Ensuring safe and responsible hiring has become more important than ever. In sectors like education, healthcare, social services, and public transport, making sure individuals are properly vetted is a legal and ethical necessity. That’s where the Enhanced DBS Check comes in — a vital part of protecting vulnerable populations in the UK.
This article offers a unique and clear explanation of what Enhanced DBS checks involve, why they matter, and how both employers and individuals can navigate the process.
What Exactly Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is the highest level of criminal background check available in the UK. It goes far beyond the basic and standard levels of screening.
The check reveals:
- Spent and unspent criminal convictions
- Cautions and reprimands
- Intelligence held by local police forces
- Whether the applicant is on the Barred List (Adults and/or Children)
It provides employers with a full picture of an applicant’s criminal background, especially relevant for roles involving unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults.
Comparison of DBS Check Types
| DBS Type | Information Disclosed | Typical Use |
| Basic | Unspent convictions only | Entry-level roles or self-check |
| Standard | Spent and unspent convictions, warnings, cautions | Positions in law, finance, security |
| Enhanced | Everything in Standard plus police notes and Barred List info | Care work, teaching, foster care |
Who Needs an Enhanced DBS Check?
You may need an Enhanced DBS check if your role involves:
- Regular unsupervised contact with children
- Providing personal care to adults
- Working in healthcare or education
- Transporting vulnerable individuals
- Holding positions of trust (e.g. in fostering, adoption, or prison services)
Specific job roles include:
- Teachers and teaching assistants
- Carers and support workers
- GPs and nursing staff
- Volunteers at schools, hospitals, and charities
- Sports coaches and youth leaders
- Childminders and nannies
- Personal tutors and home educators
Faith leaders and youth pastors
Why Enhanced DBS Checks Are Essential in 2025
- Increased Legal Requirements: Laws around safeguarding continue to evolve. Many organisations now must run Enhanced DBS checks to comply with current regulations.
- Digital Fraud & Identity Theft Risks: The check helps protect against dishonest individuals exploiting digital or identity vulnerabilities.
- Public Confidence: Especially post-pandemic, people expect a higher standard of safety in care, education, and health settings.
- Organisational Risk Management: Ensures you don’t hire someone who could bring future legal or reputational problems.
- Support for International Staff: Employers can now combine DBS checks with overseas police certificates for international hires.
- Licensing and Accreditation: Many licensing authorities require Enhanced DBS checks before granting or renewing professional licenses.
How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check
You can’t apply for an Enhanced DBS check yourself unless you’re a volunteer using an umbrella body.
Application Routes:
Via Employer: Most Enhanced DBS checks are arranged through your hiring organisation.
Umbrella Body: If you’re self-employed or a freelancer, an umbrella body can submit your application.
Key Steps:
Employer or umbrella body begins the online application
- You provide proof of identity and personal information
- Application is processed by the DBS
- DBS issues a certificate to you (not your employer)
- You show the certificate to your employer as proof
Unique Considerations for 2025
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Online Identity Verification
Many DBS checks now support digital ID checks, making the process faster and more accessible.
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Overseas Applicants
If you’ve lived outside the UK recently, you’ll likely need to provide additional criminal records from that country.
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Update Service
The DBS Update Service allows your certificate to be portable. It’s ideal for agency workers or those with multiple roles. Cost: £13/year (free for volunteers).
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No Set Expiry Date
Although certificates don’t technically expire, employers often require a renewal every 1–2 years.
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Protecting Sensitive Data
Employers are legally bound under UK GDPR to handle DBS information with strict confidentiality.
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DBS Filtering Rules
The DBS may withhold certain old or minor convictions from disclosure, depending on age and nature of offence. This helps protect applicants’ rights while maintaining safety.
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Relevance to Role
Police forces can include “non-conviction information” only if it’s relevant to the specific role, reducing unnecessary discrimination.
Enhanced DBS checks are one of the UK’s most important tools for maintaining public safety and trust. Whether you’re hiring for a childcare role or applying for a care assistant position, understanding and obtaining the right DBS check ensures everyone is protected.
For help with fast, official criminal record checks in the UK, visit crbdirect.org.uk — a trusted and registered company authorised to process CRB and DBS checks nationwide.
