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Enhanced DBS Check

An enhanced DBS check is the most comprehensive level of criminal record check available in the United Kingdom. It is designed to help employers and organisations assess whether an individual is suitable for certain roles—particularly those involving contact with children or vulnerable adults.

These checks are carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in England and Wales, and by Disclosure Scotland in Scotland.

What does an Enhanced DBS Check include?

An enhanced DBS check involves a detailed review of an individual’s background, including:

  • Cautions
  • Convictions
  • Reprimands and warnings (now replaced by youth cautions)
  • Previously “stepped-down” cautions or convictions
  • Relevant police intelligence (disclosed at the discretion of local police)
  • Checks against the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists (if required for the role)

For each recorded offence, the certificate may include details such as the date of conviction or caution, the nature of the offence, the court involved, and the sentence imposed.

What is not included?

The following are typically not disclosed on an enhanced DBS check:

  • Fixed penalty notices (e.g. speeding tickets or littering fines)
  • Unproven allegations where no prosecution occurred
  • “Filtered” cautions or convictions (see below)
  • Whether an offence is considered spent or unspent

Filtered cautions and convictions

Certain older or less serious offences may be removed (“filtered”) from a DBS check after a set period:

  • Cautions:
    • 2 years (if under 18 at the time)
    • 6 years (if 18 or over)
  • Convictions:
    • 5.5 years (if under 18 at the time)
    • 11 years (if 18 or over)

However, some serious offences are never filtered and will always be disclosed. These include:

  • Many sexual offences (e.g. indecent assault, possession of indecent images of children)
  • Certain violent offences (e.g. assault causing actual bodily harm, robbery)
  • Safeguarding offences (e.g. child neglect or abandonment)
  • Supply of controlled drugs

Who needs an Enhanced DBS Check?

Enhanced DBS checks are typically required for roles that involve a high level of trust and responsibility, such as:

  • Working with children or vulnerable adults
  • Teachers
  • Social workers
  • Carers
  • Taxi drivers

How to apply

You cannot apply for an enhanced DBS check on your own. The application must be submitted by an employer or organisation, with your consent.