A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is an essential criminal background check that employers can request to guarantee the safety of their staff and customers. Depending on the job, employers may require a basic, standard, or improved DBS check. To complete the check, applicants must provide two or three forms of identification. Basic DBS checks are the most basic level of control and only look for unexecuted convictions on a person's criminal record. This includes convictions or warnings that, after a certain period of time, can be considered as if they never existed and are no longer necessary to disclose in a basic DBS check.
To complete a basic DBS check, applicants must provide two types of identification. These must confirm their full name, date of birth, and current address. Examples of accepted documents include passports or driver's licenses, utility bills, bank or credit card statements, or driver's licenses (as long as they show the current address and haven't been used as an identity document).Standard and improved DBS checks require three forms of identification. In addition to the information included in a basic DBS check, these checks also include information from local police records that is deemed relevant by the police.
In some cases, this may include information related to an applicant's mental health. If an employer does not yet have a DBS account, the DBS will generate a unique code that will allow applicants to view their certificate online. If you are unhappy with the information included in your DBS check, you can contact the police to explain why you believe it should be removed. If you were convicted of one of these crimes (whatever your age), you will never be excluded from a standard or improved DBS check. However, if you were reprimanded for any of these crimes when you were 18 or younger, you can remove it from your DBS check. It is important to note that employers are not allowed to ask for more than what is necessary for the job role.
For example, if an employer requests an improved DBS check for a job that only requires a basic one, they are breaking the law. It is also important to remember that employers cannot ask for any additional information beyond what is required by law. Overall, it is essential to understand what is required for a DBS check before applying for any job role. Knowing what documents are needed and what information will be included in the check can help ensure that you are prepared and ready to provide all the necessary information.
