Enhanced DBS Checks
An Enhanced DBS Check provides everything included in a Standard DBS Check, plus checks against barred lists and relevant information held by local police forces.
What are Enhanced DBS Checks?
An Enhanced DBS Check includes a detailed record of all criminal history – cautions, warnings, reprimands and both spent and unspent convictions recorded on the Police National Computer, with certain exceptions under the DBS filtering rules.
In addition, it checks against the DBS Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists (where applicable) and includes information provided by local police forces. Enhanced DBS Checks can only be requested by registered organisations.
When do I need an Enhanced DBS check?
Enhanced DBS Checks are typically required for individuals working in sensitive professions or roles involving frequent, unsupervised access to vulnerable groups, such as children or vulnerable adults. These checks are used to protect the most vulnerable in our society and are a legal requirement for specific regulated activities.
- £49.50+ Admin fee
- Spent & Unspent convictions
- Children & Adults Barred Lists
- Other Info Held by Local Police
- Approx 5 working days
Our solutions guarantee 100% submission rate with zero errors
Why Enhanced DBS Checks Matter for Safeguarding Compliance
When your organisation works with children or vulnerable adults, Enhanced DBS Checks are not optional – they’re part of your legal safeguarding obligations. Regulators, inspectors and partners expect robust vetting before access is granted.
Getting this wrong affects:
- Safeguarding compliance
- Ofsted/CQC inspection outcomes
- Contractual obligations
- Trust from, service users and partner organisations
- Legal responsibility under regulated activity frameworks
CBS supports organisations through a compliant, structured process that reduces risk, avoids eligibility mistakes and keeps recruitment moving.
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Who can access an Enhanced DBS Check?
Enhanced DBS Checks can only be accessed when supported by legislation. Eligibility is determined by the role of the individual and the specific criteria outlined in DBS regulations. Simply having contact with children or vulnerable adults does not automatically qualify a role for this level of disclosure.
Working with Children
Enhanced checks may be requested for roles involving frequent unsupervised access to children or regular work in education environments. This may also include checks against the Children’s Barred List.
Working with Vulnerable Adults
For roles where individuals provide care, support, supervision, or advice to vulnerable adults, enhanced checks may include the Adults’ Barred List. Examples of eligible roles include medical treatment, transport in specific circumstances, or teaching.
CBS ensures that only those legally entitled to request an Enhanced DBS Check can do so, safeguarding both applicants and employers while adhering to UK legislation.
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Types of DBS Checks
Basic
Basic level disclosure – this is a non-specific check that is available to anyone who requires certification. Basically, it is available to anyone for any purpose. It is commonly used for personal licence holders, couriers or similar.Disclosure Scotland produce this level of Disclosure, as well as the DBS from June 2017.
Unspent Criminal Convictions
Spent Criminal Convictions
Inclusion on the Children’s Barred List
Inclusion on the Adult’s Barred List
Inclusion on List 99 – Section 142 Education Act 2002
Other Relevant Information held by local police forces (Soft Intelligence forces disclosed at Chief Police officer’s discretion)
Standard
Standard level disclosure – this level of disclosure is subject to eligibility in accordance to legislative criteria. This more in-depth check is often required for careers such as accountants or solicitors.
Unspent Criminal Convictions
Spent Criminal Convictions
Inclusion on the Children’s Barred List
Inclusion on the Adult’s Barred List
Inclusion on List 99 – Section 142 Education Act 2002
Other Relevant Information held by local police forces (Soft Intelligence forces disclosed at Chief Police officer’s discretion)
Enhanced
Enhanced level disclosure – this detailed check is also subject to eligibility in accordance to legislative criteria. Individuals who wish to work with vulnerable people will require this disclosure.
Unspent Criminal Convictions
Spent Criminal Convictions
Inclusion on the Children’s Barred List
Inclusion on the Adult’s Barred List
Inclusion on List 99 – Section 142 Education Act 2002
Other Relevant Information held by local police forces (Soft Intelligence forces disclosed at Chief Police officer’s discretion)
Updated 2025 Identity Verification Requirements
From 22 April 2025, and mandatory from 1 November 2025, identity verification for all DBS checks must follow one of three approved identity verification options:
- Options 1 – In-person document verification Original documents must be physically checked and validated in the presence of the individual. The employer must also keep a record of the documents used to validate the identity for a minimum of 2 years.
- Option 2 – Video verification with original documents held The identity checker must be in possession of the original documents and the applicant can be on video link. If option 2 is used, the employer must keep a record of why option one was not used, along with a record of the documents used to validate the identity, for a minimum of 2 years.
- Option 3 – Video verification followed by in-person validation Used when immediate face-to-face verification isn’t possible. The ID checker must record the date the ID check was completed in person and cross reference the details recorded from the video link ID check. If there are any discrepancies, the DBS check may be invalid. And again, if option three is used the employer must keep a record of why options one and option two were not used, along with a record of the documents used to validate the identity, for a minimum of 2 years.
CBS supports employers with compliant identity verification, reducing rejected applications and ensuring smoother onboarding.
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When You Need an Enhanced DBS Check
Enhanced DBS Checks apply to roles involving regulated activity or frequent, unsupervised interaction with vulnerable groups. This includes:
- Teaching, training or instructing children
- Providing healthcare, clinical or therapeutic services
- Personal care (washing, dressing, feeding, physical assistance)
- Social work, family support or case management
- Overnight care, residential settings or transport
- Leading safeguarding responsibilities
- Work within schools, academies, colleges and early years settings
- Support roles within clinical or care environments
Having contact with vulnerable groups does not automatically qualify a role. Eligibility must be based on duties – CBS ensures only legally justified checks are requested.
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Common Employer Mistakes – and How CBS Prevents Them
- Requesting the wrong level of check. Roles often feel high risk but don’t meet the legal threshold. – CBS ensures correct eligibility.
- Forgetting to include barred list checks. Mandatory for regulated activity. – CBS prompts for inclusion.
- Incorrect identity verification route. Leading cause of rejected applications in 2025. – CBS ensures identity is verified.
- Address history errors. Missing 5-year history delays police stages. – CBS guides applicants step-by-step.
