Screening:
criminal record checks

Basic disclosure

Available to all individuals and UK employers, basic disclosure checks an individual’s criminal history and Police National Computer (PNC) convictions. It reveals unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 with the applicant’s consent.

Rehabilitation periods differ by UK location, leading to the request being submitted to the DBS or Disclosure Scotland. Employers from any industry can request a basic check for potential or current employees to determine their suitability for employment. 

Standard DBS (& disclosure Scotland)

A standard DBS Check reveals any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, final warnings, or reprimands the applicant has. 

To carry out a standard check the person must be eligible. This will be if they are undertaking a role listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. This includes several positions, professions, licenses, and activities such as some legal positions or FCA-regulated roles. 

Enhanced DBS

The Enhanced DBS Check discloses spent or unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, and relevant details from the local police force. It may also include a check of the children's and/or adults' barred list if eligible.

Eligibility is determined by the applicant's role listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 or their place of work. Some roles involving regulated activity with vulnerable adults and/or children may also require a barred list check, with full definitions available on the DBS website.