What Criminal Record Does a DBS Check Reveal?
Most people who apply for a DBS check are primarily concerned about precisely what the DBS check reveals. One of the primary purposes of a DBS check is to ensure that the applicant is suitable for working with children or vulnerable adults, which means a clean criminal record.
So what exactly appears on your criminal record, and how does it affect your chances of getting hired in specific roles?
What Criminal Record Does Your DBS Check Reveal?
Knowing what comes up on your DBS certificate is a significant concern to many people. However, it is essential to note that your DBS certificate will display only specific information.
The amount of information revealed will depend heavily on the level of DBS check you decide to complete; We have the basic, standard, or enhanced DBS checks, each having its group of information intensity. Here’s what they all reveal about your criminal record.
Basic DBS Check: A basic DBS check reveals any unspent convictions on your criminal record.
Standard DBS Check: A standard DBS check reveals any unspent convictions on your criminal record, but it also shows spent convictions, warnings, and reprimands.
Enhanced DBS Check: An enhanced DBS check is similar to a standard DBS check and reveals everything a standard DBS check will also display. An enhanced DBS check will also include any relevant local police notes.
Now that we know what part of your criminal record is revealed on your DBS certificate, you should also understand that not every conviction or caution will be included in your DBS certificate. Why is that? This is because some parts of a criminal record can be cleared. So, how does it work?
How Does The Information On Your Criminal Record Work?
Information on a criminal record isn’t static, and it changes depending on the nature of the crime and the time. For this reason, a DBS certificate cannot reveal every piece of information on your criminal record.
During any level of DBS check, the Disclosure and Barring Service looks at how crimes and cautions are categorized concerning age and time.
Age 18+ At The Time Of Offence
If you commit a crime at the age of 18 and older, you are regarded as an adult, and your conviction will be cleared and not displayed on your certificate if, and only if;
- It’s been 11 years since the crime was committed.
- The crime didn’t appear on any relevant safeguarding list.
- There wasn’t any prison sentence.
- A clean record has been maintained since then.
Cautions work a little bit differently. Any relevant cautions will be cleared if the person is over 18 years of age and meet the following criteria;
- More than six years since the caution was given.
- The crime didn’t appear on any relevant safeguarding list.
A Minor At The Time Of Offence
Anyone under 18 is regarded as a minor, even if they are now over 18 at the time of applying. The crimes committed by a minor are more likely to be removed if they meet the following requirements.
- There wasn’t any prison conviction.
- It’s been 5 and half years since the crime was committed
- That was the only offence, and there haven’t been other offences.
- The crime didn’t appear on any relevant safeguarding list.
Cautions work a little bit differently when it comes to minors. Cautions will be cleared for minors if they meet the following criteria;
- More than 2 years have passed since the caution was given.
- The crime didn’t appear on any relevant safeguarding list.
You should be aware some crimes are never removed, depending on the crime. The DBS will display crimes of those nature on the DBS certificate to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
Contact our trusted advisors today to learn more about DBS checks and how to get started on your application.
