Criminal Record Checks

Understanding the Levels of Criminal Record Disclosure

Criminal record checks are available at different levels. Each level reveals different information and must be selected based on the responsibilities and safeguarding requirements of the role.

Basic Disclosure

A Basic disclosure shows unspent criminal convictions (we well as conditional cautions for DBS Basic Disclosures only)This level can be requested for any role where employers require baseline trust screening.

Basic disclosures are available across the UK and can be issued through:

• DBS
• Disclosure Scotland (called a Level 1 Disclosure)
• AccessNI

Standard Disclosure

A Standard disclosure includes:

DBS

• Unspent convictions and adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation

AccessNI

• Spent and unspent convictions
• Informed warnings and other non-court disposals from the Police National Computer

Disclosure Scotland (called a Level 2 Disclosure)

• Unspent convictions and certain spent convictions. It also shows other information, such as any notification requirements.

Standard disclosures are only available where legislative eligibility criteria are met. These checks are typically used for roles involving professional responsibility, regulatory oversight or financial accountability.

Standard disclosures are issued by:

• DBS
• Disclosure Scotland (called a Level 2 disclosure)
• AccessNI

Enhanced Disclosure

An Enhanced criminal record check includes:

DBS

• Unspent convictions and adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation
• any information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role

AccessNI

• Spent and unspent convictions from the Police National Computer
• Cautions, informed warnings and other non-court disposals from the Police National Computer
• Information held by the Disclosure and Barring Service
• Information held by the police that is relevant to the role applied for

Disclosure Scotland

• Unspent convictions
• Certain spent convictions
• Certain spent childhood convictions and children’s hearings outcomes
• Any notification requirements (instructions someone must follow if they’re placed on the Sex Offenders Register)
• Unspent cautions (but not a childhood caution)
• Other relevant information held by the police
• That you’re a member of the PVG scheme
• That you’re not barred from working with children or protected adults
• If you’re under consideration for inclusion on the barred lists for work with children or adults
• If you have had any prescribed civil court orders Enhanced checks are required for roles involving regulated activity or significant safeguarding responsibilities.

Enhanced disclosures are issued by:

• DBS
• Disclosure Scotland (Called Level 2 with Barred List check and PVG Scheme)
• AccessNI

Enhanced Disclosure with Barred List Check

Where individuals work with children or vulnerable adults in regulated activity, an Enhanced disclosure may also include a barred list search. Barred list checks confirm whether an individual is legally prohibited from working with certain vulnerable groups. Eligibility for barred list searches is strictly defined in legislation and must be based on the duties of the role.

Enhanced Checks for Self-Employed Individuals

Recent legislative updates allow certain self-employed professionals to obtain Enhanced criminal record checks where their work involves regulated activity. This may apply in sectors such as healthcare, education, social care and youth services where individuals operate independently but undertake safeguarding- work. Eligibility is determined by the duties performed, not employment status alone.

CBS provides guidance to ensure applications remain lawful, proportionate and aligned with safeguarding legislation.

Choosing the Correct Level

Selecting the correct level of disclosure is critical for compliance.

Checks must:

• Reflect the safeguarding responsibility attached to the role
• Be legally supported by eligibility criteria
• Be completed before unsupervised regulated activity begins
• Be securely documented
• Withstand inspection and audit scrutiny

Eligibility should always be determined by role responsibilities rather than job titles alone. Where uncertainty exists, our screening specialists provide guidance based on official eligibility criteria.

Identity Verification Requirements

All criminal record check applications must follow approved identity verification procedures and an applicant’s identity must be verified before submitting an application.

CBS provides compliant identity verification processes, including secure digital identity solutions where required.

Early validation reduces rejected applications and prevents avoidable delays. Maintaining documented evidence of identity verification is essential for inspection and audit readiness.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers requesting criminal record checks must:

• Obtain informed applicant consent
• Request the correct level of disclosure
• Follow identity verification requirements
• Handle certificates securely and confidentially
• Apply disclosure information fairly and proportionately
• Maintain audit documentation

Our digital screening platform provides structured workflows, documentation logs and compliance support to help organisations meet these obligations confidently.

Criminal Record Screening Across Regulated Sectors

CBS supports organisations operating in high-accountability environments, including:

• Education and childcare
• Healthcare and NHS services
• Social care and residential settings
• Security and facilities management
• Financial services
• Government and regulated contractors
• Charity and voluntary organisations

Our platform supports multi-site and multi-role recruitment, providing consistency and visibility across entire organisations.

PLEASE NOTE: Eligibility for Standard and Enhanced disclosures is defined in legislation and must be based on the duties of the role.

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