Enhanced DBS Check
An enhanced DBS check is the most detailed and in-depth criminal record and barring check that can be carried out in the United Kingdom.
Employers and organisations can apply for an enhanced disclosure to ensure that candidates are suitable for the role they have applied for. The enhanced check is usually used to vet people for roles that involve working with vulnerable adults or children.
The enhanced disclosure involves checking an individual’s criminal history and whether they appear on the children or adult barred list. The enhanced DBS check is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in England and Wales, and in Scotland by Disclosure Scotland.
What does an Enhanced DBS Check cover?
An enhanced disclosure checks the PNC and barring list for any:
– Caution
– Convictions
– Reprimands and warnings (now replaced by youth cautions)
– Previously stepped-down cautions or convictions
– Police intelligence reports (local police can add anything they think is relevant)
– Inclusion on the Children’s and/or Barring List (if specified on the application).
For each recorded criminal offence, the report reveals the conviction or caution date, name of the court, nature of the offence, date of the offence, and the details of the sentence imposed.
What is not covered on an Enhanced Disclosure?
The following are not disclosed on an enahnced DBS check:
– Fixed penalty notices (e.g. speeding tickets, littering fines, etc.)
– Allegations (if you are accused, but not prosecuted of a crime)
– Filtered cautions or convictions (see below for more details)
– Details of whether convictions or cautions are spent or unspent.
What are “filtered” convictions and cautions?
Cautions are filtered after 2 years for under 18’s and 6 years for adults.
Convictions are filtered after 5.5 years for under 18’s and 11 years for adults.
Some offences are exempt from filtering, i.e. they will always be disclosed on a standard or enhanced DBS check. Here are some examples:
– Many sexual offences, including indecent assault, possessing indecent images of children, etc.
– Some violent offences, including affray, assault with actual bodily harm, robbery, etc.
– Safeguarding offences, including wilfully abandoning a child under 16.
Supply of controlled substances.
For a more detailed list, please visit the UK government website.
Who typically requests an Enhanced DBS Check?
Examples of employers that may request enhanced checks are:
– Any position working with children or vulnerable adults
– Teacher
– Social worker
– Carer
– Taxi drivers
How do I get an Enhanced DBS Check?
Your employer must apply with your consent. You cannot apply for an enhanced DBS check individually. After processing, the DBS certificate is returned to the named applicant. The applicant will then need to produce the certificate before starting their new role.
Can I apply for an Enhanced DBS Check if I’m self-employed?
No, the application must be made by the organisation or company that is hiring you. Individual applications are not allowed.
