What are the different types of DBS? A reminder for you
VANEL is an registered umbrella body for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). For many years we’ve provided DBS (previously CRB) checks for volunteers and staff through their organisations.
You can read more about our service here and get in touch to make an appointment if you need a check.
Often there is confusion around the different types of DBS checks. So here’s a quick run through (and hopefully clarification) on the differences between BASIC, STANDARD and ENHANCED DBS checks.
Basic disclosures
A Basic disclosure is the lowest level of screening possible and therefore the cheapest.
There is no profession which specifically insists on a basic disclosure, but it is a means of providing confirmation of an individual’s previous unspent criminal convictions or lack thereof.
Employers might ask an applicant to provide a Basic disclosure to help make a decision on whether that individual will be the right fit for the role.
Once a Basic disclosure has been obtained, it may be used several times.
There is no real limit to the type of industry where employers could ask for a Basic disclosure, although some examples include construction (for example, in residential, public or commercial property) or hospitality.
However, construction and hospitality roles involving regular contact with children under 18 or vulnerable adults would require an Enhanced DBS Check.
Standard disclosures
Similar to Basic disclosures, Standard disclosures document previous unspent criminal convictions.
Where they differ from Basic disclosures though is that they also include cautions, reprimands and warnings received in England and Wales that are held on the Police National Computer.
Relevant convictions received in Scotland and Northern Ireland will also feature.
Employers in the financial and legal industries require lawyers and accountants to undergo a Standard disclosure.
This is because these roles are positions of high responsibility and a Standard disclosure is required to prove that an individual has no prior offences for industry-sensitive matters such as financial misconduct or fraud.
Enhanced disclosures
Enhanced DBS Checks provide the same level of detail as Standard disclosures, but with some vital differences.
Namely, they also check local police records and search for an individual’s name on the barred lists (for vulnerable adults and children).
Enhanced DBS Checks are designed to ensure that no-one on either of these lists will work on a regular basis with children under 18 or vulnerable adults.
Individuals on these lists have either been convicted for a relevant offence involving children or vulnerable adults, or they have caused harm – or shown a risk of harm – to children or vulnerable adults at a previous job, or during a volunteering role.
Therefore, most roles in education and healthcare will require an Enhanced DBS Check. Other professions which are likely to demand an Enhanced DBS Check include roles in leisure, transport and at places of worship.
The differences between Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks: a summary
Basic disclosures can be requested by any employer as part of a judge of character. Standard disclosures are most common in the financial and legal industries, while Enhanced DBS Checks are pre-requisites in many education and healthcare roles.
VANEL provides ENHANCED checks. Please contact us if you would like to arrange one.