Choosing the right DBS check

The type of DBS check you can request depends on the role and the activities involved.

Use this page to understand the different things you’ll need to consider. You should always check the official DBS eligibility guidance before requesting a check.

Assess the role, rather than the person doing it. Whether someone is a member of staff or a volunteer does not usually change which level of check the role is eligible for.

Think about:

• what the person will do
• who they’ll work with
• where they’ll carry out the role
• whether they’ll work with children or adults
• whether their activities are considered regulated activity.

There are different levels of DBS check:

• a basic check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
• standard and enhanced checks show more information, but you can only request them for roles that meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
• some roles involving regulated activity with children or adults may be eligible for an enhanced check with a check of the relevant barred list.

Use the DBS eligibility guidance to check which level of check you can request for a particular role.

Regulated activity is certain work involving children or adults. The rules are different depending on who the person will be working with and what they’ll be doing.

This matters because someone carrying out regulated activity may be eligible for an enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.

Learn more about regulated activity with our guide on types of DBS checks.

Once you’ve established what the role is eligible for, consider which check is appropriate for the role.

You should:

• request checks based on the activities involved in the role
• only request a standard, enhanced or barred list check when the role is eligible
• consider the level of risk involved
• avoid requesting a higher level of check simply as a precaution.

If you’re unsure, use the DBS decision tool.

Once you’ve decided which check is appropriate, make sure you:

• get the applicant’s consent
• follow the DBS code of practice
• keep appropriate records of the checks you’ve requested
• consider whether overseas criminal record checks are also needed.

There are two scenarios for DBS checks for people working overseas:

1. applicants who are applying for a job in the UK but have lived overseas
2. overseas opportunities for people living in the UK.

DBS checks can be requested for anyone who has a UK address. If you have a UK-based opportunity and the applicant has been based overseas for a long time, check the Home Office guidance on criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

If you’re creating opportunities for people to work or volunteer overseas and they live or have lived in the UK, you can ask them to get an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC). The police guidance on ICPC explains the information it contains.

• DBS eligibility guidance: check which DBS checks a role may be eligible for.
• ⁠DBS type decision tool: answer questions about a role to find out what type of check you can get.
• ⁠DBS code of practice: understand your responsibilities when requesting and handling DBS information.
• ⁠DBS checks guidance for employers, voluntary organisations and third parties: detailed guidance on requesting and managing DBS checks.
• ⁠DBS Regional Outreach service: get support from DBS if you need further advice.