When recruiting and employing staff or volunteers it is important that your pre-employment screening aligns with government guidance and the requirements for the role.
There are 3 core levels of DBS check: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. A Basic check is available for any role or purpose, while Standard and Enhanced checks can only be requested where the role meets specific eligibility requirements, seen below.
What is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS check is available for specific roles and positions covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
The check provides details of information held on the Police National Computer (PNC), including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.
Standard DBS checks are generally associated with positions involving a high level of trust, responsibility, sensitive information or specific professional or regulatory requirements.
However, a role being one of trust or responsibility does not automatically make it eligible for a the check. Employers must assess the role against the relevant eligibility requirements before requesting a check.
Who needs a Standard DBS Check?
These checks are available for specific roles set out in regulation. The DBS’s updated guidance groups eligible roles into several areas, including:
- Certain professions when entering the profession, such as solicitors, barristers and accountants
- Certain judicial and court-based roles
- Some roles within the financial sector including FCA regulated
- Certain prison, probation and justice-related roles
- Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence applications
- Football stewards
- Certain healthcare and care-related roles
The full list is extensive, and eligibility can depend on specific duties and circumstances of the role. Some roles listed in the Standard guidance may also be eligible for the Enhanced DBS check where additional criteria apply. For more information on finding out which check is applicable, explore the DBS Guidance, or contact the DDC team.
Standard DBS Check Eligibility:
Before requesting a Standard DBS check, employers should establish whether the position meets the relevant legal requirements.
The DBS advises that the recruiting organisation is responsible for deciding whether a role is eligible for a Standard or Enhanced check. This assessment should consider the role and activities being carried out, rather than simply the job title.
It is also important to select the appropriate workforce on the DBS application. Depending on the role this may be the Other, Child and/or Adult workforce.
Unsure on if a Standard Check is Appropriate?
If the role does not meet the requirements for a Standard DBS check, it may instead be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check if the role involves qualifying work with children, adults or other activities covered by the relevant guidance.
If the role does not meet the eligibility requirements for either a Standard or Enhanced check, a Basic DBS check may be appropriate. Basic checks are available without specific eligibility criteria and offers employers piece of mind when looking to protect business reputation.
Speak to DDC:
DDC provides a secure online DBS checking service, with application support, identity verification and dedicated customer service.
If a Standard check is not applicable, our team can identity if a Basic or Enhanced check is more suitable.
Speak to the DDC team for more information.
