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Officially approved by the Government as a Responsible Organisation (No. 89109590000) for DBS checks. Verify

INDIVIDUAL DBS CHECKS

Apply for your DBS Check. Results sent securely by e-mail in 24 hours & certificate sent in 3-5 working days

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BUSINESS DBS CHECKS

DBS Checks for staff. Fast streamlined service with a dedicated, personal, account manager

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Government Approved Responsible Organisation

Our Disclosure & Barring Service Check (also known as a DBS Check, Basic Disclosure or CRB Check) is a criminal record check that disclose cautions, reprimands, warnings & convictions unspent according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It was formed when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) joined in 2012

Who we have worked with

SIMPLE ONLINE PROCESS

Simple, secure, and fully compliant with UK Government standards

Step 1

Start Application

Complete a quick online form with your details to start your DBS check

STEP 2

Verification

Verify yourself with Yoti, a government-approved Identity Service Provider

Step 3

Get Your Results

You’ll receive an electronic certificate in your email, and the document sent to your address

Get Started

Types

Types of Check

Understanding the three levels of DBS check and what they cover

Basic

Unspent Convictions

For roles with minimal risk

Basic DBS Check

Shows any unspent criminal convictions

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STANDARD

Employers Only

Reveals spent and unspent convictions.

Standard DBS Check

Reveals full criminal history, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and reprimands

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ENHANCED

The Highest Level of Vetting

Includes everything from the Standard Check.

Enhanced DBS Check

Includes everything in the Standard DBS check, plus any relevant information held by local police and, for certain roles, checks against barred lists

Find Out More

Checks.co.uk

Your Trusted DBS Partner

Checks is a government approved DBS provider, trusted by individuals, SMEs, and leading UK organisations across England, Wales, and Scotland. With our extensive experience and expertise, we deliver fully accredited background checks backed up by dedicated phone support to ensure clear guidance at every step

Digital Verification with Yoti

Fast, Secure & Government-Certified

Through our partnership with Yoti, a government-approved Identity Service Provider (IDSP), we offer fast and secure digital document verification. Yoti’s AES-256-GCM encryption safeguards sensitive data, while its certified platform minimises errors, ensures compliance, and accelerates onboarding

Accredited by

Reasons to Use Us

Fast, reliable, and fully compliant DBS checking with support you can trust

Secure processing

End-to-end encryption keeps your information safe throughout the application process

One-to-One Support

Get a dedicated account manager for direct help by phone or email, Monday to Friday

Here When You Need Us

Most questions are answered within an hour, so you’re never left waiting

Instant notification

Get an instant SMS or email notification as soon as your DBS check is complete

Everything in One Place

Track and manage all your DBS checks from one easy-to-use dashboard

Government Recognition

Officially accredited provider, meeting strict standards for security, accuracy, and compliance

Takes only 3 minutes

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WHO

Who Do DBS Checks Protect?

DBS checks protect children, vulnerable adults, and the organisations that employ staff to work with them. They reduce risk, build trust, and keep workplaces safe

SAFE RECRUITMENT

Hire with Confidence

With 40% of CVs containing inaccuracies, it’s vital to protect your recruitment process. Our DBS checks verify employment history, education, and more – giving you peace of mind and complete confidence in every hire

Who Needs a DBS Check?

School Teachers
Healthcare Workers
Third-Party Contractors
Volunteers in Youth Clubs

Report Incidents to DBS

By law, employers must report anyone removed from a role for causing harm

Carry Out the Right Checks

Employers are responsible for ensuring the correct level of DBS check is completed for each role

WHY

The Role of DBS Checks

DBS checks are essential for safeguarding and trust. They confirm whether someone has a criminal record, helping employers, organisations, and individuals make safer recruitment decisions. By identifying risks early, DBS checks protect vulnerable groups, ensure compliance with legal obligations, and give peace of mind to those hiring staff or volunteers in sensitive roles.

COMPARISON

Table of Comparison

Quickly compare each check type to find the right option for you or your business

Information	Basic DBS Certificate	Standard DBS Certificate	Enhanced DBS Certificate	Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS Certificate
Unspent convictions and conditional cautions
Spent convictions and cautions, subject to filtering
Relevant non-conviction information from the police
Children's and/or Adults' Barred List check
Who can apply?	Anyone over the age of 16	Please see eligible roles list	Please see eligible roles list	Please see eligible roles list
How do I apply?	Online only using this form	Using this form	Using this form	Using this form

FAQ

We Have 24/7
Support Available

In case you’re still looking for answers.

What are DBS Checks for?

You can request a DBS Check on yourself to see your own record, or employers and organisations can use them to confirm whether someone has a criminal record or other relevant information. Employers usually conduct them to ensure safer recruitment, but they are also used for volunteering roles, professional licences (such as taxi drivers or security staff), adoption and fostering applications, and even by individuals who want to obtain information for personal or visa purposes

Which roles need a DBS Check?

Whether a DBS Check is required often depends on an employer’s recruitment process, as some organisations choose to request them for added reassurance. In other cases, the law requires a check — particularly for roles involving children, vulnerable adults, or positions of trust. This includes jobs in education, healthcare, social work, fostering and adoption, as well as certain licensed positions such as taxi drivers or security staff. You can see a general set of guidelines on our eligible job roles list but always check with the employer first for the exact requirements

What are the different levels of DBS Check?

There are three main levels: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. Each level provides a different depth of information depending on the role being applied for. You can see a breakdown of eligible roles here for various jobs

What is a Basic DBS Check?

A Basic DBS Check shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions an individual may have. It can be requested for any role or purpose. Find out more on our Basic DBS Check page

What is a Standard DBS Check?

A Standard DBS Check details both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings held on the Police National Computer. Find out more on our Standard DBS Check page.

What is a Enhanced DBS Check?

An Enhanced DBS Check includes everything in a Standard check plus any relevant information held by local police. It may also include checks against the barred lists if the role is regulated. Find out more on our Enhanced DBS Check page

What is the difference between a Basic, Standard and Enhanced?

The Basic DBS Check shows only unspent convictions, a Standard DBS Check shows both spent and unspent records, while an Enhanced DBS Checks provide the most detailed view including police intelligence and, where required, barred list information. You can see a detailed breakdown on our eligible job roles list

What information do you need from me?

We need your full name, name change history, date of birth, address history, and certain identity documents such as a passport or driving licence. This is to confirm your identity and process your application accurately

How long do each of them take to be processed?

Basic DBS Check results are emailed usually within 24 hours, and the certificate will arrive at your address within 3 to 5 working days. Standard and Enhanced Checks can take longer depending on police processing times, often anywhere between one and four weeks

How often do I need to renew my DBS Check?

There is no official expiry date, but most employers or organisations request an updated check year, depending on the role

How can I get in touch with your team?

You can contact us by phone, email (below) or through our website contact form. Our team is available to answer any questions and guide you through the process

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