What Offences & Allegations Show Up On A DBS Check?
When it comes to what actually shows up on a DBS check – there is a lot of confusion and misconceptions.
For instance, some people wonder whether criminal convictions from decades ago will be revealed, or whether allegations or pending cases will show up when their criminal record is searched.
This guide will break down exactly what is searched for and revealed by the different types of DBS check.
What Does A Basic DBS Check Reveal?
A basic DBS check is the lowest level of criminal record search and therefore reveals the least. Also, it’s the only DBS check that can be requested by an individual to be carried out on themselves. All the others need to be requested by an employer or registered body.
The basic DBS check reveals the following:
- Unspent Convictions
- Conditional Cautions
Spent convictions are not shown up in a basic check. An unspent conviction is a conviction that has not yet met the required time for it to be moved to a spent conviction status on a criminal record. Different offences have varying lengths of time, which must pass without further convictions, before they are considered spent.
As mentioned, anybody can apply for a basic DBS check, including some employers for jobs that don’t involve safeguarding issues, such as supermarket attendants, warehouse workers, and administrative staff.
What Does A Standard DBS Check Reveal?
A standard DBS check is the next level up from a basic DBS check, but is not as in-depth as an enhanced DBS check. It can only be requested by authorised bodies, not individuals.
A standard DBS check reveals:
- Spent Convictions
- Unspent Convictions
- Cautions
- Warnings
- Reprimands
The types of job that usually ask for s standard DBS check are those that involve working with children or vulnerable adults, but not usually in an unsupervised capacity.
What Does An Enhanced DBS Check Reveal?
An enhanced DBS check is the highest level of DBS check, and can actually be requested in one of two ways, either:
- An enhanced DBS check on its own
- An enhanced DBS check with barred list.
The barred list option includes a search through the DBS’s list of individuals that have been barred from working with vulnerable people.
The enhanced DBS check reveals:
- Spent Convictions
- Unspent Convictions
- Cautions
- Warnings
- Reprimands
- Any other relevant information held by local police departments
- An optional check of the DBS barred list
As you would expect for the highest level of DBS check, the enhanced DBS check is used for jobs and professions that have the higher levels of responsibility when it comes to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. For example, schoolteachers, doctors, nurses, childminders, care workers, etc.
Are Allegations Or Pending Cases Revealed?
Allegations and pending matters will not be highlighted on basic DBS checks or standard DBS checks, unless you decide to plead guilty or if you are found guilty in a court of law.
Depending on the nature of the allegations, they may be revealed on an enhanced DBS check if the police believe that the information may be relevant to a safeguarding role or DBS regulated activity involving children and vulnerable adults. For example, a case in which the charges against an individual facing prosecution for crimes against children are dropped due to a technicality.
Should I Tell My Employer In Advance If I Have A Criminal Record Or Allegations?
If you have convictions that will be revealed on a DBS check and the employer is likely to request one, it is best to tell them upfront to avoid going through the process unnecessarily and wasting time. Also, it doesn’t look good if you don’t tell your employer and they have to find out through a DBS check.
Regarding allegations or cases pending, again you should be honest with your employer. If they find out later on that you failed to mention it, it could end up in dismissal. Also, if the allegation doesn’t show up on a DBS check, but you are later found guilty and prosecuted, you should inform your employer forthwith. Remember – honesty is the best policy.
Applying For A DBS Certificate Online
You can apply for a DBS check by post or online. The online service we offer makes the whole process much smoother, easier, and faster. You fill out the form online here, submit your documents electronically, and get your results back within 24 hours.
To find out more about DBS checks and applying online, get in touch with one of our team today.
