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What a DBS Check Is

Describe what a DBS check is, what information it searches for, and how employers use the resulting certificate to assess suitability.

Written by Ben Nicholas

A DBS Check is a criminal record check.

As part of the check, the DBS:

  • Searches official records for information about the applicant’s criminal history

  • Produces a certificate that summarises what is found

You, as an employer or organisation, can then:

  • Review the certificate

  • Use it to help decide whether the person is suitable for a role

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