Enhanced DBS checks are a type of criminal background check that are suitable for people who work with children or adults in certain circumstances, such as those receiving medical or personal care. This type of check is also necessary for specific roles, such as taxi license applications and people working for the Gambling Commission. An enhanced DBS check includes the same information as a standard DBS check, plus any additional information that appears in local police records if the police chief deems it relevant. Enhanced DBS checks are the most comprehensive criminal background checks available. Basic DBS checks only look for unspent convictions, while standard DBS checks search for both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and reprimands.
In addition, certain jobs that are regulated activities and involve working directly with children and vulnerable adults may require an enhanced DBS check. This type of check will include any information about you that appears in local police records if the police deem it relevant. In some cases, police may believe that information related to your mental health is pertinent to a DBS check. At the end of the process, a certificate is issued that includes all the relevant information from the DBS check. There is an independent body responsible for reviewing applicants' disputes regarding local police information disclosed in enhanced DBS certificates.
The main purpose of an enhanced DBS check is to ensure the safety of others. When applying for a position that involves security issues, you may be asked to complete a DBS check. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is an official criminal background check that reveals a person's criminal convictions, which is performed once a request is received from an individual or employer. If the local police have not provided information to the DBS within 60 days, the DBS may delay your request. Employers who hire staff for certain positions listed in the Exceptions Order 1975 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, as well as those who are “prescribed” in regulations made under section S113B, Part V of the Police Act 1997, may request stricter checks. This article explains what an enhanced DBS check is and what you can do if you're unhappy with the information the police have about you.
It also covers spent convictions or warnings which, after a period of time, can be treated as if they never existed and no longer need to be disclosed in a basic DBS check. The typical time it takes to receive an enhanced DBS certificate after filing is around four weeks. Enhanced DBS checks are essential for certain roles and activities that involve working with vulnerable people. They provide employers with peace of mind that their staff have been thoroughly vetted and are suitable for their roles. It's important to understand what an enhanced DBS check entails so you know what to expect when applying for a job.
