A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is an essential background screening process in the UK, helping employers make safer hiring decisions. It is particularly crucial for roles involving vulnerable individuals, such as children or vulnerable adults. Among the three types of DBS checks—Basic, Standard, and Enhanced—the Enhanced DBS check is the most detailed. This article will explore what an Enhanced DBS check is, how to apply for one, the required supporting documents, and how it differs from other types of DBS checks.
What Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced DBS check is the most comprehensive level of criminal record check available. It is specifically required for positions that involve regular, unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults, such as:
- Teachers, childcare professionals, and social workers
- Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses
- Foster carers and adoption agencies
- Volunteers working with children and vulnerable individuals
- Security personnel in sensitive areas
An Enhanced DBS check includes:
- Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands
- Additional relevant police information—any data held by local police forces that may impact the role
- Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists check (if required)—to verify whether an individual is banned from working with children or vulnerable adults
Where and How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check?
Unlike a Basic DBS check, an individual cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS check directly. Only employers or organizations that require this level of screening can request one on behalf of the applicant.
Steps to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check:
Employer Initiates the Application
The organization where the applicant is seeking employment must apply through the DBS service or a registered umbrella body (third-party organizations authorized to process DBS applications).
Completing the Application Form
The applicant receives a DBS application form or a link to an online portal where they must provide personal details, including:
- Full name and date of birth
- Address history for the past five years
- National Insurance number
Submitting Supporting Documents
The employer verifies the applicant’s identity by checking supporting documents.
DBS Processing and Police Checks
The DBS processes the application and checks police databases, national records, and the barred lists if applicable.
Receiving the Certificate
Once the check is complete, a DBS certificate is sent to the applicant’s home address. The employer may request to see it before confirming employment.
Supporting Documents Required for an Enhanced DBS Check
The DBS requires proof of identity and address verification for an Enhanced check. Acceptable documents include:
Primary Identity Documents (One from the following)
- Passport (UK or international)
- UK driving licence (photo card)
- Birth certificate (issued within 12 months of birth)
Proof of Address Documents (One from the following)
- Bank statement (issued within the last 3 months)
- Utility bill (gas, electricity, or water, issued within the last 3 months)
- Council tax statement
- Mortgage or tenancy agreement
Applicants who do not have sufficient documents may need to undergo fingerprint verification at a police station.
Why Do We Need a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS check is required for jobs that involve a higher level of trust but do not necessarily include direct, unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups. It is often used for:
- Legal professionals (solicitors, accountants)
- Finance sector roles (bankers, insurance employees)
- Security staff (certain roles in security and law enforcement)
A Standard DBS check includes details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings but does not include local police information or barred list checks, making it less detailed than an Enhanced DBS check.
How Is an Enhanced DBS Check Different from an Organisation DBS?
The key difference between an Enhanced DBS check and an Organisation DBS check lies in the purpose and scope of use.
Enhanced DBS Check:
- Required for individuals working with children or vulnerable adults
- Includes local police intelligence and barred list checks
- Can only be requested by employers or organizations
- Processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Organisation DBS Check:
- A broad term referring to any DBS checks (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced) conducted by an organization for its employees
- Can include multiple employees within a company
- Typically managed through a DBS umbrella body for efficiency
Organizations may conduct regular DBS rechecks to ensure that employees remain eligible for their roles, especially in sensitive positions.
An Enhanced DBS check is a crucial vetting tool for individuals working in sensitive environments involving children or vulnerable adults. Unlike a Basic or Standard DBS check, it includes local police intelligence and barred list checks, making it the highest level of screening available. Since individuals cannot apply directly, it must be requested by an employer or organization. Providing the correct supporting documents ensures a smooth application process.
While a Standard DBS check is useful for roles requiring high trust, it does not offer the same depth of screening as an Enhanced DBS check. Understanding these differences allows employers and job applicants to navigate the process effectively, ensuring compliance with safeguarding regulations and creating safer workplaces.