A Basic DBS check covers an individual’s entire criminal history from age 10, when criminal responsibility begins in the UK, but only discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Spent convictions, which have exceeded their rehabilitation period under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, do not appear on the certificate. The timeframe for convictions to become spent varies depending on the sentence type and length. Basic checks search UK police databases exclusively, meaning overseas records require separate documentation. The sections below explain the filtering rules, rehabilitation periods, and circumstances affecting disclosure.
Understanding the Timeframe of Basic DBS Checks
How far back does a Basic DBS check search when examining an individual’s criminal history? A Basic DBS check covers an applicant’s entire life history, accessing criminal records potentially back to their birth.
However, the check only discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions, not spent convictions. The duration for which a conviction remains unspent depends on the severity of the offence, as determined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
This means that whilst the check examines records spanning the applicant’s lifetime, only certain information appears on the certificate. Basic DBS checks represent the simplest form of criminal record checks, typically required for lower-risk employment positions.
The processing time is generally quicker than Standard or Enhanced checks because they contain fewer details and less detailed information. Additionally, Basic checks cost £23 and can be applied for directly by individuals or through a Responsible Organisation.
What Information Appears on a Basic DBS Certificate
A Basic DBS certificate displays only unspent convictions and conditional cautions, omitting any spent convictions from the individual’s criminal record. This approach guarantees that employers receive information about recent or ongoing offences whilst allowing individuals with older, rehabilitated convictions to avoid disclosure of their spent records. The certificate consequently provides a snapshot of an applicant’s current legal standing rather than a thorough lifetime history. Employers should also note that DBS checks have no official expiry date, so they must decide when a new check is needed and verify if the certificate remains appropriate for the role.
Unspent Convictions Only Disclosed
When an individual applies for a Basic DBS check, the resulting certificate discloses only unspent convictions and conditional cautions. This means that any convictions classified as spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will not appear on the document.
This limitation guarantees that individuals who have rehabilitated themselves are not indefinitely penalised for past mistakes. The information disclosed on a Basic DBS check hence depends entirely on whether convictions remain unspent at the time of the application.
The length of time before a conviction becomes spent varies according to the sentence received, with more serious offences requiring longer periods before they are no longer disclosed. Consequently, applicants benefit from the spent convictions framework, as only current unspent matters are revealed to potential employers.
Conditional Cautions Included
Beyond unspent convictions, Basic DBS certificates also disclose conditional cautions that have not yet become spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
These cautions remain part of an individual’s criminal record until they meet the spent criteria, typically after six years for adults.
A Basic DBS check will reveal any unspent conditional cautions, whilst spent convictions and spent cautions remain hidden from the certificate.
The filtering rules determine which cautions appear based on their age and offence type. Unfiltered conditional cautions under six years old will be disclosed on a Basic check, potentially affecting employment opportunities in roles requiring a clean record.
Employers requesting Basic checks for lower-risk positions will see these unspent cautions, making them a significant consideration for applicants with recent criminal history.
Spent Records Not Shown
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Basic DBS certificates deliberately exclude spent convictions and spent conditional cautions, displaying only those records that remain unspent at the time of the check.
This legislation allows individuals to move forward without past mistakes affecting future employment opportunities. Employers conducting a Basic DBS check receive information solely about unspent convictions and active offenses, ensuring a fair assessment of current criminal records.
Key points about spent records on a Basic DBS check:
- Spent convictions do not appear on the certificate, even though they remain permanently on police databases
- The rehabilitation period varies depending on sentence length and offence severity
- Employers can only view unspent criminal records when making recruitment decisions
This approach balances public protection with individual rehabilitation rights.
Spent Vs Unspent Convictions: the Key Difference
The distinction between spent and unspent convictions determines what information appears on a Basic DBS check and what individuals must legally disclose to potential employers.
Spent convictions have passed their rehabilitation period under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and are removed from Basic DBS checks, meaning applicants need not disclose them. Unspent convictions remain recent enough to require legal disclosure and will appear on Basic DBS checks.
The rehabilitation period varies according to sentence severity; sentences under six months typically become spent after two years. Conditional cautions remain unspent until conditions are met, appearing on checks during this time.
The filtering process removes certain convictions after specified periods, supporting rehabilitation by limiting disclosure requirements as time passes and allowing individuals to move forward.
Applicants can track real-time application progress through automatic email alerts, which helps them stay informed about status changes throughout the DBS process.
Age of Criminal Responsibility and Record Access
Criminal responsibility in the UK begins at age 10, establishing the earliest point at which an individual can accumulate a police records that might appear on a Basic DBS check.
Individuals below this age threshold cannot be prosecuted for criminal offences, meaning they will not have recorded offenses on their official record.
While a Basic DBS check technically searches records from birth, the practical reality is that only those aged 10 and above can have relevant entries.
Key points regarding age and record access include:
- Only unspent convictions and conditional cautions from age 10 onwards appear on Basic DBS checks
- Spent convictions are excluded regardless of when the offence occurred
- The sentence severity determines how long convictions remain unspent before automatic removal
Understanding the age of criminal responsibility clarifies why most younger applicants have clear checks.
Employers should ensure they only request the appropriate DBS check type for a role, as eligibility is set by law and depends on whether the position involves regulated activity.
Filtering Rules That Apply to Basic Checks
Filtering mechanisms determine which information appears on a Basic DBS check by automatically removing certain convictions and cautions that meet specific criteria. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act establishes these filtering rules, which dictate when spent convictions become hidden from Basic checks. Unspent convictions appear immediately on reports, whilst spent convictions remain excluded once rehabilitation periods expire. The timeframe depends on sentence length and offence type.
| Record Type | Filtering Status | Visibility on Basic Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Spent convictions | Automatically filtered | Not disclosed |
| Unspent convictions | Not filtered | Fully disclosed |
| Youth cautions | Automatically filtered | Not disclosed |
Certain cautions, including youth cautions, receive automatic filtering regardless of occurrence date. Basic checks consequently only reveal unspent convictions and relevant cautions, ensuring compliance with legal obligations whilst protecting rehabilitation opportunities. Employers should note that while Basic checks exclude barred list details, roles involving regulated activities typically require enhanced checks that include the Adults Barred List to meet safeguarding and legal obligations.
Basic DBS Checks for Applicants Who Lived Abroad
Overseas residence periods create significant limitations in what a Basic DBS check can reveal, as the Disclosure and Barring Service maintains no access to criminal records held by foreign jurisdictions.
Basic DBS checks only search UK police databases, meaning any criminal records acquired whilst individuals lived abroad remain entirely undisclosed on the certificate. Recent immigrants should recognise this significant gap in disclosure coverage.
Overseas applicants must take specific actions to address these limitations:
- Request additional documentation directly from their home country’s police or criminal records authority to supplement the Basic DBS check
- Inform potential employers about periods spent abroad, as this indicates transparency regarding possible disclosure gaps
- Consult DBS guidance resources designed specifically for individuals with overseas residence history
Understanding these restrictions guarantees overseas applicants can properly address disclosure requirements. Additionally, employers should consider whether an Enhanced DBS check is required for roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults, as it includes local police intelligence and optional barred list checks.
How Basic Checks Differ From Standard and Enhanced Levels
The three levels of DBS checks vary markedly in the information they disclose and the filtering rules applied to each.
A Basic check reveals only unspent convictions and cautions, whilst Standard checks disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
Enhanced checks include all Standard check information plus additional relevant intelligence held by local police forces, though all three levels apply the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act filtering rules (which remove certain old and minor offences from disclosure after specified periods).
Only employers or registered bodies can request Enhanced checks, and individuals must apply through an authorized organization or an umbrella organization if self-employed.
Information Disclosed per Level
Understanding the differences between Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks is essential for both employers and applicants, as each level discloses varying amounts of information from an individual’s criminal record.
A Basic DBS check reveals only unspent convictions and cautions, providing minimal detail suitable for low-risk positions.
A Standard DBS check extends this by including both spent convictions and unspent convictions, alongside cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
An Enhanced DBS check offers the most thorough view, displaying all convictions (spent and unspent) plus relevant local police information.
Key distinctions include:
- Basic checks show unspent convictions only, with filtered offences excluded entirely
- Standard checks may disclose filtered offences depending on specific criteria and role requirements
- Enhanced checks provide additional police intelligence relevant to sensitive positions
Filtering Rules by Type
Filtering rules operate differently across the three DBS check levels, creating distinct boundaries for what information employers and organisations can access about an applicant’s criminal history.
Basic DBS checks reveal only unspent convictions and conditional cautions, automatically concealing spent convictions from disclosure. In contrast, standard and enhanced DBS checks disclose both spent and unspent convictions unless specific filtering criteria apply.
The Disclosure and Barring Service implements filtering rules that remove certain old and minor offences from standard and enhanced checks after predetermined timeframes. However, all unspent convictions appear on every check type regardless of filtering provisions.
Enhanced checks extend beyond criminal records to include relevant local police intelligence and barred list information, elements entirely absent from Basic DBS checks, making them substantially more thorough.
When Convictions Become Spent Under UK Law
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, convictions do not remain on a person’s record indefinitely, as they become “spent” after specific rehabilitation periods have elapsed. The distinction between spent and unspent convictions determines what information disclosed on enhanced, basic or standard DBS checks will reveal.
The rehabilitation period depends on the sentence received:
- Prison sentences up to 6 months become spent 2 years after the date of conviction, whilst sentences between 6 and 30 months require 4 years.
- Sentences exceeding 30 months or indefinite terms mean the conviction will always remain unspent unless a pardon is granted.
- Youth convictions typically become spent after 5.5 years regardless of offence severity.
These timeframes apply from the conviction date, not the offence date.
You can manage and track DBS-related services through your DBS profile number, which is a unique identifier linked to your account and DBS check status.
Typical Roles Requiring Basic DBS Verification
Basic DBS checks serve as a standard verification tool across numerous employment sectors where individuals handle responsibilities that require trustworthiness but involve limited contact with vulnerable groups. Employers in retail, hospitality, administration, and certain support roles within care or educational settings commonly request these checks to confirm that candidates hold no unspent convictions. While UK law does not mandate Basic DBS checks for most positions, organizations adopt them as part of safer recruitment practices to assess suitability and maintain workplace integrity. Additionally, candidates can subscribe to the DBS Update Service to enable ongoing status checks and reuse their certificate across multiple employers.
Common Employment Sectors
Multiple industries across the United Kingdom require employees to obtain Basic DBS checks as part of their standard recruitment procedures, particularly in roles where workers interact with the public, handle sensitive information, or occupy positions of trust.
Basic DBS checks reveal unspent criminal convictions and conditional cautions from an applicant’s history.
These employment sectors commonly require verification:
- Retail and hospitality – positions involving customer service and cash handling necessitate background screening to protect businesses and consumers
- Healthcare environments – non-clinical staff, including receptionists and administrators, require checks to maintain safety standards within medical facilities
- Finance and transportation – roles demanding integrity and public trust require criminal background verification to assess suitability
Educational institutions, charitable organisations, and community groups also implement Basic DBS checks for administrative positions and volunteer roles where vulnerable populations may be present.
Legal Requirements Overview
While employers possess discretion in determining when background checks become necessary, certain roles consistently require Basic DBS verification due to regulatory frameworks, industry standards, or organisational policies designed to protect business interests and public safety.
Positions in retail management, hospitality supervision, and administrative support frequently mandate basic DBS checks to verify candidate trustworthiness.
Legal requirements stipulate that these checks only disclose unspent convictions and unspent cautions, excluding spent convictions from the disclosure certificate. Employers utilise this information to assess applicant suitability whilst adhering to rehabilitation legislation that protects individuals with spent offences.
Roles involving cash handling, customer-facing responsibilities, or access to sensitive business information typically fall within this category, where organisations balance transparency requirements against candidates’ rights to fair employment consideration despite previous minor infractions.
Challenging Inaccurate Information on Your Basic DBS Check
Discovering an error on a Basic DBS certificate requires immediate action to confirm the inaccuracies do not impact employment prospects or professional standing.
When challenging inaccuracies, individuals must submit a subject access request to the police to view data held against them. This allows verification of whether any conviction or caution has been incorrectly recorded or if details disclose information not relevant to the job.
The challenge process involves:
- Notifying the DBS directly and providing supporting evidence, including identification documents and proof of correct information
- Contacting the organization that facilitated the check to confirm proper protocols are followed throughout the dispute
- Acting within specific timeframes to enable swift resolution of errors
Thorough documentation strengthens the case for rectification and helps maintain professional credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Back Does a Basic DBS Check Go Back?
A Basic DBS check searches an applicant’s entire criminal record history from birth, with no time limit on accessing police records.
However, it only discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions on the certificate. Spent convictions are filtered out and not shown.
The period a conviction remains unspent depends on the offence severity and sentence type, ranging from immediate to several years after completion of the sentence.
What Shows up on a Basic DBS Check?
A Basic DBS check displays only unspent convictions and conditional cautions from an individual’s criminal record.
It covers offences committed throughout their entire life, but excludes any spent convictions as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The check shows details including the offence type, date, and sentence received.
Spent convictions are filtered out automatically, allowing individuals to benefit from the rehabilitation period once completed.
Will My DBS Be Clear After 11 Years?
After 11 years, most convictions become spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will not appear on a basic DBS check, provided no prison sentence was imposed.
However, certain offences classified as non-filterable will remain disclosed regardless of time elapsed.
Additionally, convictions requiring enhanced DBS checks may still appear after 11 years.
Whether a DBS certificate is clear depends on the specific offence type and applicable disclosure requirements.
Can I Use a DBS From 3 Years Ago?
A DBS check from 3 years ago can technically be reused, as these checks do not expire.
However, employers often prefer recent checks to guarantee current accuracy, since any new convictions or cautions acquired after the original check would not appear.
Many organisations, particularly those working with vulnerable individuals, have policies requiring DBS checks within specific timeframes (commonly 12 months).
It is essential to confirm directly with the employer whether they will accept an older check.
Conclusion
Basic DBS checks reveal unspent convictions only, with spent convictions removed according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The timeframe depends on the original sentence length, age at conviction, and filtering rules that exclude certain older or minor offences. Individuals should verify their certificate’s accuracy upon receipt, as errors can affect employment opportunities. Understanding spent periods and filtering criteria guarantees applicants know what prospective employers will see during verification processes for basic-level positions.