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Applying for an Enhanced DBS check is a vital step for many jobs in England, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults.
This guide explains exactly who needs one, how to apply, the costs involved, and how long it usually takes to get your certificate.
We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have all the information you need to complete your application correctly.
What Exactly Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
A DBS check is a record of a person’s criminal convictions and cautions. It is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
An Enhanced DBS check is the most detailed level of check available. It’s for roles that involve a high degree of contact with vulnerable groups.
It shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. It also includes any information held by local police forces.
This check may also include a search of the DBS’s barred lists, which show if a person is banned from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Who Needs an Enhanced DBS Check?
Not everyone can get an Enhanced DBS check. Eligibility is strictly defined by law and relates to the specific duties of a job role.
You will almost certainly need one if your work brings you into direct contact with children or vulnerable adults. This is known as a ‘regulated activity’.
Common roles that require an Enhanced check include:
- Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, dentists, and paramedics.
- Education: Teachers, teaching assistants, and nursery workers.
- Social Care: Carers, social workers, and childminders.
- Other roles: Taxi drivers, and those working in certain legal or financial positions.
Your employer or the organisation you are volunteering for will tell you if you need an Enhanced check. You cannot apply for one for yourself personally.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. An employer or a Registered Body will manage the application on your behalf.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved:
- Employer Request: Your employer gives you a link or a form to start the application. They will confirm which level of check is needed.
- Fill in the Form: You must provide your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and a 5-year address history.
- Identity Verification: You will need to show original documents to your employer to prove your identity. This is a crucial step.
- Submission to DBS: Once your identity is confirmed, the employer or Registered Body submits your application to the DBS for processing.
- Certificate Issued: The DBS completes the checks and sends the physical certificate directly to your home address.
Important: You must provide your address history for the last 5 years without any gaps. Any missing time can cause significant delays.
Proving Your Identity: What Documents Do You Need?
Proving your identity is the most important part of the application. You’ll need to provide original documents, not photocopies or online versions.
The required documents are split into groups. You typically need to provide a specific combination of documents from these groups.
A common route is to provide:
- One document from Group 1: This includes your current Passport, Biometric Residence Permit, or UK Driving Licence.
- Two further documents: These can be from Group 1, 2a or 2b. Examples include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a recent bank statement.
One of the documents must confirm your current address. This could be a utility bill (less than 3 months old) or your driving licence.
Always check the official gov.uk website for the most up-to-date list of accepted identity documents before you begin.
Costs and Turnaround Times
Understanding the fees and waiting times helps you plan. The cost of an Enhanced DBS check is set by the government.
As of 2024, the standard fee for an Enhanced DBS check is £38. This is paid directly to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Some employers will cover this cost for you. Others may ask you to pay for it yourself, sometimes deducting it from your first salary.
Crucially, DBS checks are free for volunteers in eligible roles. The organisation you volunteer for must confirm you qualify for the fee waiver.
Regarding turnaround times, the DBS aims to process at least 80% of Enhanced checks within 14 days. However, this is just an aim.
Some applications can take longer, especially if details are incorrect or if local police forces need to conduct additional checks on their records.
How to Track Your DBS Application
Once your application is submitted, you can monitor its progress online. This helps you know what stage your check is at and spot any potential delays.
Your employer or the Registered Body will provide you with an application reference number. You will need this to use the tracking service.
To track your application, visit the official DBS tracking portal on the gov.uk website. You will need to enter your reference number and date of birth.
The tracker will show which of the five stages your application has reached, from submission right through to the printing of your certificate.
Understanding Your DBS Certificate
When you receive your certificate in the post, it’s important to check it carefully. The certificate is printed on secure paper with unique features.
It will show your personal details and the outcome of the check. If there is no criminal information to disclose, the relevant boxes will be blank.
If there is information, it will be listed clearly. This could include convictions, cautions, warnings, or information from local police intelligence.
You must show this certificate to your employer so they can make their recruitment decision. They are not allowed to keep the original document.
The DBS Update Service: A Smart Move
The DBS Update Service is an online subscription that keeps your certificate up-to-date. It can save you time and money in the long run.
For a yearly fee of £13 (free for volunteers), you can take your certificate from one job to another, as long as it’s for the same type of role.
Instead of applying for a new check, a new employer can, with your permission, perform a quick online check to see if any new information has been added.
You must join the Update Service within 30 days of your certificate being issued. You can use the certificate number to register online.
What if There Is a Mistake on Your Certificate?
Mistakes can happen. If you believe there is an error on your DBS certificate, you have the right to challenge it.
You must raise a dispute with the DBS within 3 months of the certificate’s issue date. This can be done online or by phone.
Common disputes include incorrect personal details, wrongly recorded criminal information, or information that you believe should not be disclosed.
The DBS will investigate your claim. If they find an error, they will correct it and issue a new, free-of-charge certificate.
Start the process by carefully checking your documents. This preparation ensures your application is smooth and avoids unnecessary delays.
