DBS check
A criminal record check run by the Disclosure and Barring Service, used by UK employers to check a candidate's criminal history before certain jobs.
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check reveals a person's criminal record history to an employer, to varying levels of detail depending on the type of check and what the role legally requires.
There are three main levels. A Basic check shows only unspent convictions and cautions, and can be requested for any role or purpose. A Standard check adds spent convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands, and is only available for roles specified in law (certain professions and licences). An Enhanced check adds any relevant local police information, and — for roles working closely with children or vulnerable adults — can include a check against the DBS barred lists, confirming the person isn't legally barred from that kind of work.
Employers can't simply request whichever level they'd prefer — the role has to fall into a legally-defined category (broadly: work with children, work with vulnerable adults, or certain regulated professions) to qualify for a Standard or Enhanced check. Requesting a higher level than the role justifies is itself a compliance risk.
Key facts
- Three levels: Basic (unspent convictions only, any role), Standard (adds spent convictions, defined roles only), Enhanced (adds police info + optional barred-list check, defined roles only)
- Government fee: £21.50 for Basic and Standard, £49.50 for Enhanced (excluding any provider admin fee)
- Standard and Enhanced checks are free for genuine volunteers (the government fee is waived)
- A role must fall into a legally-defined eligible category to qualify for Standard or Enhanced — an employer can't request an inappropriately high level
Checked 2026-08. Rates and thresholds change — always confirm current figures on GOV.UK before relying on them.
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Free for a year while you're under five employees — no credit card required.