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Guide to Basic DBS checks

Published 17 November 2023

Your guide to the importance and benefits of Basic DBS checks

On average 2.5 million Basic DBS checks are requested each year.

80% of Basic DBS checks are completed within 48 hours.

Basic DBS check

A Basic DBS check is a check of any conditional cautions and unspent convictions, under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

A Basic DBS check can be obtained by anyone over the age of 16 living or looking to live and work in England and Wales.

An individual can apply for a Basic DBS check directly to DBS through our online application route, or an employer can apply for a Basic DBS check on an individual’s behalf, through a Responsible Organisation (RO), if they have consent.

There are no legislative or eligibility requirements to have a Basic DBS check, so anyone aged 16 or over can apply at any time and you can request this as part of your recruitment process.

Why are Basic DBS checks important?

Basic DBS checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are important because they provide relevant information about an individual’s criminal history. This information can serve as a useful tool in supporting informed recruitment decisions.

Anyone can apply or be requested to apply for a Basic DBS check. Conducting a Basic DBS check on an individual before hiring them can help to inform job role suitability, strengthen recruitment decisions and protect an organisation’s reputation.

Basic DBS checks focus on unspent convictions and cautions. This can include both minor and serious offences, such as theft, fraud, or assault. Employers can use this information to assess an individual’s suitability for the role they are applying for, reducing the risk of hiring someone who has a history of criminal behaviour that may pose a risk to their organisation.

Basic DBS checks can contribute to determining an individual’s reliability, particularly when they are handling sensitive information.

Key benefits of Basic DBS checks

• Quick turnaround: Basic DBS checks are processing in 48 hours, in 80% of cases.
• Protect the vulnerable: Basic DBS checks help provide additional reassurance, empowering better recruitment decisions.
• Peace of mind: You can demonstrate that you’ve taken steps to ensure that unspent criminal convictions of your workforce have been obtained.
• Simple process: Basic DBS checks can be applied for online, directly to DBS needing only personal details and ID.
• Widely accepted: Basic DBS certificates are respected by a wide range of employers and organisations, giving your customers confidence.
• No ties to eligibility: There is no legislative or role-based eligibility criteria that must be met for a Basic DBS check, making it a simple addition to any recruitment process.
• Value for money: A Basic DBS check is the most affordable type of check offered by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It costs just £18, making it an accessible option for employers on a budget.

Basic DBS checks – volume growth, 2019 to 2022

Key insights

We have seen a 50% growth in the intake of Basic DBS checks, rising from 1.77 million to 2.66 million

The number of employers using basic checks increased by 21%

Common users of Basic DBS checks

• Uber Eats
• Tesco
• Amazon
• National Express
• Wincanton
• Manchester Airport

Common sectors using Basic DBS checks

• Construction
• Aviation
• Finance and Legal
• Leisure and Hospitality
• Logistics and Transport

Rehabilitation of offenders

Considering ex-offenders as a part of your recruitment process:

1. Access to a wider talent pool: You can tap into a pool of individuals who may possess various skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. This can bring diversity to the workforce and help fill skill gaps.
2. Increased loyalty and commitment: You can often find higher levels of commitment and employee loyalty. These individuals appreciate the chance to re-integrate into society through gainful employment and often strive to prove themselves. A recent survey has shown that 90% of businesses that employ prison leavers agreed that they are ‘good at their job, good attenders, and trustworthy’.
3. Positive impact on re-offending: Stable employment plays a crucial role in reducing re-offending rates, as ex-offenders with jobs are less likely to re-offend. By offering employment opportunities, you can contribute to building safer communities, reducing overall crime rates, and enhancing your corporate social responsibility.
4. Potential financial benefits: Increased loyalty and reduced staff turnover can decrease costs. These financial benefits can offset potential risks associated with recruitment or training costs. Sector specific advice and case studies are available if you want to find out more.
5. Rehabilitation and personal growth: You can serve as a rehabilitative tool for ex-offenders, allowing them to acquire new skills, build self esteem, and reintegrate into society. It offers a chance for personal growth and a fresh start, giving back to your community.
6. Responding to Disclosure information: If the Basic check shows unspent cautions or convictions and you are unsure on what decision to take next you can read the rehabilitation periods guidance.

Ways to apply for Basic DBS checks

Individuals can apply directly to DBS through our online application route.

Individuals or employers can also apply for a Basic DBS check through a Responsible Organisation (RO).

What information will be shown?	Basic DBS check	Standard DBS check	Enhanced DBS check	Enhanced with DBS Barred List(s) DBS check
Unspent convictions and conditional cautions	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Spent convictions and conditional cautions, subject to filtering	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Relevant non-conviction information from the police	No	No	Yes	Yes
Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred list check	No	No	No	Yes
Who can apply?	Anyone 16 or over	Eligible roles	Eligible roles	Eligible roles
How do I apply?	Online or through a Responsible Organisation (RO)	Through a Registered Body	Through a Registered Body (RB)	Through a Registered Body (RB)
Can I link to the Update Service?	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
What does it cost?	£18	£18	£38	£38

Volunteers in eligible roles can access the Standard or Enhanced applications free of charge.

Useful links

• Basic DBS check - Online application route for Basic DBS checks.
• Basic DBS check guidance - Guidance on Basic DBS checks including how to apply, the cost, and what information is disclosed on a Basic DBS certificate.
• DBS checks detailed guidance - A collection of guidance documents and information about DBS checks and processes.
• DBS checks guidance for employers - Guidance for employers about DBS checks, including how to apply, registering with DBS, and the code of practice.
• DBS eligibility guidance - A collection of documents that you can use to decide whether a role is eligible for a Basic, Standard, Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check.
• Rehabilitation periods - A table of rehabilitation periods for the most common sentences and disposals, and example scenarios.
• Transgender applications - Guidance and information regarding the sensitive applications route for transgender applicants.
• Responsible organisations - A list of Responsible Organisations (RO) and their responsibilities.
• Update Service - A page linking to an online subscription that allows you to keep your Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS certificates up-to-date, and allows employers to check a certificate online.