What shows up on a DBS check?
Asked by: Molly Wisoky II | Last update: June 15, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (17 votes)
A DBS check reveals criminal history, but the specifics depend on the check level: a Basic check shows only unspent convictions/cautions; a Standard check adds spent convictions/reprimands; an Enhanced check includes relevant local police information; and an Enhanced check with barred lists also confirms if you're barred from working with children or vulnerable adults, with details varying by check type.
What information does a DBS check reveal?
Standard DBS check
This is a check of your criminal record. It will show details of all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings held on central police records.
What is the most common DBS check?
It helps the employers to check the background of the person. It means whether someone has a criminal record or not. There are basically three types of DBS Checks: Basic DBS Check, Standard DBS Check, and Enhanced DBS Check. Basic DBS Check is the most common.
What does DBS Enhanced Check include?
An enhanced certificate will include both spent and unspent convictions[1], held on the PNC which are not eligible for filtering, as well as information as to whether the person is included in a list of people barred from working in regulated activity in relation to children and / or adults (if eligible and requested ) ...
What is included in an enhanced DBS check?
An Enhanced DBS check provides details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, subject to filtering rules.
A guide to DBS checks
What shows up on a disclosure?
After applying you get a disclosure which shows any unspent convictions and certain spent convictions. It also shows other information, such as whether you're barred from roles with children or protected adults.
What will fail me on a DBS check?
There is a list of offences that will always be disclosed on a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate (unless they relate to a youth caution). These are known as 'specified offences' and are usually of a serious violent or sexual nature, or are relevant for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
What can flag up on a DBS check?
A Basic DBS check will only show unspent convictions — that is, convictions that are still legally relevant under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. This is the level most commonly used for general roles where no exemptions apply.
What do they look at for a DBS check?
Standard DBS check
The certificate will contain details of both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are held on the Police National Computer, which are not subject to filtering.
What will disqualify you on a background check?
Common Reasons for Disqualification:
- You have a poor employment history. ...
- You lied on your resume, or there are inconsistencies. ...
- You have a criminal history. ...
- You received bad references from previous employers. ...
- You have a poor credit history. ...
- You failed a drug or alcohol test. ...
- You have a bad driving record.
Is DBS the same as criminal record?
Employers can check the criminal record of someone applying for a role. This is known as getting a Disclosure and Barring Service ( DBS ) check.
What is the DBS 3 month rule?
If there has been a break in employment of 3 months or more, a new DBS check should be applied for.
What checks does the DBS perform?
a Standard check, which shows spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation. an Enhanced check, which shows the same as a Standard check plus any information held by local police that's considered relevant to the role.
What can stop a DBS check?
What information can be removed from standard or enhanced DBS checks? Some cautions and spent convictions can become 'protected'. Once protected, they are 'filtered', meaning they won't be disclosed on standard or enhanced DBS checks. Filtered cautions and convictions do not appear on a standard or enhanced DBS check.
Does fare evasion show up on DBS?
If you are convicted of fare evasion under Regulation of Railways Act 1889, this conviction will appear on standard or enhanced DBS checks for up to 11 years. The conviction will also be stored on the Police National Computer until you are 100 years old.
How long does a DBS investigation take?
Enhanced DBS Checks typically take around 48 hours to complete on average with uCheck, and it will go through the following stages: Stage 1 – DBS application received and validated. Stage 2 – Police National Computer search. Stage 3 – Children's and adults' barred lists searches (if applicable)
Why would a DBS get rejected?
If your DBS has been rejected, it might be because: • Your DBS doesn't cover the areas mentioned above. Your DBS is under a different name. You have a basic DBS or standard DBS, rather than an enhanced DBS.
How far do they go back on a DBS check?
An enhanced DBS check does not have a specific time limit for looking back into an individual's criminal history. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of an person's criminal record, including both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
What do I need to pass a DBS check?
You'll need to provide addresses for the last 5 years (including the dates you lived at each address), and if you have them your: passport. driving licence (full or provisional) National Insurance number.
What is the golden rule of disclosure?
The golden rule is when in doubt, you should disclose. It is always better to over disclose. If you fail to disclose a relevant matter and DCAMM becomes aware of it, it can cast doubt on the rest of the responses in your application.
What should you not do in disclosure?
Don't:
- Tell the person that you can keep it a secret. ...
- Panic, overreact, be judgmental or make assumptions.
- Investigate, repeatedly question or ask the individual to repeat the disclosure.
- Discuss the disclosure with people who don't need to know.