What DBS Check do pharmacists and pharmacy staff need?
Every pharmacy plays a crucial role in protecting public health — not only through the services it delivers, but through the people it employs. Whether it’s a registered pharmacist, a pharmacy technician, or front-line counter staff, ensuring the right individuals are in place is fundamental to maintaining trust, compliance, and patient safety.
An essential part of this safeguarding process is applying the correct DBS Check for each role. But understanding which level of check is needed — and when — isn’t always straightforward. It’s not just about job titles; it’s about the specific duties carried out and the legal eligibility attached to them.
In this article, we explain which pharmacy roles require a DBS Check, what level of check applies, and how you can stay compliant with current safeguarding requirements.
Why Are DBS Checks Important in Pharmacies?
Pharmacies are increasingly at the forefront of healthcare delivery. Under the NHS Pharmacy First initiative, patients can now access a wider range of frontline services directly through their local pharmacy — from treating common conditions to providing urgent medicine supplies.
This expansion means pharmacists and pharmacy staff are more frequently involved in direct patient care, handling sensitive health information, and making clinical decisions that impact patient outcomes. With this increased responsibility comes an even greater need for robust safeguarding measures.
DBS Checks play a central role in ensuring that pharmacy staff are suitable for their positions and do not pose a risk to vulnerable individuals. Registered professionals, such as pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, are required to meet the high standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) — and an Enhanced DBS Check is a key part of that process.
For employers, DBS Checks are not just a regulatory requirement; they’re a critical part of maintaining patient trust, reducing risk, and ensuring pharmacy services are delivered safely and responsibly.
Understanding DBS Check Levels
To apply the right DBS Check, pharmacy employers first need to understand the different levels available and when each is appropriate.
Basic DBS Check
Shows unspent convictions only. While this can be requested for any role, it is optional and not specifically required under pharmacy safeguarding frameworks.Standard DBS Check
Includes details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. Suitable for certain pharmacy roles that do not involve regulated activity but where a higher level of screening may still be appropriate, such as some dispensing or counter staff.Enhanced DBS Check
Includes everything in a Standard Check plus any relevant local police information. This is the minimum recommended for registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians under professional body standards.Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Check
Adds checks against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists. This is used when the role involves regulated activity, such as providing healthcare or personal care directly to vulnerable adults or children.
It’s important to remember that eligibility for a specific level of DBS Check is determined by the duties and responsibilities of the role — not just the job title. Applying the correct level of check helps employers stay aligned with safeguarding expectations and regulatory best practices.
DBS Check Requirements by Role
Understanding the right level of DBS Check for each pharmacy role is essential — not only to meet safeguarding expectations but also to avoid unnecessary checks or missing critical vetting steps.
Below is a summary of common pharmacy roles and the type of DBS Check typically applied. Remember, eligibility is determined by the nature of the work (such as providing healthcare or managing regulated activity), not just the job title.
The table below should not be considered legal advice and is general guidance based upon the DBS’ eligibility guidance.
| Role | Type of DBS Check | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Pharmacist | Enhanced DBS Check with barred list check | Provides healthcare services directly to patients; eligible for children’s and adults’ barred list checks. |
| Pharmacy Technician (Registered) | Enhanced DBS Check with barred list check | Assists in healthcare delivery, often has direct patient contact; eligible for enhanced checks including barred lists. |
| Pharmacy Manager (non-clinical) | Enhanced DBS Check (without barred list check) | Manages individuals carrying out regulated activity (e.g., pharmacists, technicians); management of regulated activity makes them eligible even without direct patient care. |
| Pharmacy Manager (also providing care) | Enhanced DBS Check with barred list check | Both manages regulated activity and engages in direct healthcare provision; eligible for full enhanced check including barred lists. |
| Pharmacy Dispenser / Counter Staff | Standard or Enhanced DBS Check (depending on duties) | Typically no eligibility for barred list check unless providing direct healthcare or personal care; check level depends on specific responsibilities. |
| Delivery Drivers (prescription meds) | No DBS Check (unless performing regulated duties or delivering controlled drugs) | Usually no eligibility; however, if delivering controlled drugs or performing additional regulated duties, may be eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check. |
| Administrative / Back-Office Staff | No DBS Check (unless performing regulated duties) | No direct patient interaction or regulated activity; not eligible for DBS Check. |
Employers should take care to assess each role carefully.
For example, a pharmacy manager who oversees staff carrying out regulated activity is eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check even if they do not provide care themselves. Meanwhile, delivery drivers or administrative staff may not be eligible unless their duties bring them into regulated activity — though some employers may choose to request Basic DBS Checks for added reassurance.
It’s always advisable to review roles regularly, especially when staff take on new responsibilities or when regulations change. Applying the wrong level of check can lead to compliance risks or delay recruitment unnecessarily.
Staying Compliant and Avoiding Mistakes
Ensuring compliance with DBS Check requirements is an ongoing responsibility for pharmacy employers. It’s not just about making sure checks are completed at the point of hire — it’s about maintaining appropriate safeguarding measures throughout the employment lifecycle.
Common pitfalls to watch out for include:
Requesting the wrong level of check — applying for a barred list check when the role doesn’t meet the legal criteria, or under-checking staff engaged in regulated activity.
Failing to re-check when roles change — for example, when a dispenser is promoted into a supervisory or management role that qualifies for enhanced checks.
Assuming ‘one check fits all’ — different staff members will have different eligibility based on their specific duties, not just because they all work in the same pharmacy setting.
With the NHS Pharmacy First programme expanding frontline pharmacy services, it’s more important than ever to ensure safeguarding measures keep pace. Employers should regularly review role descriptions, eligibility requirements, and regulatory updates to stay aligned with best practice.
In fact, upcoming changes in 2026 will make it mandatory for all pharmacy staff to hold an Enhanced DBS Check issued within the last three years — a topic we explore in more detail in our next article.
Need help navigating DBS Checks for your pharmacy team?
At Personnel Checks, we’re here to make safeguarding simpler. Our team can help you identify the correct level of DBS Check for each role, manage applications efficiently, and keep your compliance on track.
Get in touch with us today to ensure your pharmacy is applying the right checks with confidence. You can drop us a line on 01254 355688 or submit a contact form here.