UK HR Term
DBS check
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a criminal-record check used by UK employers to assess the suitability of candidates for roles involving children, vulnerable adults, or positions of trust. There are four levels: Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred Lists.
In plain English
The Disclosure and Barring Service runs criminal-record checks for employers. Whether a role needs a DBS check — and at what level — is determined by law, not by the employer's preference. Asking for a higher level than the role qualifies for is itself unlawful.
The four levels
- Basic — shows unspent convictions only. Anyone can apply (including the individual). Used for general roles where higher-level checks aren't justified.
- Standard — shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings. For solicitors, accountants, security industry roles, and similar.
- Enhanced — same as Standard, plus any information held by police that is reasonably considered relevant. For roles involving regular contact with children or vulnerable adults.
- Enhanced with Barred Lists — Enhanced check plus a check against the children's and/or adults' barred lists. For regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults — teachers, care workers, foster carers.
Renewal
DBS certificates have no formal expiry, but most employers re-check every three years. The DBS Update Service (£16/year, optional) lets the holder give employers ongoing access to changes in real time, removing the need for repeat checks.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
DBS only covers England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland; Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. The processes and levels are similar but the agencies and applications are separate.
How Luna HR handles this
Luna HR Core — store DBS certificates with renewal reminders