Education and schools
Healthcare
Enhanced DBS Checks: Compliant Criminal Record Screening
Speak to the experts
Why Enhanced DBS Checks Matter
✓
Enhanced DBS checks provide a higher level of criminal record information for roles that meet the relevant legal eligibility requirements.
✓
They are commonly required for eligible positions involving children, vulnerable adults and other specified occupations or activities.
✓
Enhanced DBS screening can help organisations:
Enhanced DBS Checks
An Enhanced DBS check is the highest level of criminal record certificate provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Unlike a Basic DBS check, an Enhanced DBS check can contain details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions and other relevant information, subject to the applicable disclosure and filtering rules.
An Enhanced DBS certificate may also contain relevant information held by local police where the legal requirements for disclosure are met.
Enhanced DBS checks are not available for every job.
The role must meet the relevant legal eligibility criteria before an organisation can request this level of check.
Enhanced DBS With Barred List Checks
For certain eligible roles, an Enhanced DBS application can also include a check against the:
Children's Barred List
Adults' Barred List
Children's and Adults' Barred Lists
Barred List checks are generally associated with eligible regulated activity and cannot simply be requested because an organisation would prefer an additional level of screening.
Requesting the correct level of DBS check is an important part of a compliant recruitment process.
Not sure whether your role qualifies for a Barred List check? Speak to our vetting team before submitting the application.
Who Needs Enhanced DBS Checks?
Enhanced DBS checks are commonly used for legally eligible roles across areas including:
Eligibility depends upon the actual duties and circumstances of the role, rather than simply the employer's industry or job title.
Our team can help you understand the appropriate screening route where eligibility isn't immediately clear.
Social care
Childcare
Charities and voluntary organisations
Certain positions involving children
Certain positions involving vulnerable adults
Other occupations and activities specifically eligible under legislation
Why Choose Checking Your Staff?
UK-based screening team
Our experienced team understands employee vetting, DBS processing and the importance of requesting the appropriate level of criminal record check.
Simple online process
Candidates complete the required information through our secure screening platform.
Eligibility support
Enhanced DBS checks have specific legal eligibility requirements.
Clear progress tracking
Monitor applications and candidate progress through our secure screening platform.
Individual or volume screening
From occasional Enhanced DBS applications to ongoing screening programmes, our service can support organisations of different sizes.
Wider employee vetting available
Enhanced DBS can form part of a wider screening programme incorporating identity, right to work, employment referencing and other appropriate pre-employment checks.
Actual Experts. Real Support.
DBS screening isn't simply about ordering the highest level of check available.
Our Enhanced DBS Process
1
Establish Eligibility
The role and required level of DBS screening are identified.
2
Request the Check
The Enhanced DBS screening request is initiated through our secure platform.
3
Candidate Application
The candidate provides the required personal information securely.
4
Identity Verification
The appropriate identity verification process is completed.
5
DBS Processing
The application is submitted through the appropriate DBS route, including the relevant Barred List check where legally eligible and requested.
6
Result & Completion
The DBS application is processed and the certificate is issued in accordance with the DBS process.
Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS?
There are different levels of DBS check and employers cannot simply select the highest level of screening available.
The correct check depends upon the role and its legal eligibility.
A Basic DBS certificate shows relevant unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
A Standard DBS certificate can contain details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, subject to the applicable disclosure rules.
Where the role is legally eligible, an Enhanced DBS check may also include a check of the Children's and/or Adults' Barred Lists.
Unsure which level you can legally request? Speak to our vetting team.
Basic DBS
Available for any role or purpose.
Standard DBS
Available only for legally eligible roles.
Enhanced DBS
Available for eligible roles and contains the same type of criminal record information as a Standard DBS check, together with any relevant information held by local police that meets the legal test for disclosure.
Typical Turnaround
Enhanced DBS processing times vary between applications.
Some applications are completed quickly, while others can take longer where information needs to be considered or enquiries are required with police forces or other parties.
Our secure platform allows applications to be initiated and monitored, with our UK-based team available to provide support throughout the process.
Enhanced DBS – FAQs
What does an Enhanced DBS check show?+
An Enhanced DBS certificate can show relevant spent and unspent convictions, cautions and other criminal record information, subject to the applicable disclosure and filtering rules. It can also contain relevant information held by local police where the legal test for disclosure is met. For eligible roles, the application may additionally include a check against the Children's and/or Adults' Barred Lists.
Can any employer request an Enhanced DBS check?+
No. An Enhanced DBS check can only be requested where the position or activity meets the relevant legal eligibility requirements. The level of check is determined by the nature of the work being undertaken, not simply by an employer's preference.
Does an Enhanced DBS always include a Barred List check?+
No. An Enhanced DBS check and an Enhanced DBS check with Barred List information are not automatically the same thing. Barred List information can only be requested where the role meets the appropriate legal eligibility requirements.
What is regulated activity?+
Regulated activity is a legal concept used to describe particular types of work involving children or adults. Whether a role constitutes regulated activity depends upon factors including the activity being performed, who it is performed for, the circumstances and, in some cases, how frequently it is undertaken. Because the definition can be complex, organisations should establish the role's eligibility before requesting Barred List information.
What's the difference between Standard and Enhanced DBS?+
Both Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are restricted to eligible roles. An Enhanced DBS check can additionally contain relevant information held by local police that meets the legal test for disclosure. For eligible roles, an Enhanced check may also include the appropriate Barred List check.
Can you process Enhanced DBS checks for volunteers?+
Yes, where the individual and role meet the relevant DBS requirements. Different rules and fees can apply to qualifying volunteer applications, so speak to our team about the circumstances of the role.
Can Enhanced DBS be included with other employee checks?+
Yes. Enhanced DBS screening can be incorporated into a wider employee vetting programme including identity verification, right to work, employment referencing and other appropriate screening services.
Get In Touch
Phone Number
0333 339 0021Email Address
enquiries@checkingyourstaff.co.ukOffice Address
Checking Your Staff
PO Box 381
Mirfield
WF14 9GB
Need expert screening advice?Our team is here to help.
Speak to an Expert