DBS checks are part of most background screening processes. The information found in them can either give the green light or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, legally bar the candidate from the position applied for.

But what exactly shows up on a DBS check? The answer to this question is different for each type of DBS check. So in order to clear up any confusion, DBS Checks Online have created this guide to what shows up on a DBS check. Keep reading to find out what shows up on a basic DBS check, standard DBS check, and enhanced DBS check.

What Shows Up On A DBS Check?

As mentioned above, each type of DBS check will reveal different information. The reason for these checks is to allow employers to ensure potential employees’ credibility by checking their criminal history for cautions, warnings, reprimands and spent and unspent convictions. 

However, not every industry or role requires stringent background screening. So the Disclosure and Barring Service has set out three checks to suit different needs. Here is what each DBS check will show:

What Does a Basic DBS Check Show?

A basic DBS check is the lowest level of check, and only reveals any unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Spent convictions will not show up on this check, as they are considered expunged. 

That said, please note that any conviction with a prison sentence of more than two and half years will never be considered spent, no matter how much time passes.

Conditional cautions are for less severe crimes and are meted out when the offender accepts all conditions of the caution. These are considered spent and are removed from an individual’s criminal record three months after the caution date or condition ends. 

What Does A Standard DBS Check Show?

The standard DBS check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands. However, convictions and cautions will not show up if they are ‘protected’. These are old or irrelevant convictions that are no longer necessary for a DBS check. They are filtered out in order to prevent discrimination against reformed criminals.

That said, serious offences will never be filtered out. These include crimes such as:  

• Manslaughter or murder
• Drug dealing
• Serious sexual crimes
• Terror-related crimes
• Safeguarding-related offence

Cautions are filtered out after six years for adults and after two years for minors. Convictions are filtered out after eleven years for adults, and five and a half years for minors. Convictions will not be filtered out if there was a prison or custodial sentence passed, the applicant has other crimes on record, or the conviction appears on the non filterable list of serious offences.

What Shows Up on An Enhanced DBS Check?

An enhanced DBS check will show spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, and any other relevant information held by local police forces. Local police can add any information about the individual that they consider relevant to the application.

For each conviction, the following information is included:

• Date of conviction
• Court details
• Offence details
• Date of offence
• Sentence given 

Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Check

With certain enhanced DBS checks, Barred List checks must be included. These DBS checks are generally done for applicants who would work in close contact with vulnerable adults or children.

The enhanced DBS checks with Barred List Check will likely include a List 99 check. These lists have been created to prevent unsuitable people from working with children or vulnerable adults, and if the applicant’s name is found on one of these lists, the employer is legally prohibited from hiring them, in order to safeguard our most vulnerable citizens.

Do You Need DBS Checks?

If you are preparing to hire, you will first need to start your background screening processes. DBS Checks Online can handle small or large quantities of DBS checks, for all industries. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our services.