If you’ve applied for a job, particularly one that requires working with vulnerable individuals, you might have come across the term “Disclosure and Barring Service” or DBS. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it important? Understanding the role and purpose of the DBS is essential for employers and employees alike, as it plays a critical part in safeguarding workplaces—and the people within them.

This blog unpacks everything you need to know about the Disclosure and Barring Service, including what it is, why it exists, how it operates, and who needs it. Whether you’re an employer, job seeker, or simply curious about the topic, this guide provides clarity.

What is the Disclosure and Barring Service?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is an agency in the UK that helps employers make safer hiring decisions, particularly for roles involving children or vulnerable adults. By conducting background checks, the DBS ensures that individuals who may pose a risk are either flagged to employers or prevented from working in certain roles altogether.

The service was created in 2012, replacing the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). Its main focus is safeguarding, and it achieves this by offering two core services:

  1. Disclosure Checks – Verifying criminal records to assist employers with recruitment decisions.
  2. Barring Lists – Maintaining lists of individuals legally barred from working in specific roles involving vulnerable groups.

Put simply, the DBS protects both organizations and vulnerable individuals by mitigating potential risks through reliable vetting processes.

Why Does the DBS Exist?

The DBS plays an essential role in maintaining safety standards across various sectors. Its existence stems from the need to:

  • Safeguard children and vulnerable adults from harm.
  • Give employers peace of mind by providing accurate and legally compliant vetting services.
  • Ensure that individuals unsuitable for certain roles do not bypass screening processes and cause potential harm.

With high public trust placed in environments such as schools, care homes, and healthcare establishments, the DBS ensures that only suitable personnel are recruited, fostering a culture of safety and trust. Consider learning about How quickly can you get a DBS check.

What Are DBS Checks?

DBS checks are the primary service the agency provides. A DBS check examines an applicant’s criminal record to determine whether they’re eligible to work in specific roles. Here’s a breakdown of the different levels of checks available:

1. Basic DBS Check

A basic DBS check reveals any unspent convictions or conditional cautions on a person’s record. This check is available to anyone, including self-employed individuals, and is often required for roles that don’t involve particularly vulnerable groups but still demand a level of integrity. For example:

  • Office roles handling sensitive customer information.
  • Delivery drivers accessing private properties.

2. Standard DBS Check

The standard DBS check discloses both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. It’s commonly requested for jobs in regulated industries such as finance, accountancy, and legal services. Employers rely on it for:

  • Financial roles to highlight fraud-related offenses.
  • Licensed roles such as security personnel or bartenders.

3. Enhanced DBS Check

An enhanced DBS check includes everything covered under a standard check but goes a step further. It also contains additional information held by local police, based on their discretion, and can offer relevant context in cases where public safety might be at risk. These checks are often essential for staff working with children or vulnerable adults, such as:

  • Teachers
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Social workers

4. Enhanced with Barred Lists

This is the most in-depth check available and includes all the information from an enhanced DBS check, along with a check against the DBS’ barred lists. This ensures that the individual isn’t prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults. It’s required for highly sensitive roles such as:

  • Caregivers in nursing homes
  • Child protection officers
  • Foster parents

Who Can Request a DBS Check?

Individuals cannot apply for standard or enhanced DBS checks themselves. These checks must be requested by an employer or an organization. However, individuals can directly apply for basic DBS checks through the DBS website.

What Are the DBS Barred Lists?

The DBS manages two barred lists:

  1. Individuals barred from working with children.
  2. Individuals barred from working with vulnerable adults.

Being on one of these lists means a person is legally prohibited from engaging in regulated activity involving the respective group. The barred lists are continuously updated to reflect changes or appeals in barring decisions.

If an organization knowingly hires someone who’s on a barred list for a regulated role, it can face severe legal consequences, including fines and reputational damage.

How Does the DBS Check Process Work?

Step 1. Application Submission

The process starts with submitting an application through the relevant channel. This can be done online or via a paper form, depending on the type of check.

Step 2. Identity Verification

Identity verification is crucial to confirm that the applicant is who they claim to be. Employers or third parties such as umbrella bodies usually handle this step.

Step 3. Background Check Processing

The DBS conducts background checks based on the level of the application. For enhanced checks, local police may contribute information where necessary.

Step 4. Certificate Issuance

Once completed and processed, the DBS issues a certificate to the applicant. For standard and enhanced checks, the employer may also receive notification of the results.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary depending on the type of check. While basic checks may be returned in a matter of days, enhanced checks involving police records can take several weeks.

Why Are DBS Checks Important for Employers?

1. Protecting Vulnerable Groups

For roles involving children or adults at risk, ensuring employees are fit for the position is a non-negotiable responsibility.

2. Legal Compliance

Many sectors have legal requirements mandating DBS checks for specific roles. Failure to comply can lead to fines, lawsuits, or reputational damage.

3. Building Trust

Organizations that prioritize safety build trust with clients, employees, and the public. A DBS check is a concrete way of demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding.

How Do DBS Checks Benefit Employees?

While DBS checks are typically sought by employers, they also benefit employees. Clearing a check provides workers with an official record of their eligibility, strengthening their application and adding credibility to their profile. For job seekers, particularly in sensitive roles, a DBS certificate boosts confidence in the hiring process.

Addressing Common DBS FAQs

How Long Are DBS Checks Valid?

DBS checks have no official expiration date. However, many employers and organizations request new checks periodically, typically every 1–3 years.

Can DBS Checks Be Refused?

Yes. If an applicant fails to provide accurate identity documents or has known convictions that make them unsuitable, DBS checks may be declined.

Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

The Disclosure and Barring Service is more than just a regulatory body. It’s a safeguard that enables organizations to make informed hiring decisions, fostering a culture of trust and security. For individuals, it provides the assurance that their workplace prioritizes safety and well-being.

By understanding the purpose and process of DBS checks, employers and employees alike can play their roles in creating a safer society.