Which Cautions and Convictions Show Up on DBS Checks?
Job applicants and employers for roles that involve a DBS Check are often keen to understand what will be highlighted on the DBS Certificate.
In this article, we will explain the different levels of DBS Checks and what cautions and convictions are revealed on each one.
What is Revealed on a DBS Check?
DBS checks are a tool used by employers to check an individual’s criminal background. There are three levels of DBS Check – basic, standard, and enhanced. Each one reveals different things.
- Basic DBS Check – Reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions
- Standard DBS Check – Reveals spent and unspent conviction, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
- Enhanced DBS Check – Reveals the same details as a standard check, as well as any other relevant information held on police records.
In 2013, the government introduced a filtering system to help with the rehabilitation of offenders, which means that some cautions and convictions may be filtered out of a DBS Check.
How does filtering work?
Filtering is similar to the rehabilitation periods that are stated in the original Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The filtering process means that certain cautions or convictions will not be disclosed as a result of a DBS Check. This does not mean that the cautions or conviction is expunged from the person’s criminal record. It simply means that it will not be displayed on the DBS certificate.
Job applicants are also legally entitled to withhold information of filtered convictions or cautions when they apply for the role.
What type of convictions and cautions can be filtered?
The types of convictions and cautions that can be filtered and omitted from DBS check results are usually those that are considered to be less serious. For example:
- Motoring offences
- Drunk and disorderly
- Possession of drugs
- Minor theft
- Common assault
Cautions can be filtered after two years for minors (under 18) and six years for adults (18 and over). Convictions are eligible for filtering after 5.5 years for minors and 11 years for adults.
More serious offences are NOT suitable for filtering. For example:
- Sexual offences
- Violent assault
- Safeguarding-related offences
- Supplying or smuggling drugs
- Weapons offences
For more information on filtering, check out the DBS website.
Summary of cautions and convictions on DBS Checks
DBS Checks reveal cautions and convictions that people have on their criminal record. However, each level of check reveals different details. Also, some cautions and convictions are eligible for filtering, which means that they won’t show up on a DBS Check.
For more details on DBS Checks and filtering, get in touch with one of our expert advisors today.
