Check someone’s criminal record as an employer
Employers can check the criminal record of someone applying for a role. This is known as getting a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS ) check.
You can request a more detailed check for certain roles, for example in healthcare or childcare.
There are different rules for getting a criminal record check in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Types of check
If you carry out criminal records checks, you must have a policy on employing ex-offenders and show it to any applicant who asks for it.
Checking your own criminal record
You can only request a basic check for yourself.
If you’re self-employed, an organisation you’re working with can get a standard, enhanced or enhanced with barred lists check for you, where the role is eligible.
When to repeat a check
Certificates for previous roles
You can accept a certificate that was requested for a previous role but you must:
Checks on someone who lived abroad
Check the rules in the country they lived in.
Contact DBS
DBS customer services
customerservices@dbs.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 0200 190
Welsh: 0300 0200 191
Minicom: 0300 0200 192
International: +44 151 676 9390
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (9am to 5pm for appeals and disputes)
Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
DBS customer services
PO Box 3961
Royal Wootton Bassett
SN4 4HF
DBS Update Service
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS ) Update Service allows:
The service is for standard and enhanced DBS checks only.
You need to request a new DBS check in a different way.
Register
It costs £13 per year and you can pay by debit or credit card. There’s no charge if you’re a volunteer.
If you are in the process of getting a standard or enhanced DBS check
You will need your application reference number (called ‘form ref’ on your application form).
You can use the DBS tracking service to check the progress of your DBS certificate.
If you already have a standard or enhanced DBS certificate
You will need your certificate number. You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.
For basic DBS checks
For basic checks, register for an online services account instead of using the Update Service.
Sign in
Once you’ve registered, you can sign in to the Update Service to:
Renew your subscription
A subscription to the Update Service lasts for one year.
You can renew your subscription through the Update Service, either:
Sign in to your account to renew your subscription.
If you do not renew your subscription before it ends, you’ll need to apply for a new DBS check and register for the Update Service again.
Employers and other organisations
You do not need to pay or register to carry out a status check. You can see the results from the check straight away.
If you need help
DBS customer services
customerservices@dbs.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 0200 190
Welsh: 0300 0200 191
Minicom: 0300 0200 192
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
Transgender applications
sensitive@dbs.gov.uk
Sensitive applications team
Customer services
PO Box 165
Liverpool
L69 3JD
DBS certificate: What is a DBS certificate? How to check DBS certificate online
DBS certificates are issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service, usually to help employers make safe recruitment decisions. So what is a DBS certificate? And how can you check a DBS certificate online?
Coronavirus: Hancock on launching ‘NHS volunteer’ support
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Tuesday, March 24, that the NHS needs 250,000 people to volunteer to help during the coronavirus outbreak. The online form to volunteer asks respondents whether they hold a recent DBS certificate.
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Mr Hancock said: “In these extraordinary times, it’s essential that we all pull together as part of the national effort to protect the most vulnerable, reduce pressures on our NHS and care system and save lives.
“If you are well and able to do so safely, I would urge you to sign up today to help the most vulnerable people in our communities as an NHS Volunteer Responder.
“Your help has the potential to make a real difference to some of those most affected by this outbreak – from delivering essential prescriptions to calling to check on the wellbeing of those self-isolating.
DBS certificate: What is a DBS certificate? How to check DBS certificate online (Image: GETTY)
DBS certificate: The NHS is recruiting volunteers to help with the COVID-19 outbreak (Image: GETTY)
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“I am immensely proud of how the whole country is coming together to help one another – we must continue to listen to and live by the latest medical and scientific advice and through this national effort we can truly make a difference.”
All volunteers joining the NHS scheme will need to undertake training and background checks that are appropriate to the roles that they sign up for.
All volunteers registering on the app will be required to upload identity documents, driving license (for any driving related tasks), confirmation that they have insurance (if applicable) and any other information related to the role.
People can become an NHS Volunteer Responder and join the NHS’s trusted list of volunteers by visiting goodsamapp.org/NHS and adding their details to the NHS section.
DBS certificate: Volunteers may be asked to help with deliveries while social distancing measures are in place (Image: GETTY)
What is a DBS certificate?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) runs DBS checks to prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups of people.
Once a DBS check has been carried out, an employer can then request to see a person’s certificate.
DBS checks are carried out on people looking to work with vulnerable people, such as children or the elderly.
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There are four levels of check:
The information contained on each type of check is different.
DBS certificate: Rules while the UK is on lockdown (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK)
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How to check DBS certificate online
A person who has undergone a DBS check can view their existing DBS certificate online.
You will need to login to your DBS online account HERE.
If you are in the process of undergoing a DBS check, you can also track your application using the DBS online account tracking service.
DBS checks: guidance for employers
Guidance for employers about DBS checks, including how to apply, registering with the DBS and the code of practice.
Overview
For certain roles, the check will also include information held on the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists, alongside any information held by local police forces, that is considered relevant to the applied-for post.
Employers should ensure that they have access to all of the information available to them, to make safer recruitment decisions. More information about how to get a criminal record check for overseas applicants, or those that have previously lived outside of the UK, on the Home Office website.
Eligibility to ask ‘an exempted question’
An exempted question applies when the individual will be working in specific occupations, for certain licenses and specified positions. These are covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
The minimum age at which someone can be asked to apply for a DBS check is 16 years old.
The code of practice
Storing information for DBS certificate information
If we believe that the code of practice isn’t being followed, we can refuse to issue a DBS certificate.
Applicants’ rights
Usually, a job applicant has no legal obligation to reveal spent convictions. If an applicant has a conviction that has become spent, the employer must treat the applicant as if the conviction has not happened. Refusal to employ a rehabilitated person on the grounds of a spent conviction is unlawful under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
The minimum age at which someone can be asked to apply for a DBS check is 16 years old.
Transgender process for DBS checks
This process is for transgender applicants who do not wish to reveal details of their previous identity to the person who asked them to complete an application form for a DBS check.
For more information about the transgender process, email sensitive@dbs.gov.uk or see the DBS Transgender Applications guidance.
Self-employed workers
A self-employed person who needs a basic check can apply through the DBS ’ online application route if they live or work in England or Wales. They can apply to Disclosure Scotland if they live or work in Scotland.
Registering as an organisation with DBS
To satisfy the conditions of registration you must:
You must also provide specific and up-to-date information to the DBS for registration to be granted. This includes:
Cost of registration
Registration costs £300, with a £5 cost for each countersignatory to be registered.
Call our Customer Services team on 03000 200 190 to request a pre-registration questionnaire and information pack.
Using the e-bulk service
Changing your registration details
Failure to keep your details up-to-date may result in delays to the service that we provide.
If the lead signatory or a countersignatory is not available, a letter from a director or equivalent can be accepted.
Send your letter to:
DBS Customer Services
PO Box 3961
Royal Wootton Bassett
SN4 4HF
Countersignatories
Countersignatories have an important role in the DBS checking process.
A lead countersignatory is a senior figure within a Registered Body who will oversee the DBS process within their organisation.
The minimum age at which someone can apply to become a countersignatory is 18 years old.
Using umbrella body services to submit DBS checks
An umbrella body is a Registered Body that gives other non-registered organisations access to DBS checks.
If your organisation has a requirement to carry out fewer than 100 checks per year, you should use the services of an umbrella body. Your organisation must also be eligible to ask the exempted question.
If you are already a Registered Body and would like to offer an additional umbrella service, you should email customerservices@dbs.gov.uk.
ID validation for DBS checks
When an individual applies for a DBS check their identity must be verified by the Registered Body.
More information can be found in the DBS identity checking guidelines.
Failure to validate an applicant’s identity
Applicants who cannot provide the necessary documents will be asked to go for fingerprinting at their local police station. This is likely to cause delay to the overall application process.
Dealing with discrepancies on the application form
If there are any discrepancies between the information on the form and the identity documents supplied, and fraud is not suspected, you should seek clarification from the applicant.
Do not attempt to amend the application form without the applicant’s knowledge and agreement, as it will invalidate the declaration by the applicant in section ‘e’ of the form and may breach data protection legislation.
If you suspect that you have been presented with a false identity or documents, do not proceed with the application process. You should report suspected identity fraud on the Action Fraud website.
Types of DBS checks and how to apply
Types of DBS checks
The basic check can be used for any position or purpose. A basic certificate will contain details of convictions and cautions from the Police National Computer (PNC) that are considered to be unspent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
The standard check is available for duties, positions and licences included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, for example, court officers, employment within a prison, and Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences.
A standard level certificate contains details of all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings from the Police National Computer (PNC) which have not been filtered in line with legislation.
The enhanced check is available for specific duties, positions and licences included in both the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975) and the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) regulations, for example, regularly caring for, training, supervising or being solely in charge of children, specified activities with adults in receipt of health care or social care services and applicants for gaming and lottery licences.
An enhanced level certificate contains the same PNC information as the standard level certificate but also includes a check of information held by police forces.
The enhanced check with barred list check(s) is only available for those individuals who are carrying out regulated activity and a small number of positions listed in Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) regulations, for example, prospective adoptive parents and taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licences.
An enhanced level certificate with barred list check(s) contains the same PNC information and check of information held by police forces as an enhanced level check but in addition will check against the children’s and/or adult’s barred lists.
Basic DBS checks: guidance
Guidance on basic DBS checks including how to apply, the cost and what information is disclosed on a basic certificate.
A basic DBS check is a criminal record check that you can request for yourself. You may also be asked to request a basic check by your employer.
Is a basic DBS check for me?
A basic DBS check can be used for any position or purpose, however for certain roles, you may need a higher level of criminal record check.
Find out if you need a basic DBS check or ask your employer if you’re not sure.
How do I apply for a basic DBS check?
You can apply directly to DBS for a basic check using our online application route.
How much is a basic DBS check and how do I pay?
All basic checks, including volunteer applications, are £23. Payment can be made with a debit or credit card. Google Pay or Apple Pay can also be used.
Who is paying for your DBS check?
If you are paying for your own basic check, payment can be made during the application process.
If someone else, for example an employer is paying for your basic check, you will be given the option to pay later.
Payment must be completed within 10 days of your application. You will receive a payment link via email, which can then be forwarded to someone else to complete payment. For example, you may want an employer or relative to do this. You can also use this option to pay later.
Your application will not be processed until payment is made.
How long will my basic DBS check take?
Most basic checks will be processed within 14 days.
What information is disclosed on a basic DBS certificate?
A basic check will contain details of convictions and conditional cautions considered to be ‘unspent’ under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Under the Act, eligible convictions or cautions become ‘spent’ after a specified period of time known as the ‘rehabilitation period’, the length of which varies depending on how the individual was dealt with.
A table of rehabilitation periods for the most common sentences and disposals can be found here, along with some example scenarios.
DBS basic check results
If you apply directly to DBS for your basic check, using our online application route, and provide us with your mobile number, we can use this to text you a security code that will allow you to view and share the result of your check online if it does not feature conviction information.
DBS online account
After applying for a basic check, you will be invited to create a DBS online account if you don’t already have one.
You can use your online account to apply for and manage products and services available to you as an individual. This includes:
To access these services, create a DBS online account or if you already have an account, log in here.
How do I withdraw my basic DBS check application?
You can ask to withdraw your application online if you are logged in to your DBS online account. Alternatively, if you do not have a DBS online account, you can contact us on 03000 200 190.
DBS is unable to withdraw a basic DBS check once the certificate is ready for issue.
Can I dispute the information on my basic DBS certificate?
You can raise a dispute about the content of your basic certificate if any of the following apply:
To raise a dispute, use your DBS online account.
DBS Update Service
The Update Service is not available for basic DBS checks.
Other ways to apply
You can also apply for your basic DBS check through a Responsible Organisation – these are organisations registered with DBS to submit basic checks on your behalf.
Your employer can also request a basic DBS check on your behalf, if they have your consent, via a Responsible Organisation.
Payment information updated to reflect that someone else is now able to pay for an individual’s basic check.
