Basic DBS Check
A basic DBS check is sometimes referred to as a basic criminal record check, or by the old title of a CRB check.
The check is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service in England and Wales. In Scotland the check is undertaken by Disclosure Scotland.
In a nutshell, the basic DBS check will highlight an individual’s criminal history to potential employers or other organisations. It is designed to prevent unsuitable people being hired for certain roles and to protect vulnerable children or adults.
What does a Basic DBS Check cover?
A basic disclosure will search for and reveal:
– Unspent convictions (see below for more details)
– Conditional cautions (a caution that has certain conditions attached to it).
For each offence, the report will disclose the conviction date, name of the court, nature of the offence, date of the offence, and the details of the sentence imposed.
What is not covered on a Basic Disclosure?
The following are not disclosed:
– Spent criminal records (see below for more details)
– Fixed penalty notices (e.g. speeding tickets, littering fines, etc.)
– Allegations (if you are accused, but not prosecuted of a crime).
What is the difference between a “spent” and “unspent” conviction?
Spent convictions refer to fines or sentences of less than 4 years imprisonment, whereby a specific amount of time has elapsed since the sentencing.
How long does it take for a conviction to become spent?
| Sentence imposed: |
Adult |
Minor (Under 18) |
| Prison > 4 years |
Never spent |
Never spent |
| Prison: 30 months to 4 years |
Spent: sentence + 7 years |
Spent: sentence + 3.5 years |
| Prison: 6 months to 30 months |
Spent: sentence + 4 years |
Spent: sentence + 2 years |
| Prison: < 6 months |
Spent: sentence + 2 years |
Spent: sentence + 1.5 years |
| Community service |
Spent: Order + 1 year |
Spent: Order + 0.5 year |
| Fine |
Spent: 1 year |
Spent: 1 year |
Who typically asks for a Basic DBS Check?
Employers such as supermarkets, logistics firms, delivery companies, licensed premises, airport industry, administration, transport employers, etc.
How do I get a Basic DBS Check?
Either you apply for one yourself, or your employer applies with your consent. You can apply online by filling our Basic DBS Check application form. Once you have submitted this you will be required to upload 2 x pieces of identification. 1 x proof of identity and 1 x proof of address. As soon as these have been uploaded you will receive your DBS check certificate in 3-5 working days.
