A Disclosure & Barring Service check can be asked for by employers when recruiting new members of staff or volunteers. This allows an employer to ensure that the candidate has no convictions that would make them unsuitable for the intended job role. All DBS checks require the identity of the candidate is verified legally. 

Who can ask for a DBS check?

To assess whether the role you are recruiting for allows you to ask for a DBS check, you can either contact me for a free 15 minute consultation or use the government eligibility tool here. Please note this tool is only for people applying in England or Wales, separate guidance is available for those in Scotland or Northern Ireland

Basic DBS Check

A basic DBS check is the only check that can be requested by a candidate directly. The current cost of a basic DBS check is £21.50 (according to government guidelines January 2025) and can be requested directly from the UK government here. 

Standard DBS Check

A standard or enhanced DBS check can only be requested by an employer, regulator or approved body if the role that they are recruiting for has a legal right to ask for that information. Not all roles will be considered eligible to ask for a check and it is important that you are certain that you are legally allowed to ask for it. 

Enhanced DBS Check (with and without a Barred List check)

An enhanced DBS check is required for many roles that involve close contact with children or vulnerable adults. An employer has a legal duty to follow safe recruitment processes and ensure that those who are part of their workforce are not prevented from doing so by past actions. Some, but not all, roles require an additional check with the list of individuals barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. This is mostly required if the individual is going to be left unsupervised with the children/adults. There is no additional charge for this second check, but there needs to be a clear legal and legitimate reason to do so.