DBS Check FAQ

What is a DBS check?

A DBS check is a criminal record check issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the United Kingdom.

It is used by employers, organisations, and individuals to check whether someone has a criminal record.

DBS checks are commonly required for roles involving trust, responsibility, or work with vulnerable people.

What does DBS stand for?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Disclosure and Barring Service is a UK government organisation responsible for issuing criminal record checks and helping employers make safer recruitment decisions.

Who are the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a UK government organisation responsible for processing criminal record checks in England and Wales.

The DBS helps employers and organisations make safer recruitment decisions by providing information about an individual’s criminal record where appropriate.

When someone applies for a DBS check, the application is ultimately processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This applies whether the application is submitted directly to the DBS or through an online DBS application service such as dbs-check.co.uk.

Once the application has been completed and identity has been verified, it is sent to the Disclosure and Barring Service for processing. The DBS then carries out the relevant checks and issues the DBS certificate to the applicant.

The Disclosure and Barring Service also authorises certain organisations, known as Umbrella Bodies, to process DBS applications on behalf of other organisations or individuals. These umbrella bodies are registered with the DBS and are responsible for ensuring that applications are submitted correctly and that the DBS eligibility rules are followed.

In addition to issuing DBS certificates, the DBS is responsible for maintaining the barred lists, which contain the names of individuals who are legally prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.

What is an Umbrella Body for DBS checks?

An Umbrella Body is an organisation that is registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to submit DBS applications on behalf of other organisations or individuals.

Umbrella Bodies are authorised by the DBS to process DBS check applications where an organisation cannot submit them directly themselves. They are responsible for ensuring that applications are completed correctly and that DBS eligibility rules are followed.

Many DBS application services use an Umbrella Body to submit applications to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

For applications made through dbs-check.co.uk, the service itself manages the online application process and applicant support. The DBS applications are then submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service through its authorised Umbrella Body, Aaron’s Department.

This structure allows applicants to complete their DBS application online while ensuring the application is submitted through a DBS-registered organisation.

What data is needed for a DBS check?

To complete a DBS check, you will need to enter basic, personal information about yourself, such as:

• Name History
• Date of Birth
• Address History
• Birth History
• Reason for DBS/Job Title

Once your application is completed, this information is sent to the DBS, who will do their checks. It is very important to ensure this information is correct.

What information appears on a DBS check?

The information that appears on a DBS certificate depends on the level of check requested.

A Basic DBS check shows any unspent convictions.

A Standard DBS check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.

An Enhanced DBS check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings, and may also include additional information held by local police that is considered relevant to the role. If requested, it can also show if the individual is barred from working with vulnerable adults or children.

Why do employers request DBS checks?

Employers request DBS checks to help ensure that the people they hire are suitable for positions of trust.

Many organisations request DBS checks for roles involving:

• working with children
• working with vulnerable adults
• healthcare
• education
• financial responsibility
• positions of trust or security

How long does a DBS check take?

Processing times can vary depending on the type of check and the information that needs to be reviewed.

Basic DBS checks are often completed within one working day.

Enhanced DBS checks can take longer because they involve additional checks with police records.

Can I apply for a DBS check myself?

Yes. Individuals in the UK can apply for a DBS check themselves – either a Basic or Enhanced DBS check.

A DBS check can be requested through an online DBS application service such as dbs-check.co.uk.

An individual can only request a Enhanced DBS check for themselves if they are legally entitled to it.

Can self-employed people get a DBS check?

Yes. Self-employed individuals can apply for a DBS check.

Many freelancers, contractors, tutors, healthcare professionals, and other self-employed workers obtain DBS checks to provide reassurance to their clients.

Self-employed people can request their DBS check through dbs-check.co.uk.

Can I get an Enhanced DBS check myself?

In some situations, individuals may be able to request an Enhanced DBS check for themselves. Whilst there are different rules, typically the individuals work must involve working with vulnerable adults or children.

This typically applies where the individual is undertaking a role that requires an Enhanced check but does not have an employer to process the application on their behalf.

Why might someone need a DBS check for themselves?

People often apply for DBS checks themselves when they need to provide proof of their criminal record status.

Common examples include:

• private tutors
• self-employed healthcare workers
• contractors working in sensitive environments
• volunteers
• individuals starting a new role that requires a DBS certificate

What is dbs-check.co.uk?

dbs-check.co.uk is an online service that allows individuals to apply for DBS checks through a secure digital application process.

The platform guides applicants through the application, verifies identity using digital ID checks, and submits the application to the Disclosure and Barring Service for processing.

Is dbs-check.co.uk the DBS?

No. dbs-check.co.uk is not the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The DBS is the UK government organisation responsible for issuing DBS certificates.

dbs-check.co.uk provides an online system that allows individuals to submit their DBS application and supporting identity documents quickly and securely.

Why do people use dbs-check.co.uk?

Many applicants choose to use dbs-check.co.uk because it simplifies the DBS application process.

The system allows individuals to:

• apply online
• complete digital identity verification
• submit their application quickly
• receive support if they have questions about the process
• obtain a digital PDF summary

How does the dbs-check.co.uk application process work?

The process is designed to be simple and straightforward.

Applicants typically follow these steps:

• Create an account
• Choose the level of DBS check required
• Complete the online application form
• Submit payment
• Complete digital identity verification

The application is then submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service

Why do I need to prove my identity for a DBS check?

The Disclosure and Barring Service requires identity verification to ensure the correct person is being checked.

This helps prevent identity fraud and ensures the DBS certificate is accurate.

What documents are required for a DBS check?

When completing a DBS through dbs-check.co.uk, you will need to complete a Digital ID check.

This requires you to have one of the following combinations, as well as a smartphone:

• Biometric Passport
• Passport + UK Driving Licence
• Online Banking

As long as you have one of the above combinations, you can complete your ID check!

Can DBS identity checks be done digitally?

Yes. Digital identity verification is increasingly used to confirm an applicant’s identity.

This allows applicants to complete their DBS application without needing to attend an in-person identity check.

How will I receive my DBS certificate?

The Disclosure and Barring Service issues the DBS certificate directly to the applicant.

The certificate is normally sent by post to the address provided on the application.

Can I share my DBS result with an employer?

Yes. The DBS certificate belongs to the applicant.

You can show your certificate to employers, clients, or organisations that require proof of your DBS check.

DBS applications done through dbs-check.co.uk also have the ability to share the PDF summary directly with your employer. Just log in to your account, and choose who to share it with.

What is the DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service allows individuals to keep their DBS certificate up to date.

You will only need to do a new DBS check if there is new information on your record.

basic DBS’s cannot be added to the Update Service – only Standard and Enhanced DBS checks can.

What should I do if I have questions about my DBS application?

If you have questions during the application process, all the information regarding your application can be found by logging into your dbs-check.co.uk account.

If you cannot find the answer there, our Support team can help resolve questions about identity verification, application status, or other related questions.

What happens after my DBS application is submitted?

Once your application has been submitted, it is processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The DBS reviews the application and checks the relevant records before issuing the certificate.