DBS checks are a key part of safer recruitment, helping organisations make informed decisions about the people they employ.
At 1 Check, we provide a complete DBS checking service that allows you to request, manage, and track DBS checks in one place. From initial application through to completion, every stage is handled through a single, structured system designed to reduce admin and improve visibility.
Whether you are processing a small number of DBS checks or managing them at scale, 1 Check gives you a more controlled and consistent approach.
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Basic DBS
Checks
Available for any role, provides reassurance to your clients and provide an additional layer of trust.
Standard DBS Checks
Typically required for roles where a higher level of trust is required, or an application for a licence.
Enhanced DBS Checks
Safeguarding checks for those who work alongside vulnerable adults and children
What is a DBS check?
A DBS check is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service and is used to reveal an individual’s criminal record.
Depending on the level of check requested, this may include:
- Unspent convictions
- Spent convictions
- Cautions, reprimands and warnings
- Relevant information held by local police forces
- Checks against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists
The level of DBS check required depends on the role being carried out and whether it involves working with children or vulnerable adults. Anyone can have a Basic DBS check requested on them, but for Standard and Enhanced applications, the role must meet the criteria set out by the DBS.
Basic DBS Checks
A Basic DBS check is the most commonly used level and is available for any role.
It includes:
- All unspent convictions, final warnings, conditional cautions, and reprimands from the Police National Computer.
Basic DBS checks are often used for roles that do not involve regulated activity. They are often requested by organisations for additional peace of mind during the recruitment process, as well as to provide their clients with confidence.
They provide a simple way to confirm whether an individual has any current convictions that may be relevant to the role.
Basic DBS checks are usually completed within 24 hours.
What Are Spent Convictions?
Spent convictions are criminal offences that no longer need to be disclosed in most circumstances, due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). Once a conviction becomes spent, it is treated in law as if it never happened, giving individuals the opportunity to move forward without the weight of past mistakes.
Standard DBS Checks
A Standard DBS check provides a more detailed view of an individual’s criminal record.
It includes:
- All spent and unspent convictions, final warnings, conditional cautions, and reprimands from the Police National Computer.
Standard DBS checks are typically used for positions of responsibility, including roles in finance, legal services, and certain regulated professions.
Eligibility for a Standard DBS check is defined by legislation, and the role must meet specific criteria.
What Are Unspent Convictions?
Unspent convictions are criminal records (convictions, final warnings, and/or reprimands) from the PNC that have not yet reached the time limit required to be considered “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Until that period passes, the conviction remains part of your criminal record and must be disclosed when applying for certain jobs, licences, or insurance.
Enhanced DBS Checks
An Enhanced DBS check is the highest level of check and is required for roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults.
It includes:
- All spent and unspent convictions, final warnings, conditional cautions, and reprimands from the Police National Computer.
- Relevant information held by local police forces.
Where appropriate, this can also include:
- Children’s barred list check.
- Adults’ barred list check.
Enhanced DBS checks are commonly required for roles in healthcare, education, and social care, where safeguarding is a key responsibility.
Adult First Checks can also be requested when an Adult Barred List check is requested.
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What Are Barred List Checks?
Barred List checks are used to determine whether an individual is legally prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.
If someone is barred from working with vulnerable groups, it is illegal for them to apply for a job that involves this. It is also illegal for an employer to hire someone to work in regulated activity with the vulnerable groups they are barred from working with.
These checks can only be requested as part of an Enhanced DBS check and must be relevant to the role being applied for.
Requesting the correct barred list is essential to ensure compliance and protect both your organisation and the individuals you support.
What is a Adult First Check?
For roles involving regulated activity with adults, an Adult First Check can be requested alongside an Enhanced DBS check. This applies to adult services such as care homes, domiciliary care agencies and adult placement schemes where DBS Certificates are required by law.
This provides a quicker response whether the applicant is on the adults’ barred list, allowing you to make more immediate decisions where appropriate.
This can be particularly useful when roles need to be filled quickly, without waiting for the full DBS certificate to be issued.
If an Adult First Check comes back clear, the individual can begin working with vulnerable adults – but only under supervision.
There is no child equivalent of the Adult First Check.
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