What is a DBS check?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) issues certificates that show information from criminal records. There are four levels. A basic check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. A standard check also shows spent convictions and cautions that are not filtered. An enhanced check adds any information local police think is relevant. An enhanced check with barred lists also shows whether the person is barred from working with children, adults or both.

An individual can apply for a basic check themselves, but standard and enhanced checks must usually be requested by an employer or organisation through a registered body. The certificate goes to the applicant, so employers should see the original and record the certificate number and date.

England and Wales

DBS covers England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI, so staff who come from those nations will have different certificates.

Why it matters for your setting

• In England, KCSIE requires schools to carry out an enhanced DBS check, with a children’s barred list check where the person will be in regulated activity, as part of safer recruitment.
• It is an offence to knowingly let a barred person work in regulated activity with children.
• Inspectors and commissioners will want to see that checks were done, when, and by whom.

How PupilDB helps

PupilDB stores each staff member’s DBS number and date alongside their references, TRN, EWC number and training certificates, so your checks are recorded in one place.