DBS Checks
Ensure Safe and Compliant Hiring
We offer fast, AI-powered DBS screening to help businesses stay compliant while making the hiring process seamless and stress-free.
New account offer: Get two FREE screening on your first request!
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What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check allows employers to access a candidate’s criminal record history and determine whether they are suitable for a specific role. Formerly known as CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks, DBS checks are now a standard requirement across regulated industries.
By screening candidates against official criminal record databases, businesses can safeguard their workforce, customers, and reputation while meeting industry compliance standards.
Types of DBS Checks
DBS checks are divided into four levels based on job responsibilities and legal requirements:
| Information | Basic | Standard | Enhanced | Barred List |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spent convictions | ||||
| Cautions | ||||
| Unspent convictions | ||||
| Conditional cautions | ||||
| Reprimand | ||||
| Warnings | ||||
| Relevant police intelligence | ||||
| Barred list inclusion |
Basic DBS Check
- Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions
- Can be requested by individuals or employers
- Used for general employment, visa applications, and licensing
Standard DBS Check
- Shows cautions, convictions, reprimands, and warnings
- Requested by employers for specific roles in regulated industries
- Common in finance, legal professions, and law enforcement
Enhanced DBS Check
- Shows everything in a Standard DBS check
- Includes relevant police intelligence
- Required for roles involving vulnerable groups, healthcare, and education
Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists
- Shows everything in an Enhanced DBS check
- Includes checks against the children's and/or adults barred lists
- Ensures candidates are not legally restricted from working in sensitive roles
Who Needs a DBS Check?
Certain industries legally require a DBS check for specific roles, while others may conduct them as part of risk management. Here are some common sectors that rely on DBS screening:
| Basic | Standard | Enhanced | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of job role | All employment positions | Service industry license | Working with children and vulnerable adults |
| Government/civil service positions | Solicitor or barrister | Teacher | |
| Working in airports | Accountant | Social worker | |
| Office work | Veterinary surgeon | NHS professional | |
| Hospitality | FCA Approved | Carer | |
| Industry | Persons roles | Taxi driving licenses | |
| Retail | Football stewards | ||
| Supermarkets | Traffic warden | ||
| Personal license to sell alcohol | Membership of the Master Locksmiths Association |
Choosing the Right DBS Check
Selecting the correct DBS check depends on:
- The industry you operate in
- The role's responsibilities
- Whether the candidate works with vulnerable groups
To simplify this process, use our DBS Type Checker Tool to determine the exact level of DBS check needed for your employees.
Loved by teams
Lead Element security has been using Check Provide to support our tasks, we have found it does exactly what it says on the tin. We will continue to use the platform.
Tony Norton
Managing Director
Check Provide has proven to be a reliable and comprehensive screening service, assisting us to successfully fill critical positions. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to get updates on the on-going process of screening.
Ronald Will
HR Administrator
We recently started using Check Provide to help recruit our in-house Loss Prevention vacancies, we were shocked by how quickly we got our candidates screened. It is incredibly easy to use and the team at Check Provide are also really quick to respond to any queries and suggestions to improve the user experience.
John Edwards
Loss Prevention Manager
We started working with Check Provide in October 2023. They have been an incredible solution to our screening problems; they were even able to provide a full BS7858 vetting check in just under 24 hours, which is incredible and really helped us with our urgent staffing needs. And a big thanks to Will Cooper who goes above and beyond to make sure both our Check Provide account runs smoothly.
Leslie Cooper
HR Manager
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Check Provide. Thanks to their efficient and effective services, we were able to screen fantastic staff quickly and easily. Their communication throughout the process was outstanding, making the entire experience seamless. I highly recommend Check Provide to anyone seeking top-tier screening solutions.
Ralph Jane
Managing Director
Since using Check Provide I have found them helpful and innovative. Unlike other platforms their customer service is amazing with weekly calls to see if they can improve and to offer advice. Their dashboard is user-friendly, and their support team is always available. By far the most cost-effective platform for getting screening.
Jenny Philips
Managing Director
In terms of the numbers, we've seen over 30 screenings done in the first three weeks. That would take us four or five months to get to that level. It just saves us so much time in terms of screening. It's revolutionized what we do, really, in terms of good quality screenings coming through, but at a high volume, which is what we need to continue to deliver for our clients. It's just been a pleasure working with the team at Check Provide, from the account managers to sales managers. The level of support that we've had, unprecedented really, with regards to other providers that we've had. And we're getting the results, which is fundamentally the most important thing.
Esther Seymour
Head of Talent