disclosure and barring service
Please fill in your information and we'll get in touch with you.
what does DBS stand for?
DBS stands for disclosure and barring service. DBS is a government body sponsored by the Home Office that is responsible for verifying individuals’ criminal records in England and Wales, with checks in Scotland being conducted by Disclosure Scotland and Northern Ireland by Access NI, the DBS enables employers to make safe hiring decisions.
what is the difference between DBS and CRB?
Disclosure and Barring service replaced Criminal Records Bureau in December 2012. DBS is a merger between the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
what is a DBS check?
DBS check is used to help employers make the right hiring decisions when employing vulnerable groups. A DBS check states the criminal history of the applicant.
types of DBS checks
Depending on the nature of the job there are three types of DBS checks:
- Basic DBS
- Standard DBS
- Enhanced DBS
what is basic DBS?
A Basic DBS can be requested by individuals and employers. This is the lowest level check that is available for all individuals and employers living within the UK. Basic disclosure checks a person’s criminal history and convictions from the Police National Computer (PNC). It will return information on any convictions considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Employers operating in any industry can request a basic DBS for the applicants, however for some roles higher level of checks may be required.
what is standard DBS?
A standard DBS is an in-depth criminal record check used by employers to verify if the applicant is a good fit for the role or not. A standard DBS Check reveals any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, final warnings or reprimands the applicant has. This level of check returns information about all cautions, warnings, and warnings a person has. This check will show applicants’ convictions and cautions which are unspent in England and Wales and convictions in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
what is Enhanced DBS?
An enhanced DBS is like the standard DBS. This criminal record check can only be requested by the employer on behalf of the applicant. However, with enhanced DBS the employer can verify if the potential or current employee is listed on Adult First or Children’s Barred List. This check ensures that the person in question is suitable to work with vulnerable groups. This check can only be requested if the applicant will be involved in a controlled activity.
what is DBS update service?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has an online subscription service that lets applicants keep their DBS certificates up to date. This also allows employers to check a certificate online periodically, with the consent of the applicant.
need help?
There are three types of DBS checks, the employer must be very certain about the role they are employing, to avoid discrimination against anyone protected by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
If you are an employer and have any questions about DBS checks, we at giant screening can help you with these checks with our years of experience.
trusted by












we deliver the best service
tailor-made solution
one size does not fit all, we deliver solution for your business needs
get in touch
We would love to speak to you about our screening solutions, show you around our innovative system or provide a free review of your existing screening process.