Enhanced DBS Checks

What Does an Enhanced DBS Check Show?

An Enhanced DBS certificate may include:

• Unspent convictions
• Spent convictions (subject to filtering rules)
• Cautions, reprimands and warnings
• Relevant information held by local police forces where considered relevant to the role Where legally eligible, an Enhanced DBS check may also include searches of the safeguarding barred lists. Barred list searches confirm whether an individual is legally prohibited from working with vulnerable groups.

Eligibility for these searches is strictly defined within safeguarding legislation and must be based on the responsibilities of the role.

Who Needs an Enhanced DBS Check?

Enhanced DBS checks are typically required where a role involves regulated activity or direct safeguarding responsibility. This commonly applies in sectors where employees work closely with vulnerable groups or operate within regulated environments.

Roles that frequently require Enhanced DBS screening include:

• Teachers and education staff
• Healthcare professionals
• Social care workers
• Residential care staff
• Foster carers and childcare providers
• Youth workers and community support staff
• Certain government or regulated contractor roles

Eligibility is determined by the duties performed, not the job title alone. Requesting an Enhanced DBS check where eligibility does not exist may constitute a criminal offence.

We provide guidance to help organisations determine the correct level of screening before submitting an application.

Enhanced DBS Checks with Barred Lists

Some roles require an Enhanced DBS check with barred list searches.

The Disclosure and Barring Service maintains two safeguarding barred lists:

• The Children’s Barred List
• The Adults’ Barred List

Individuals appearing on these lists are legally prohibited from working with the relevant vulnerable group. Barred list checks can only be requested where the role meets regulated activity criteria.

Ensuring the correct barred list checks are included is essential to maintaining safeguarding compliance.

Enhanced DBS Checks for Self-Employed Individuals

Recent legislative updates allow certain self-employed individuals to apply for Enhanced DBS checks where their work meets regulated activity criteria.

This may apply where individuals operate independently within sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Social care
• Youth services

Eligibility is determined by the duties being carried out rather than employment status.

Barred list searches remain tightly controlled and can only be requested where the legal criteria are satisfied. Our team provides guidance to ensure applications meet current safeguarding and eligibility requirements.

Identity Verification Requirements

Identity verification is a critical step in the Enhanced DBS application process.

Before a disclosure can be submitted, employers must confirm the identity of the applicant using approved verification procedures. Incorrect or incomplete identity checks are one of the most common causes of application delays.

We provide compliant identity verification through structured digital workflows and secure identity validation processes.

Early identity validation helps prevent rejected applications and keeps onboarding timelines on track.

Common Employer Risks When Requesting Enhanced DBS Checks

Enhanced DBS screening carries strict legal and safeguarding obligations.

Organisations often encounter compliance issues when processes are inconsistent or poorly documented. Common risks include:

• Requesting Enhanced DBS checks without proper eligibility
• Failing to include barred list checks where required
• Incorrect identity verification
• Incomplete address histories
• Insufficient documentation for inspection or audit

These risks can be reduced through structured digital workflows, automated validation and real-time application tracking.

Enhanced DBS Checks Across Regulated Sectors

Enhanced DBS checks are essential for organisations operating in safeguarding-led environments.

We work with organisations across sectors including:

• Education and childcare
• NHS trusts and healthcare providers
• Social care organisations
• Charities and voluntary organisations
• Security and facilities management companies
• Government and regulated contractors

Our screening platform provides the visibility and control required to manage high-volume recruitment while maintaining safeguarding standards.

UK-Wide Criminal Record Checks

Enhanced DBS checks apply in England and Wales. Equivalent criminal record checks operate in other parts of the UK.

• England & Wales – Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• Scotland – Disclosure Scotland
• Northern Ireland – AccessNI

Organisations recruiting across multiple UK jurisdictions can manage screening through one structured digital platform.

Learn more about Disclosure Scotland & PVG Checks or AccessNI Checks.

How Long Does an Enhanced DBS Check Take?

Processing times vary depending on police force workloads and application accuracy. As a general guide Enhanced DBS checks are typically completed within 1–10 working days. Early identity validation and structured digital workflows help reduce avoidable delays.

Enhanced DBS Check FAQs