously known as CRB checks. The DBS formed after the merge of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in December 2012.

How do I apply for a DBS Check?

To apply for a DBS Check, you first need to find out what level of DBS Check you need - either Basic, Standard or Enhanced.

The level of DBS Check that you need can vary depending on your job and its associated responsibilities. Anyone can have a Basic DBS Check but the requirements for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks is a bit more restricted.

If you need a Basic DBS Check, the process is straightforward. You simply purchase your application via a Registered Body, like Personnel Checks, complete the form and provide your ID, then the check is sent off. If you want to get started, click here. Most Basic DBS Checks are completed in less than 48 hours.

When it comes to Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks, only employers can request these. If you’re looking for a provider who can process DBS Checks for your staff, you’ve come to the right place. We can have you completely onboarded in as little as 15 minutes. Once that’s done you can start sending digital DBS application forms to your applicants and start getting their DBS checks processed.

Just click here to get started.

If you’re a taxi or private hire driver, there are different rules. For more info, click here.

Who needs a DBS Check?

A wide range of people need DBS Checks, everyone doctors and nursers through to contractors working on school sites. However, the job title itself does not determine whether or not a DBS Check is required but rather the specific requirements of that role.

Many employers process Basic DBS Checks as a risk mitigation exercise, particularly in financial services. FCA regulations and others suggest processing these as best practice although they are rarely mandatory. Anybody can have a Basic DBS Check.

Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks are a mandatory requirement for many jobs that are defined as ‘Regulated Activity’. In some sectors, such as healthcare, nearly all the job roles require a DBS certificate in place to be compliant.

They are available to employers so they can ensure they have all the information available to be able to make a safe and effective recruitment decision. A DBS Check will reveal whether someone is barred from working with certain demographics.

What is ‘Regulated Activity’?

The legal definition of regulated activity is ‘work that a barred person must not do’. It the context of the Disclosure and Barring Service, regulated activity refers to roles generally involving children and/or vulnerable adults, such as care or teaching. It is clearly defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which has since been amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

The Disclosure and Barring Service have guidance booklets accessible on their website which gives advice on roles in the Child Workforce, Adult Workforce and Other Workforce.

What does a DBS Check show?

A DBS Check will reveal part or all of an applicant's criminal record history dependent on whether it is an Enhanced DBS, Standard DBS or Basic DBS Check.

A Basic DBS Check involves a search of the Police National Computer (PNC) and reveals any unspent criminal record information. Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks reveal both spent and unspent criminal record history. Enhanced DBS Checks reveal the most information and dependent on the role they can include a search of the Child’s or Adult’s Barred List and any notes that the police deem relevant to the position being applied for.

You can find our full breakdown of what a DBS Check shows here.

Can I apply for a DBS Check myseslf?

You can apply for a DBS Check yourself if you only need a Basic DBS Check. This is because Basic DBS Checks have no eligibility criteria, meaning they are available to anyone. If you need a Basic DBS Check for yourself, you can get one here.

The Standard and Enhanced DBS Check can only be used by employers needing to make a recruitment decision on an individual who will be, or is already, engaging in regulated activity. These checks allow them to make a safe recruitment decision based upon the DBS certificate information.

Individuals cannot make a recruitment decision on themselves even if they are engaging in regulated activity. If this applies to you, we suggest contacting your local authority or regulative body as they may be able to apply for a DBS Check on your behalf.

How long does a DBS Check take?

The Disclosure and Barring Service states that any level of DBS Check can take between 6-8 weeks to complete. In our experience, they don’t generally take this long. We have broken down the average processing times of our DBS Check submissions below:

Basic DBS Check: 1 - 2 days
Standard DBS Check: 2 - 7 days
Enhanced DBS Check: 10 – 14 days

The vast majority of DBS Checks are completed in less than a week. There is however no maximum to how long they can take. Checks can be delayed by applicant errors or external factors. You can find out more by following the links below.

Tips for ensuring a smooth DBS application

Why is my DBS Check taking so long?

How far back does a DBS Check search?

A DBS Check isn’t affected by time as the searches involved examine a person's entire criminal record history. The information included on the DBS Certificate depends on whether an offence is ‘spent’ or ‘unspent’ and the level of DBS Check applied for.

Some information will always be included on a DBS Certificate, no matter how long it has been since the offence was committed. These offences are usually known as ‘specified offences’. Additionally, any conviction that results in a custodial sentence as an adult will always be shown on a DBS Certificate.

How do I track a DBS application?

You can track your DBS Check once it’s in process by using the DBS’ tracking websites. Where you track your DBS Check online depends on what level of DBS Check you have applied for.

For Basic DBS Check tracking you need to visit this website and enter the required information.

For Standard and Enhanced DBS Check tracking you need to visit this website and enter the required information.  

How much does a DBS Check cost?

The cost of a DBS Check varies depending on which level of check is being applied for. Our list prices are:

Basic DBS Check: £43.10

Standard DBS Check: £52.20

Enhanced DBS Check: £75.90

Volunteer DBS Check: £26.40

What you see is what you get. We have no hidden fees and we don’t charge extra for ‘fast-track’ services that don’t exist. All prices include VAT.

Can you speed up or fast-track a DBS Check?

All DBS Checks are subject to the same processing times. Unfortuantely, there is no way to fast-track or speed up the DBS process. However, there are a number of screening companies out there that claim to offer a fast-track service. This service is usually a paid extra to get your DBS application submitted to the DBS on the same day. This is standard practice for Personnel Checks and any other reputable screening provider.

There are certain things you can do which can make sure your DBS Check goes through as smoothly as possible. You can find tips in our guide here.

What is checked with a DBS Check?

All DBS Checks involve a search of the Police National Computer for any conviction information. Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks will also check any local police notes for relevant information. In some cases, Enhanced DBS Checks will also check against the Children’s or Adult’s Barred List(s).

What will fail a DBS Check?

The only time a DBS Check could be ‘failed’ is if the check was submitted incorrectly, or the wrong information was provided on the form. This would invalidate the check and another would be required.

However, in terms of the check itself, it’s not something that can be failed. A DBS Check is simply a criminal record check which, when completed, produces a certificate with an individual’s criminal record history on it.

Whether or not you gain employment based on the information provided on a DBS certificate is a different matter. An employer will need to make a safe and fair recruitment decision based on this information.

Does a DBS Check Expire After 3 Years?

DBS Checks don’t last for a specific amount of time. They have no expiry date and the information is only correct at the point of issue.

Certain industries have best practice guides on how often you should complete a new DBS Check. Most organisations tend to carry out new DBS Checks every three years. This is why many think they expire after three years.

How do I renew my employees’ DBS Check?

DBS Checks can’t be renewed but getting new checks for existing staff is commonly referred to as a renewal. We expand on this in more detail in our knowledge hub article, here.

Are DBS Checks transferable?

It is at the employer's discretion whether they are willing to accept a pre-existing DBS certificate. It is recommended that employers run checks on any new staff regardless of existing certification.

The DBS do however run a subscription service, called the DBS Update Service. For a nominal fee (13.p.a) individuals can register their DBS certificate to the Update Service and the DBS will then keep this updated with any information. Individuals can then provide this to any prospective employers.

It’s important to note that DBS certificates on the Update Service are only transferrable if the roles meet the same eligibility criteria.

You can find out more about how to sign up for the Update Service here.

Can you start a new job before your DBS Check has been completed?

This is entirely down to the discretion of the employer that is requesting the check and the industry you are in.

In certain industries, like care and education, most people need to wait for a DBS Check to be completed before being allowed to work. This is to ensure that vulnerable individuals are safeguarded appropriately.

How long does a DBS Check last?

According to the government, a DBS never technically expires but that doesn’t mean you only need to do one! The certificate information is only accurate up until the date of issue anything beyond this point would require an additional check.

This is why it’s recommended that employers run DBS Checks on new staff even if they’ve had a DBS Check completed recently by another company. Only a new check would determine if an offence had been committed in the interim.

Best practice is to carry out new checks on existing staff every 3 years. Certain industries mandate shorter periods between checks so it’s best to familiarise yourself with the rules in your industry to ensure compliance.

Who receives the DBS Certificate?

When a DBS Check is completed the certificate is posted out directly to the applicant's current address, as it appears on the application form.

The exception to this is the Basic DBS Check. Applicants have the option to either, provide a ‘care of’ address for the certificate to be posted to, or, have the option to receive the result information only by email.

Should employees pay for DBS Checks?

Employers are not legally obligated to pay for any background checks they want to be completed before you start employment. However, it is definitely best practice for employers to pay for the checks they want completing.

When it comes to criminal record checks, some employers will ask applicants to pay for their DBS Check at first. They then reimburse this in your first wage. This often happens because people sometimes wait for their DBS certificate to arrive and then don’t actually start working.

Who are DBS Checks designed to protect?

DBS Checks are designed to protect the most vulnerable members of society. This includes children and adults who are considered vulnerable due to their age, illness or disability. DBS Checks are also designed to protect employers from recruiting people who may be a danger to their business.

What documents do I need to provide for my DBS Checks

When applying for a DBS Check, applicants need to provide either 2 or 3 types of documents, depending on the level of DBS Check. In most cases, DBS documents need to be the original copy as well as still being valid. You can find more information in our guide here.

What offences are never filtered from a DBS?

Specified offences are a type of offence which will never be filtered from a DBS Check. These are usually crimes of a serious violent or sexual nature, or are relevant for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Do Arrests Show on DBS Checks

Generally, the answer is that an arrest alone will not appear on a DBS check. This is because an arrest does not indicate guilt or conviction.

However, there are circumstances where certain information related to arrests might be disclosed on a DBS check. This is usually when the police feel it is relevant and necessary for an employer to be aware of before making a recruitment decision.

How long do convictions stay on a DBS Check?

Most criminal information has a rehabilitation period associated with it. Convictions will appear on a DBS Certificate until this rehabilitation period has been fulfilled. This is when a conviction becomes ‘spent’.

However, these convictions will still show on a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, as they both show spent and unspent convictions.

Certain convictions, known as specified offences, will never be removed from a DBS.

Who pays for the Update Service?

Only the holder of a Standard or Enhanced DBS Certificate can register for the Update Service. This means it is also their responsibility to pay for this subscription.

If as an employer, you wanted to reimburse these costs to your employee, this is to be done at your discretion. You cannot pay for the subscription on their behalf.

Can I Register my Employees to the DBS Update Service?

Even though the Update Service is a valuable tool for employers, the actions you can take to manage the process are limited.

You cannot register or pay for a subscription to the DBS Update Service on behalf of a DBS Certificate holder. This is something that they must do themselves.

How do I Share Update Service Information?

If you are trying to share Update Service information with your employer, you must first provide explicit consent for them to do so.

Once you have consented, you must provide your employer with your DBS certificate 12-digit reference number, your name and date of birth.

The employer can then go online and carry out a status check on your existing certificate(s).

Do I Need a DBS Certificate if I'm on the Update Service?

If you register for the DBS Update Service, you must retain the original DBS Certificate that you registered with. If you lose or misplace this certificate, your DBS Update Service subscription is invalid and a new DBS Check will be required.

Is the DBS Update Service Compuslory?

The DBS Update Service isn’t mandatory from a legal perspective, but in many sectors or organisations, it is compulsory in some way.

For example, taxi and private hire drivers must register for the DBS Update Service as part of their licence application. This is so their licensing authority can carry out regular criminality checks on their drivers.

If they fail to register for the Update Service, they must complete new DBS Checks every 6 months.

What do you need to register for the DBS Update Service?

All you need to register for the DBS Update Service is:

• Name

• Gender

• Date of birth

• Email address

• Application form reference, e-reference number or your DBS certificate number

• A payment card for the Update Service fee

Can I Register a Basic DBS Check to the Update Service?

You cannot register a Basic DBS Certificate to the DBS Update Service. This service is only available to holders of valid Standard or Enhanced DBS Certificates.

Can I view any individual's information on the Update Service?

You cannot randomly look up individuals on the DBS Update Service. You need consent from the DBS Certificate holder, you need to have seen their original certificate and must have some other personal details before you can look up someone’s details.

If you do view someone’s DBS information without consent or without the proper entitlement, you are breaking the law.

How long does an Update Service subscription last?

A subscription to the DBS Update Service lasts for one year. This subscription automatically renews, if you have selected this option during registration. The DBS will email you directly to advise you if your subscription is coming to an end, or, if your payment details have expired.

How much does the Update Service cost?

The Update Service costs £16 annually and must be paid for directly by the individual registering their certificate.

Is the DBS Update Service Good Value for money?

Over time, the DBS Update Service is excellent value for money. But let’s break it down with an example.

Retaining an employee for 10 years in a regulated industry means you’ll pay for at least 2-3 DBS Checks.

The DBS charge £38 for every Enhanced DBS Check submitted. If you’re using an Umbrella Body, you’ll be charged between £10-£50 administration fee.

If we say an Enhanced DBS Check costs you £50, one employee will cost you £150+ over a decade.

If you’re employing 100 people, that’s £15k+ over ten years!

Getting your employees to register for the Update Service could save you a significant amount of time and effort.

As an applicant, it is still good value for money, as you are pre-DBS checked for any job you apply for, and potentially never need to buy another DBS Check.

How long does a volunteer dbs check last?

Volunteer DBS Checks have no set expiry date. However, the information on a DBS Certificate can only be considered accurate at the point of issue.

This is why it’s best practice to always complete DBS Checks on new staff and volunteers. It’s equally important to carry out DBS Checks on existing workers at regular intervals.

Can Volunteer DBS Checks be added to the DBS Update Service?

Volunteers can register their DBS Certificates to the DBS Update Service. This will keep their certificate information updated if anything changes.

The DBS Update Service is also free of charge for volunteers. Volunteer Update Service subscriptions cannot be used for paid job roles.

Are DBS Checks Free FOR VOLUNTEERS?

Yes and no.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) do not charge Umbrella Bodies like Personnel Checks to submit DBS applications for volunteers. We however charge a small admin fee (£24.60 incl. VAT) to cover our costs for processing the checks.

Are Volunteer DBS Checks Portable?

DBS Checks become ‘portable’ when someone registers their certificate to the DBS Update Service. But portability depends on the type of work being done.

A DBS Check on the Update Service can only be accepted in a new role if the type of work that is being carried out meets the same criteria as the original check.

For example, a DBS Check carried out for working with children would not be acceptable for someone starting work with vulnerable adults.

A DBS Check carried out for a Volunteer can be used for other volunteering roles, but not for paid work.

How old do Volunteers Need to be for a DBS Check?

The minimum age for a DBS Check is 16 years old. Any child volunteering in a role where a DBS Check is mandatory must have a DBS Check completed when they turn 16.

Which Volunteer or Charity Roles Need a DBS Check?

In general, any role where a volunteer is working closely alongside vulnerable adults or children, a Volunteer DBS Check is required.

This is because the Volunteer DBS Check is the same level as the Enhanced DBS Check. These checks are used to prevent people working in roles where they may pose a threat to vulnerable groups.

The Enhanced DBS Check for Volunteers will disclose any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings on someone’s record. It can also include a search of the Child or Adult’s Barred List and any police notes deemed relevant to the role being carried out.

What is Online ID Verification?

Online ID Verification is an additional way to confirm an applicant’s identity during a DBS Check. Online ID Verification is built into the Personnel Checks product.

Applicants simply upload their required ID to our Online ID portal and take a selfie. Advanced technology then verifies this person is who they say they are.

Once an applicant has completed this successfully, their data is automatically populated onto their application form, straight from the documents they've uploaded.

This makes the application process quicker and significantly reduces the risk of typos and other errors by removing the need for manual data entry.

What is a Basic DBS Check?

A Basic Disclosure (also known as a Police Act Disclosure) is a certificate which confirms if an individual currently has any Unspent Convictions under The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This level of check is carried out by the Government organisation the' Disclosure and Barring Service.

An unspent conviction is a conviction that is either quite recent or quite severe. It will show up on an applicant's record because it has either only just happened or it was a very severe conviction.

This certificate can be applied by anyone, individuals or organisations can apply for these checks. The Basic check usually takes approximately 2 weeks to be processed.

What documents will I need?

When applying for a check you need certain documents and depending on the level of the check, these can differ.

For a Basic DBS Check you are required to provide one form of ID. Usually, 2 are required, but our Online ID Verification service removes the requirement for a supporting document.

For Online ID Verification, there are only 3 documents that can be used: Passport, Driving Licence, or, Biometric Residence Permit.

If you do not have these documents available, you can find more information in our guide here.

Can I Apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check for myself?

Unfortunately, you cannot process either Standard or Enhanced DBS Check online as an individual.

This is because these checks are reserved for use by employers who need to make suitability decisions on individuals working within regulated activity.

How can I get an Enhanced DBS Check if I'm self employed?

If you’re self-employed it can be difficult getting an Enhanced DBS Check as there needs to be someone making a suitability decision based on the result of the check.

This can usually be done by the organisation or agency contracting your services. You can find more information here.

What Self-Employed Jobs Require a DBS Check?

A whole range of different jobs require a DBS Check in place.

Contract work carried out in schools or hospitals usually require an Enhanced DBS Check. Some companies simply have a policy that all contractors have a Basic DBS Check in place before they will work together.

You can find more info here.

How Can I Get a Standard DBS Check If I'm Self Employed?

If you’re self-employed it can be difficult getting a Standard DBS Check. This is because there needs to be someone making a suitability decision based on the result of the check.

This can usually be done by the organisation or agency contracting your services. You can find more information here.

Can my Basic DBS Check be posted overseas?

DBS Certificates will be posted to the current address as it appears on the application form, whether it is a domestic or overseas address.

However, the Disclosure and Barring Service will not accept responsibility for certificates that get lost in the post to international addresses.

How long do Basic DBS Checks last?

Basic DBS Checks don’t last for a specific period of time. The information provided on a DBS Certificate is only correct for the period of time preceding its issue. Most organisations have their own rules around how often a DBS Check should be carried out. This is usually between 1-3 years.

What's included in a Basic DBS Check?

A Basic DBS Check involves a search of the Police National Computer. This will contain details of any convictions and conditional cautions considered to be ‘unspent’ under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This is the lowest level of criminal record check available.

Can I upgrade a Basic DBS Check to an Enhanced DBS Check?

Basic DBS Checks cannot be upgraded or converted into a higher level of DBS Check. DBS Certificates are only correct at the time of issue. If more detailed information is needed a new DBS Check would need to be processed.

Who can request a Basic DBS Check?

Basic DBS Checks hold no eligibility criteria. This means that anyone can apply for one. If you need to carry out Basic DBS Checks for your employees, you can submit a contact form here.

Can I register a Basic DBS Check to the Update Service?

You cannot register for the Update Service with a Basic DBS Check. The Update Service is only available to holders of Standard or Enhanced DBS Certificates. You can find more information here.

Are Basic DBS Checks free?

Basic DBS Checks are the cheapest criminal record check available but they aren’t free. The list price for a Basic DBS Check is £43.1o which discounts available for bulk orders.

What's the difference between a Basic and Standard DBS Check?

A Basic DBS Check will only reveal unspent convictions and cautions. A Standard DBS Check is more comprehensive and will also include details on any spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.

What ID is needed for a Basic DBS Check?

For a Basic DBS application 2 forms of ID need to be provided. The most common combination of documents is a driving licence and bank statement. You can find a full list of valid ID here.

How long do Standard DBS Checks last?

Standard DBS Checks don’t last for a specific period of time. The information provided on a DBS Certificate is only correct for the period of time preceding its issue.

Most organisations have their own rules around how often a DBS Check should be carried out. This is usually between 1-3 years.

What's included on a Standard DBS Check?

A Standard DBS Check is a search of the Police National Computer (PNC). It will reveal any spent or unspent:

• Convictions

• Cautions

• Reprimands or wanings

Can I register a Standard DBS Check to the Update Service?

Standard DBS Checks can be registered to the Update Service. If you need more information on registering a Standard DBS on the Update Service, click here.

What are 'filtered' convictions and cautions?

Filtering is the term commonly used to describe what elements of someone’s criminal record will be disclosed on a DBS certificate.

If something is filtered, it will not be disclosed

For adults, most cautions are filtered after 6 years and convictions are filtered after 11 years.

There are exemptions to filtering rules. Some offences will always be disclosed. This generally refers to serious violent or sexual offences.

For a comprehensive guide go to the government website here.

What is the difference between a Standard and Enhanced DBS Check?

Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks generally include the same information. The only differences are, the Enhanced DBS Check:

Will show any notes that local police forces deem relevant to the employer carrying out the DBS Check.

Can include an optional search of the Adult or Child’s barred lists (or both).

What ID is needed for a Standard DBS Check?

Applicants need to provide 3 forms of ID in support of an Enhanced DBS Check. You can find a full list of all the valid ID that can be used here. You can find useful tips on how to verify ID correctly here.

What Is Not Covered On A Standard Disclosure?

A Standard DBS Check does not include:

• A search of the Children’s Barred List

• A search of the Adult Barred List

• Notes from local police departments deemed relevant considering the individual’s job role.

If you are employing individuals who are working closely with vulnerable adults or children, it could be the Enhanced DBS Check that you need.

How Much Do Standard DBS Checks cost?

The Government fee for Standard DBS Checks is £18 (exempt from VAT). Our prices start as low as £5 (incl. VAT) + Gov Fee*.

To work out the best deal for your organisation, get in touch with the team today!

You can call on 01254 355688 or submit a contact form here.

*Prices are dependent on the volume of checks being processed.

Who Receives The Standard DBS Certificate?

When a Standard DBS Check has been completed, the certificate is posted out to the current address the applicant has stated on the DBS application form.

How long does a Standard DBS Check take?

The average processing time for Standard DBS Checks submitted by Personnel Checks is between 2-7 days.

The DBS stipulate that all levels of DBS Check can take up to 8 weeks.

How much does a Standard DBS Check cost?

Our price for an Enhanced DBS Check is £52.20, VAT inclusive.

With our prices, what you see is what you get. We have no hidden fees and we don’t charge extra for ‘fast-track’ services that don’t exist.

How long does an Enhanced DBS Check take?

When a DBS application is submitted, they are passed over to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All DBS Checks are subject to the same processing times at the DBS, regardless of who submits them.

The average turnaround time for an Enhanced DBS Check submitted by Personnel Checks is 6 days. This is 2 days quicker than the national average. However, they can be processed in as little as 24 hours.

There are a number of organisations that offer ‘fast-track’ service at an extra cost. These services will not speed up the DBS Check itself as all DBS Checks are subject to the DBS processing times.

How do I get an Enhanced DBS Check?

To get an Enhanced DBS Check its a simple 4-step process:

1. Register your business with us, in as little as ten minutes.

2. Complete the DBS application form(s)

3. Verify the applicant’s ID (see below for more info)

4. Submit the application and wait for the DBS Check to be completed!

Once a check is completed a DBS Certificate is posted out to the applicant directly. Notification of the completion will be sent to the manager on the application form via email. If you want to get started with processing Enhanced DBS Checks, submit a form here.

Can I get an Enhanced DBS Check for myself?

Enhanced DBS Checks are only available to employers who need to make a recruitment or suitability decision on a person who is working in regulated activity (see below). This means that as an individual you cannot get an Enhanced DBS Check for yourself.

What ID is needed for an Enhanced DBS Check?

Applicants need to provide 3 forms of ID in support of an Enhanced DBS Check.

The most common documents used in support of an Enhanced DBS applications are:

• Passport (Group 1)

• Driving Licence (Group 1)

• Bank Statement (Group 2b)

You can find a full list of all the valid ID that can be used here.

Any combination of documents can be used as long as at least one is a Group 1 document.

You can find useful tips on how to verify ID correctly here.

What is regulated activity?

Regulated activity is a DBS definition that describes certain activities involving vulnerable groups. There is two types of regulated activity, ‘activity with adults’ and ‘activity with children’.

There is no definitive list determining which roles meet the definition of regulated activity. The DBS, Home Office and other government agencies collaborate to produce guidance that can help you determine whether a role can be classed as regulated activity.

If you’re unsure whether a role meets the eligibility criteria, give us a call and we can give you advice on this.

What is not covered on an Enhanced DBS Check?

The following information would not be disclosed on an Enhanced DBS Certificate:

• Fixed penalty notices

• Allegations

• Filtered cautions or convictions (see below)

• Details of whether convictions or cautions are spent or unspent.

Can I apply for an Enhanced DBS Check if I'm self-employed?

Enhanced DBS Checks for self-employed individuals can be complicated.

Although you might need Enhanced DBS Checks and meet all of the eligibility criteria, in the eyes of the DBS there is no one who can make a recruitment or suitability decision based upon the result of that check.

We have produced a comprehensive guide for self-employed people, which you can find here.

How long does an Enhanced DBS Check last?

Enhanced DBS Checks don’t last for a specific period of time. The information provided on a DBS Certificate is only correct for the period of time preceding its issue. Most organisations have their own rules around how often Enhanced DBS Check should be carried out. This is usually between 1-3 years.

Can Enhanced DBS Checks be registered to the DBS Update Service?

Enhanced DBS Checks can be registered to the Update Sevice. If you need more information on registering an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, click here.

How much does an Enhanced DBS Check Cost?

Our price for an Enhanced DBS Check is £75.90, VAT inclusive.

With our prices, what you see is what you get. We have no hidden fees and we don’t charge extra for ‘fast-track’ services that don’t exist.