Standard DBS Check
Standard DBS checks for roles requiring a deeper criminal record review. Includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions and warnings. Secure screening for regulated organisations.
Standard DBS Checks for Employers
A Standard DBS check provides a deeper criminal record disclosure than a Basic DBS check and includes both spent and unspent convictions as well as adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation. It is used for roles that involve professional responsibility, financial accountability or access to sensitive information.
Standard DBS checks help organisations make informed recruitment decisions while meeting legal and regulatory expectations.
CBS delivers secure and compliant Standard DBS screening for organisations operating in regulated and high-accountability environments. Our digital platform allows employers to manage criminal record checks efficiently while maintaining full compliance and audit visibility.
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What is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS check provides a more detailed criminal record disclosure than a Basic DBS check.It allows employers to view both spent and unspent convictions, and adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation.
Standard DBS checks are designed for roles where a deeper level of background screening is necessary These checks form part of responsible recruitment practices across sectors where employees handle sensitive information or hold positions of trust.
Get in Touch Comparing levels of DBS Checks
Basic
Unspent Convictions
Unspent conditional cautions (Subject to filtering rules)
Spent Convictions (Subject to filtering rules)
Cautions / Warnings (Other)
Local police information
Barred list check (If eligible)
Standard
Unspent Convictions
Unspent conditional cautions (Subject to filtering rules)
Spent Convictions (Subject to filtering rules)
Cautions / Warnings (Other)
Local police information
Barred list check (If eligible)
Enhanced
Unspent Convictions
Unspent conditional cautions (Subject to filtering rules)
Spent Convictions (Subject to filtering rules)
Cautions / Warnings (Other)
Local police information
Barred list check (If eligible)
Who Needs a Standard DBS Check?
Standard DBS checks are typically used for roles involving a higher level of responsibility, oversight or professional accountability.
Examples of roles that may require Standard DBS screening include:
- Legal professionals
- Accountants and financial advisers
- Certain regulatory or compliance roles
- Security industry roles
- Positions within government or regulated organisations
- Roles regulated by the FCA
Eligibility for a Standard DBS check is defined by legislation and must be based on the duties of the role. Employers must ensure the role meets the eligibility criteria before submitting an application.
Eligibility and Legal Requirements
Eligible Standard DBS checks are taken from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, as amended. This means organisations must be able to demonstrate that the level of disclosure requested is appropriate and legally justified. Requesting an ineligible DBS check can constitute a criminal offence.
CBS provides eligibility guidance to help ensure the correct level of disclosure is requested.
Identity Verification Requirements
Identity verification is a mandatory step before submitting a Standard DBS application. The applicant’s identity must be verified using approved identity verification procedures.
CBS provides compliant identity verification through structured workflows and digital identity validation solutions. This ensures applications are accurate and reduces delays caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation.
Common Employer Risks When Requesting Standard DBS Checks
Criminal record screening must be carefully managed to ensure compliance.
Common issues organisations face include:
- Requesting a Standard DBS check where eligibility does not exist
- Incorrect or missing address history
- Insufficient documentation for audit or inspection purposes
These risks can be reduced through structured digital workflows, automated validation and real-time screening visibility.
Standard DBS Checks Across Regulated Sectors
Standard DBS checks are commonly used across sectors where employees hold positions of trust or responsibility.
These include:
- Financial services and banking
- Legal services
- Government and regulatory bodies
- Security and facilities management
- Corporate environments requiring in deapth background checks
CBS provides scalable screening infrastructure for organisations operating under regulatory scrutiny.
UK-Wide Criminal Record Checks
Standard DBS checks apply in England and Wales. Equivalent criminal record checks operate across other UK jurisdictions.
- England & Wales – Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Scotland – Disclosure Scotland (also known as Level 2 disclosures)
- Northern Ireland – AccessNI
Organisations recruiting across multiple jurisdictions can manage screening through a single structured platform.
Learn more about Disclosure Scotland & PVG Checks or AccessNI Checks.
How Long Does a Standard DBS Check Take?
Processing times vary depending on application accuracy. Typical turnaround times for Standard DBS checks are usually completed within 1–5 working days. Early validation of identity and address history helps reduce avoidable delays.
Our solutions guarantee 100% submission rate with zero errors
Standard DBS Checks FAQs
Standard DBS checks must meet legislative eligibility criteria and can only requested by registered organisations.
Basic checks show only unspent convictions. Standard DBS checks include both spent and unspent convictions along with and adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation.
No. Barred list checks are only available with Enhanced DBS checks where the role involves regulated activity
The certificate is issued directly to the applicant, while employers receive application status updates and audit records through the CBS platform.
Why Organisations Choose CBS for Standard DBS Checks
Organisations choose CBS for:
- UK-wide criminal record screening capability
- Experienced screening specialists providing hands-on support
- Over 1 million checks processed annually
- Structured digital screening workflows
- Real-time application tracking
- High-volume recruitment capability
- ISO 27001 certified processes
- Dedicated compliance guidance
CBS provides more than Standard DBS checks. Our secure platform delivers structured screening infrastructure built for organisations operating under safeguarding and regulatory scrutiny. Behind the technology is our experienced screening team providing hands-on guidance to help employers navigate eligibility, safeguarding requirements and complex recruitment decisions with confidence.
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