A Basic DBS check reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions from an individual’s criminal record in England and Wales. Governed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, these checks exclude spent convictions, simple cautions, and overseas offences, focusing solely on recent or serious offences with ongoing penalties.
Employers across various sectors, including retail and delivery services, request these checks to verify trustworthiness. The following sections explain application requirements, disclosure obligations, and common misconceptions.
Understanding Basic DBS Checks and Their Purpose
When an employer or organisation needs to verify an applicant’s criminal history for specific job roles, a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check serves as the standard screening tool in England and Wales.
This check process reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions from an individual’s criminal record, ensuring employers can assess suitability for employment needs.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act governs what information appears on the certificate, protecting spent convictions from disclosure. Basic DBS checks are available to individuals aged 16 or over, typically costing £27.5 with a processing time of approximately 2 – 3 days.
These checks support safety and wellbeing in workplaces by providing relevant criminal history information whilst balancing rehabilitation rights.
Common applications include retail positions, delivery services, and similar roles requiring criminal record verification.
Applicants benefit from faster results through digital processes, including real-time tracking, automatic email alerts, and most checks completing within 48 hours.
Who Needs a Basic DBS Check
A Basic DBS check is required by various employers across multiple sectors, particularly for roles where trustworthiness and integrity are essential to the position. Common employment areas requesting these checks include supermarkets, delivery services, warehouses, and positions governed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (which allows employers to take into account unspent convictions during recruitment).
The voluntary sector also frequently requires Basic DBS checks for individuals working with their organisations, ensuring protection of their reputation and adherence to safety standards when handling sensitive responsibilities or representing the charity. Employers should also be aware that DBS checks have no official expiry date, so deciding when to request a new one is at their discretion.
Employers Requesting Basic Checks
Employers across numerous sectors routinely request Basic DBS checks to verify that potential employees hold no unspent criminal convictions that could affect their suitability for a position.
Industries such as retail, delivery, and warehousing commonly require these checks as part of their recruitment procedures. Any role falling under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act may necessitate a Basic DBS check to confirm an individual’s criminal record status.
Employers and voluntary organisations can legally request Basic DBS checks when recruiting for positions of trust.
The application process requires the applicant’s consent and typically takes approximately 2 -3 days to complete.
Additionally, insurers may request these checks when evaluating risk associated with insured individuals, ensuring that employers maintain appropriate safeguards for their operations and workforce.
Roles Commonly Requiring Checks
Several distinct employment sectors regularly require Basic DBS checks as standard practice during recruitment.
Roles commonly requiring checks include positions in supermarkets, delivery services, and warehouse operations, where employers and organisations verify criminal history under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. These sectors typically present minimum risk to vulnerable individuals but still necessitate background screening.
Positions involving handling sensitive information or managing finances frequently mandate basic DBS checks to establish candidate trustworthiness.
Retail and logistics industries routinely request these checks despite limited contact with vulnerable populations.
Additionally, volunteer roles and internships increasingly require basic checks, particularly within organisations working with young people or vulnerable adults.
Any employer seeking to verify a candidate’s criminal record may request a Basic DBS check, regardless of the role’s nature or level of public interaction.
Voluntary Sector Applications
Many voluntary sector organisations require individuals to undergo Basic DBS checks before commencing work with vulnerable populations, including children, elderly persons, or individuals with disabilities. These criminal record checks help community organizations comply with safeguarding policies and legal obligations. The Basic DBS check discloses only unspent convictions and cautions, providing essential background information without excessive detail. Either the individual or the organization may initiate the application, with a processing fee of approximately £18.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common roles | Charity workers, youth leaders, community support volunteers |
| Information disclosed | Unspent convictions and cautions only |
| Application initiator | Individual or voluntary sector organization |
| Cost | £27.5 processing fee |
This screening process guarantees vulnerable groups receive appropriate protection whilst enabling suitable candidates to contribute meaningfully.
Information Revealed on a Basic DBS Check
A Basic DBS check discloses only unspent convictions and conditional cautions from an individual’s criminal record, making it the least detailed of the three DBS check levels available in the UK.
The personal information revealed includes the date of conviction, the court name, the offenses committed, the offense date, and the sentence imposed.
Spent convictions, simple cautions, and fixed penalty notices do not appear, protecting individuals from disclosing older matters.
The Basic DBS check focuses on serious or recent offenses indicating ongoing penalties, such as community orders or active custodial sentences.
Individuals can complete a DBS check application themselves or through an employer.
The processing time averages approximately 2 – 3 days from submission to receipt of results.
You can also register the certificate with the DBS Update Service to allow employers to check its status online for ongoing compliance.
What Will Not Appear on a Basic DBS Check
While Basic DBS checks reveal certain criminal record information, they exclude several categories of data to protect individuals who have completed their rehabilitation period.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 establishes which records are omitted, guaranteeing only relevant unspent information appears on certificates.
A Basic DBS check will not display:
- Spent convictions – convictions considered rehabilitated under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
- Simple cautions – cautions that have been completed and are no longer active
- Conditional cautions – cautions that have been spent following successful completion
- Fixed penalty notices – minor infractions processed through fixed penalties
- Overseas convictions – criminal records obtained outside the United Kingdom
This limited scope guarantees Basic DBS checks focus exclusively on unspent cautions and convictions within the UK jurisdiction.
Only registered organizations can request Enhanced DBS checks, which are distinct from Basic checks and may include spent convictions and relevant local police information.
Spent Vs Unspent Convictions: Key Differences
Understanding which records appear on a Basic DBS check requires knowledge of how the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 categorises criminal convictions.
Spent and unspent convictions represent the fundamental distinction within an individual’s criminal record. A spent conviction has completed its rehabilitation period and does not require disclosure in most circumstances. Conversely, an unspent conviction remains within the rehabilitation period and must be disclosed during the recruitment process when a Basic DBS check is requested.
The duration depends on the offence severity, with serious crimes extending the unspent period considerably. Conditional cautions may also remain unspent if specific conditions apply.
Only unspent convictions appear on a Basic DBS check, making this distinction essential for applicants to understand their disclosure obligations regarding criminal records and rehabilitation status.
Employers should request checks that match role eligibility under the law, as outlined by DBS check types, to ensure appropriate safeguarding and compliance.
How to Apply for a Basic DBS Check
Several straightforward steps enable individuals to obtain a Basic DBS check for employment or personal verification purposes.
Applications can apply for an online dbs check from many companies like Checkback International , you may only request checks with the individual’s consent. The application requires specific documentation and information to verify criminal record status.
To apply for a basic DBS check, applicants must provide:
- Valid identification proof (passport or driving licence)
- Complete address history covering the previous five years
- National Insurance number for verification purposes
- Payment of £ for processing the application
- Consent if the check is employer-requested
The processing time typically spans 7 to 14 days. Upon completion, applicants receive a certificate detailing any unspent convictions directly or through their employer. Additionally, unlike Standard and Enhanced checks, a Basic DBS only shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Processing Times and Costs
A Basic DBS check costs £18 per application, making it the most affordable tier within the Disclosure and Barring Service checking system.
Processing times typically range from 2 to 4 working days once the application has been submitted, though this timeframe can vary depending on factors such as application accuracy and current processing volumes at the DBS.
Understanding these costs and timescales allows applicants and employers to plan accordingly when employment or voluntary positions require background verification.
For ongoing monitoring and easier renewals, applicants can subscribe to the DBS Update Service, which lets employers perform instant online status checks and reuse certificates across roles.
Basic DBS Processing Duration
Typically, the Basic DBS check processes within 2 to 4 working days from the point of submission, representing the fastest turnaround time among all DBS check categories. The duration depends on several factors that individuals should consider when planning their application timeline.
Key factors affecting processing duration:
- Application accuracy directly impacts processing times, with complete and error-free submissions processing faster.
- Individuals must provide identification proof, including National Insurance number and five-year address history.
- Processing times vary based on the applicant’s specific circumstances and complexity of their record.
- The application costs approximately £27.5 per submission.
- Individuals with spent convictions only will receive a blank certificate showing no unspent convictions.
This efficient processing makes Basic DBS checks suitable for roles requiring quick verification.
Standard Cost Breakdown
Understanding the financial implications of DBS checks requires examination of the distinct cost structures and processing timeframes associated with each check level. A Basic DBS check costs £18 per application process, with processing time typically completed within 2 to 4 working days. Standard DBS checks maintain the same £18 cost but require extended processing time of 2 to 4 weeks, as they include information disclosed about unspent convictions. Enhanced checks, necessary for roles involving vulnerable individuals, cost £38 per application and take 4 to 8 weeks to process due to thorough background verification.
| Check Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Basic DBS | £27.5 | 2-3 working days |
| Standard DBS | £27.5 | 5 – 10 days |
| Enhanced DBS | £55.5 | 5 – 10 days |
Common Misconceptions About Basic DBS Checks
Why do so many people misunderstand what a Basic DBS check actually reveals? The answer lies in confusion between different check levels and assumptions about what information appears on a criminal record. A Basic DBS check provides only a snapshot of unspent convictions, yet numerous misconceptions persist about its scope and requirements. Employers should note that Basic checks do not include screening against the Adults Barred List, which is only part of enhanced checks for regulated activities.
Common misconceptions include:
- Basic checks show spent convictions – Only unspent convictions and conditional cautions appear; spent offences remain hidden.
- Mental health information is disclosed – Such details are not included unless directly relevant to the role.
- Consent is unnecessary – Applicants must provide consent to comply with data protection regulations.
- All criminal history appears – The check reveals current unspent offences only, not thorough records.
- Basic checks match Standard or Enhanced checks – These other checks disclose more extensive histories, including spent offences where applicable.
Next Steps After Receiving Your Basic DBS Certificate
Once the Basic DBS certificate arrives, the applicant should immediately examine the document for accuracy.
All unspent convictions must be verified to confirm they correctly reflect the criminal record. If discrepancies exist, the holder can challenge the information through the DBS dispute process to rectify errors.
The certificate should be stored in a secure place for future reference, as it may be required for subsequent job applications requiring a criminal record check.
When applying for positions, prospective employers must be informed of any unspent convictions as mandated by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Applicants should prepare to discuss their criminal history during job interviews, as employers may ask specific questions about disclosed convictions on the Basic DBS certificate.
You can also locate your DBS profile number in the correspondence you received when creating your DBS account or completing your check, and keep it secure for managing future DBS services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Back Does a Basic DBS Go?
A Basic DBS check does not operate on a fixed timeframe looking backwards. Instead, it displays only unspent convictions and conditional cautions that remain active under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The disclosure period depends on the sentence received and offence type, ranging from months to several years. Once a conviction becomes spent (the rehabilitation period expires), it no longer appears on a Basic DBS check, regardless of when the offence originally occurred.
Does a Basic DBS Show Arrests?
No, a Basic DBS check does not show arrests.
It only displays unspent convictions and unspent conditional cautions.
Arrests that did not result in a conviction or caution remain confidential and are not disclosed.
If an arrest led to an unspent conviction, that conviction would appear on the check, but the arrest itself would not be separately reported.
Individuals can request arrest details from their local police through a subject access request.
What’s the Difference Between a Basic and Enhanced DBS Check?
A Basic DBS Check reveals only unspent convictions and conditional cautions, whilst an Enhanced DBS Check discloses both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and relevant local police intelligence.
Enhanced checks are mandatory for roles involving vulnerable individuals and require authorised organisations to request them, taking 4-8 weeks to process.
Basic checks can be requested by any employer or individual, processing within 2-4 working days for positions with minimal safeguarding responsibilities.
What Can an Employer See on a DBS Check?
On a Basic DBS check, employers can see unspent convictions and conditional cautions from an individual’s criminal record.
The information displayed includes the date of conviction, the name of the court, the specific offense committed, the date when the offense occurred, and the sentence imposed.
Spent convictions, simple cautions, fixed penalty notices, and allegations do not appear on a Basic DBS check, ensuring only current relevant criminal information is disclosed.
Conclusion
Basic DBS checks serve as an essential safeguarding tool for employers and organisations across the UK. Understanding what appears on these certificates, including unspent convictions and cautions, helps applicants prepare appropriately. The process remains straightforward, with online applications processed within 2 – 3 days at a standard cost of £27.5. Individuals should verify their personal details are accurate before applying and should contact the DBS directly if any information appears incorrect on their certificate.