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Levels of DBS Check

Outline the Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS check levels, what each one shows, and when each level is appropriate.

Written by Ben Nicholas

Overview

There are three levels of DBS Check:

  1. Basic

  2. Standard

  3. Enhanced

Each level:

  • Has different eligibility requirements

  • Reveals a different amount of criminal record information about the applicant

You must choose the correct level based on the role and the information you are legally allowed to see.

Basic DBS Check

A Basic DBS Check (also called a Basic Disclosure) shows:

  • Any unspent convictions

  • Any unspent conditional cautions

You use a Basic Check when you only need to see unspent criminal record information.

Standard DBS Check

A Standard DBS Check shows:

  • Spent convictions

  • Unspent convictions

  • Cautions

  • Reprimands

  • Warnings

You use a Standard Check when the role is legally eligible and you need to see both spent and unspent record information at this level.

Enhanced DBS Check

An Enhanced DBS Check shows:

  • All the information included in a Standard Check:

    • Spent convictions

    • Unspent convictions

    • Cautions

    • Reprimands

    • Warnings

  • Plus any other relevant information held by the applicant’s local police force

Enhanced DBS Checks:

  • Give you the most detailed view of an applicant’s record

  • Support faster, more efficient and accurate decision-making for roles that are eligible for this higher level of checking

FAQs for Common Volunteer Scenarios

Q: What if the volunteer role involves occasional interaction with children or vulnerable adults? A: If the interaction is not part of a regulated activity (e.g., teaching, training, or providing health-related advice), a Basic DBS check may still be sufficient. However, it is essential to assess the specific responsibilities of the role. Q: Can a volunteer role in a hospital or care home require only a Basic DBS check? A: Roles in hospitals or care homes are more likely to involve regulated activities, which may require a Standard or Enhanced DBS check. Always evaluate the nature of the activities involved.

Examples of Roles Requiring a Basic DBS Check

  • A volunteer who engages in general conversations with adult dementia patients, makes tea and coffee, and helps set up and tidy away at a community venue. These activities involve practical support and social interaction without regulated activities such as teaching, mentoring, or providing health-related advice.

  • A volunteer role that does not include supervising, teaching, or training children and does not involve providing targeted guidance to vulnerable adults.

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