Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks are now called Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

There are different rules for getting a criminal record check in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
 

Who can ask for a DBS check

Only employers and licensing bodies can request a DBS check. Job applicants can’t do a criminal records check on themselves. Instead, they can request a basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland (you don’t have to be from Scotland to do this).

DBS eligibility guidance lists most roles that are eligible for a check. You can contact DBS if you’re not sure – 03000 200 190.

If the applicant has subscribed to the DBS update service, the employer can check their certificate online.
 

How long a DBS check is valid

A DBS check has no official expiry date. Any information included will be accurate at the time the check was carried out. It is up to an employer to decide if and when a new check is needed.

Applicants and employers can use the DBS update service to keep a certificate up to date or carry out checks on a potential employee’s certificate.
 

Types of criminal records check

There are 3 types of check. The employer or organisation running the check should provide the applicant with more information about the level of check required.

DBS check applicants must be 16 or over.

The time it takes to process a DBS check depends on:
  • the level of check
  • if the details given for the check are correct
  • what police forces need to be involved in the check

Generally, it can take around 8 weeks to get a DBS check.
 

Standard

This checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.
 

Enhanced

This includes the same as the standard check plus any additional information held by local police that’s reasonably considered relevant to the role being applied for.
 

Enhanced with list checks

This is like the enhanced check, but includes a check of the DBS barred lists.

An employer can only ask for a barred list check for specific roles. It’s a criminal offence to ask for a check for any other roles.
 

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