Standard DBS Check
A standard DBS check is a more in-depth criminal record check than the basic one. Individuals cannot apply directly for a standard disclosure, it is carried out by employers or organisations for roles that require it.
The check is undertaken by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in England and Wales, and Disclosure Scotland for north of the border. Information for the checks are taken from the Police National Computer (PNC).
A standard DBS check highlights the criminal history of a person to potential employers or other organisations, to avoid unsuitable hirings or to protect vulnerable groups.
What does a Standard DBS Check cover?
A standard disclosure checks the PNC for any:
– Caution
– Convictions
– Reprimands and warnings (now replaced by youth cautions)
– Previously stepped-down cautions or convictions
For each recorded offence, the report discloses 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 a Standard Disclosure?
The following are not disclosed:
– 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 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 a Standard DBS Check?
Examples of employers that may ask for standard checks are:
– Those regulated by the FCA such as accountants, financial advisers, etc.
– Security companies
– Solicitors
– Health and social care
How do I get a Standard DBS Check?
Your employer must apply with your consent. You cannot apply for a standard 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.
