Allegations & Pending Matters – Are They Revealed On A DBS Check?
There are plenty of misconceptions about what actually shows up on a DBS check and what doesn’t. For instance, most people know that Basic DBS checks don’t reveal too much about an individual’s criminal record, other than unspent convictions, but many think that everything is revealed on a Standard DBS check or Enhanced DBS check, including allegations and pending matters.
Both employers and applicants requiring a DBS check want to know: is it true that allegations and pending matters show up on a DBS check?
The truth is – it depends on various factors, including the nature and severity of the crime. More on this later, but first, let’s first look at how to apply for a DBS check, before exploring the extent to which convictions and warnings are revealed.
Types of DBS Certificate
The first thing you need to know is how to apply for a DBS certificate. The answer depends on the level of check you are getting done.
- Basic DBS Check – Can be applied for by the individual or employer. Reveals only unspent convictions.
- Standard DBS Check – Application must be submitted by the employer, not the individual. Reveals spent and unspent convictions, warnings, reprimands, and cautions.
- Enhanced DBS Check – Same as the standard check, but also reveals any additional police notes and relevant allegations or pending matters – more on this later.
DBS checks can be applied for online or by hand. Online applications are faster and have built-in checking procedures which means it’s less likely that mistakes will be made. Online applications are usually processed within 24 hours and you can see the result online, with the certificate following in the post within 7 days – on average. Postal applications take longer with an average of 14 days turnaround.
Notes on Allegations or Pending Matters
Pending matters and allegations are just the charges that are brought against an individual, that may become convictions if the individual admits guilt or is found to be guilty in a court of law. Allegations and pending matters are never revealed on a basic or standard DBS check, but are sometimes shown on an enhanced DBS certificate.
Police can highlight allegations and pending matters on an enhanced DBS check if they believe it to be relevant to the role in question. For instance, if a person is applying for a job as a schoolteacher and child abuse allegations have been made against the individual, the police will include details in the check.
Police decide whether to disclose allegations and pending matters information on an Enhanced DB check based on the nature and severity of the offense, the type or responsibility of the job in question, or a combination of the two.
Should You Disclose Allegations or Pending Matters To Your Employer?
Whether you are applying for a job or already in a role, the best thing to do is be upfront with your employer and disclose the details. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to criminal charges. In fact, disclosing the allegations without being prompted may even help to build trust between you and your employer.
Also, it’s always better for your employer to hear it directly from you, rather than find out for themselves from a third-party or criminal background check.
However, you do need to be prepared that it may affect your chances of getting the job. Once your employer or potential employer knows about the allegations, it’s up to them whether to continue with your application or employment.
When Allegations Become A Conviction After A DBS Check
If you are tried for an alleged crime and found guilty, or admit guilt, you should disclose the conviction to your employer or potential employer as soon as possible. Again, honesty is the best policy and if your employer finds out that you failed to disclose a conviction, you can land in serious hot water.
Make The Right Choice
If you are the subject of an allegation or pending matters for any type of offense, the best thing to do is disclose the details to your employer, especially if you are about to get an Enhanced DBS Check, as they will find out anyway.
To find out more about DBS checks, including how to take advantage of our online application service, you can apply here.
