DBS Standard Checks: Everything You Need to Know
Among the 4 levels of DBS checks, the least used employment check is the DBS Standard.
Standard checks ensure that individuals in positions of trust, particularly in regulated sectors, are suitable for their roles and do not pose a risk to vulnerable groups or the public.
This comprehensive guide answers common questions about Standard DBS checks, offering a deeper understanding of their purpose, application process, and significance.
What is a DBS Standard check?
A DBS Standard check is a type of criminal record check processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings from the Police National Computer (PNC) that are not subject to filtering rules.
Who needs the check?
Standard checks are typically required for roles that involve positions of trust but do not necessarily involve working with vulnerable groups. The standard check is available for specific duties, positions and licences. For example, court officers, certain financial services roles, employment within a prison, and Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences.
The eligibility for these checks is defined by law and includes positions listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
What information does a DBS Standard check reveal?
A DBS Standard check discloses spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings that are recorded on the Police National Computer and are not filtered out by legislation. DBS filtering guide – GOV.UK
How do I apply for a DBS Standard check?
Individuals cannot apply for a Standard check on their own. The application must be made through an employer or a registered body.
The employer will provide individuals with the necessary application link/forms and advice. The individual must provide personal details, including current and previous names, legal gender, 5-year address history, and date of birth. They must provide proof of identity and address according to DBS ID Checking Guidelines and have their application submitted.
After the DBS completes the check, a certificate will be issued and sent directly to the individual. This certificate can then be shared with the employer or organisation requesting the check.
Using a DBS Umbrella Body ensures that the application process is handled correctly and efficiently, making it easier for the individual to obtain their DBS Standard check. EBC Global is a registered organisation authorised to perform Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on behalf of your organisation (formerly Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks). View Registration.
What about sensitive applications including gender reassignment?
The DBS provides a sensitive application process to protect the privacy and dignity of individuals changing their name or gender. This process allows applicants to submit their application without disclosing their previous name and gender to their employer.
To use this service, the individual should contact the DBS sensitive applications team directly. They will provide guidance on how to complete the application and the necessary documentation required. The sensitive applications team will handle the application with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring that the individual’s previous name and gender are not disclosed on the DBS certificate or to the employer.
This process is designed to protect the privacy of individuals undergoing such significant personal changes, ensuring they can apply for a DBS check without fear of discrimination or unwanted disclosure. For more detailed information, individuals can visit the DBS website or contact the DBS sensitive applications team directly.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transgender-applications
How much does a DBS Standard check cost?
As of the latest update, the cost of a DBS Standard check is £18. This fee is typically paid by the employer, although some employers may require the applicant to cover the cost.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: DBS fee increases will take effect on December 2nd 2024, where the price of a DBS Standard check will rise to £21.50.
Find Out More About DBS Pricing Increases
Frequently Asked Questions
Do DBS Standard checks get sent to police forces to determine whether police intelligence information needs to be included on standard disclosure certificates, as they do for Enhanced DBS Disclosures?
No, Standard checks do not include additional police intelligence. DBS Standard Certificates only reveal information held on the Police National Computer that is not subject to filtering.
How far back does a DBS Standard check go?
DBS Standard certificates will list convictions and cautions recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC), except for youth cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
Protected cautions and convictions from the PNC will not automatically be included on the certificate.
Legislation outlines the rules for the automatic disclosure of convictions or cautions. According to these rules, a certificate must include all unspent conditional cautions and convictions, as well as any spent records that meet specific criteria.
The most useful guide providing comprehensive information on which criminal records are disclosed on DBS Standard certificates, and the criteria for filtering certain cautions and convictions can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-filtering-guidance/dbs-filtering-guide
Can an individual apply for a DBS Standard check for themselves?
No, individuals cannot apply for a DBS Standard check on their own. The application must be made through an employer or a registered body.
Can employers request Standard checks for all job positions?
No, employers can only request Standard checks for positions that are eligible under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
These positions typically involve roles in specific regulated sectors such as court officers, Senior Manager Functions within UK financial service firms, employment within a prison, and roles requiring Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences.
What is the difference between a DBS Standard check and an DBS Enhanced check?
A DBS Standard check reveals:
- spent and unspent convictions
- cautions
- reprimands
- final warnings from the Police National Computer (PNC) that have not been filtered in line with legislation.
A DBS Enhanced check includes everything in a Standard check and any additional relevant information held by local police that they consider relevant to the role being applied for.
If applicable, Enhanced checks also include a check against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists.
Can overseas residents or non-UK citizens apply for a DBS Standard check?
Overseas residents or non-UK citizens can only apply for a DBS Standard check if they are applying for a role in the UK that requires it. The application must be made through a UK-based employer or registered body.
Non-UK residents cannot apply for DBS Standard or Enhanced checks unless they are applying for a role in the UK that requires it because the legislation governing DBS checks applies only in England and Wales. This means that employers must be based in England or Wales to apply for these checks, regardless of where the work will take place.
How long is a Standard check valid?
A Standard check does not have a formal expiry date. It provides a snapshot of an individual’s criminal record at the time the check was completed.
Employers may, and usually do, require re-checks periodically and many employers choose to renew them every 1 to 3 years. However, it’s dependent on their internal policies and the nature of the role.
Can DBS Standard checks be transferred between employers?
DBS Standard checks cannot be transferred between employers. However, individuals can subscribe to the DBS Update Service. The DBS Update Service is available for both DBS Standard and Enhanced checks. This service allows individuals to keep their DBS certificates up to date and enables employers to check the status of a certificate online, ensuring that it remains current without the need for a new check each time.
What happens if information is disclosed on the DBS Standard certificate?
If information appears on a DBS Standard certificate, the individual must share it with the employer to review the details and assess the applicant’s suitability for the role. In most cases the presence of a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an individual from employment.
Can someone with a criminal record still get a job if they have content revealed on a DBS Standard certificate?
Yes, having a criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from getting a job. Employers should review the offence’s nature, relevance, timing, frequency, circumstances, evidence of rehabilitation, and character references on a Standard certificate. Employers will consider the relevance of the disclosed information to the role and make a decision based on their assessment.
Can individuals appeal the results of a DBS check if they believe they are incorrect or unfair?
Yes, individuals can appeal the results of a DBS check if they believe the information is incorrect or unfair. They can contact the DBS to dispute the information and request a review.
Here are the steps to raise a dispute:
- Contact Customer Services: Call 03000 200 190 (option 4) to raise the dispute over the phone.
- Complete the Dispute Form: Fill out the relevant sections of the certificate dispute form, providing details of the incorrect information and any supporting evidence. Certificate Dispute Form (AF15)
- Submit the Form: Send the completed form and any required documents to the address provided on the form or via email to RaiseDispute@dbs.gov.uk.
- Fingerprint Consent: If necessary, individuals may need to consent to fingerprinting to help resolve the dispute.
Individuals must raise disputes within 3 months of the Disclosure Certificate issuance.
How long does it take to process a Standard Check?
DBS Standard Checks typically take up to 3 days to process from the date of submission to the DBS.
The DBS’ target is to complete 85% of Standard checks within 3 working days.
Figures published show that 89.7% were completed within 3 days from April to September 2024.
The time individuals take to complete application forms and ID checks, as per DBS ID Check Guidelines, does not count in this timeframe.
How often should individuals renew Standard DBS Checks?
There is no legal requirement that dictates how often Standard Checks should be renewed. Many employers renew DBS checks every 1 to 3 years, based on their policies and the role’s requirements.
Taxi and Private Hire drivers in the UK must complete Enhanced DBS checks every 6 months.
Latest Available Statistics on Standard DBS Checks
In the 2023 to 2024 reporting year, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) processed a total of 7.4 million checks.
Among these, 363,276 were Standard checks. Standard checks remain modest compared to other DBS types, with numbers dropping by 8.29% since 2022-2023.
Standard checks now account for just 4.91% of all DBS checks, down from 8% in the 2022-2023 period.
On the positive side, turnaround times for Standard checks improved from 1.6 days average to just 1.2 days.
Approximately 10% of DBS Standard checks take more than 3 days to complete.
Delays beyond the 3-day target are often due to removing “protected offences” under filtering rules and Rehabilitation of Offenders Act requirements.
