What is a DBS check?
A Disclosure & Barring Service check can be asked for by employers when recruiting new members of staff or volunteers. This allows an employer to ensure that the candidate has no convictions that would make them unsuitable for the intended job role. All DBS checks require the identity of the candidate is verified legally.
Basic DBS Check
A basic DBS check is the only check that can be requested by a candidate directly. The current cost of a basic DBS check is £21.50 (according to government guidelines January 2025) and can be requested directly from the UK government here.
Standard DBS Check
A standard or enhanced DBS check can only be requested by an employer, regulator or approved body if the role that they are recruiting for has a legal right to ask for that information. Not all roles will be considered eligible to ask for a check and it is important that you are certain that you are legally allowed to ask for it.
Enhanced DBS Check (with and without barred list check)
An enhanced DBS check is required for many roles that involve close contact with children or vulnerable adults. An employer has a legal duty to follow safe recruitment processes and ensure that those who are part of their workforce are not prevented from doing so by past actions. Some, but not all, roles require an additional check with the list of individuals barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. This is mostly required if the individual is going to be left unsupervised with the children/adults. There is no additional charge for this second check, but there needs to be a clear legal and legitimate reason to do so.
To assess whether the role you are recruiting for allows you to ask for a DBS check, you can either contact me for a free 15 minute consultation or use the government eligibility tool here. Please note this tool is only for people applying in England or Wales, separate guidance is available for those in Scotland or Northern Ireland
Identity Checks
An ID check involves someone confirming the identity of an individual using trusted legal documents. There are three separate routes to confirm identities. The list of suitable documents is below.
| Route 1 | Route 2 | Route 3 |
|---|---|---|
| One document from Group 1 | One document from Group 2a | A birth certificate |
| Two further documents from any group | Two further documents from Group 2a or 2b | One document from Group 2a |
| Two further documents from Group 2a or 2b |
Group 1 - Primary Identity Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Any current valid passport |
| Biometric residence permit | UK |
| UK Current driving licence (photo card with counterpart) | UK / Isle of Man / Channel Islands (full or provisional) |
| Birth Certificate (issued at time of birth) | UK and Channel Islands – including those issued by UK authorities overseas e.g. Embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces |
| Adoption Certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
Group 2a - Trusted Government Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate (issued after time of birth) | UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands |
| Marriage/Civil Partnership certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
| HM Forces ID | UK |
| Firearms Licence | UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands |
| Current driving licence (photocard) | All countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) |
| Current driving licence (paper) | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. For a paper licence to be valid it must be issued before March 2000 and all information, including name and address, must be up to date. |
| Immigration document, visa, or work permit | Issued by a country outside the UK. Valid only for roles whereby the applicant is living and working outside of the UK. Visa/permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based |
Group 2b - Financial and Social History Documents
| Document | Notes | Issue Date and Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage Statement | UK | issued in the last 12 months |
| Bank or Building society statement | UK and Channel Islands | issued in the last 3 months |
| Bank or Building society statement | Countries outside the UK | issued in last 3 months - branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works |
| Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter | UK | issued in the last 3 months |
| Credit Card Statement | UK | issued in the last 3 months |
| Financial statement, for example pension or endowment | UK | issued in the last 12 months |
| P45 or P60 statement | UK and Channel Islands | issued in the last 12 months |
| Council tax statement | UK and Channel Islands | issued in the last 12 months |
| Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider | Non-UK only - valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application | Must still be valid |
| Utility bill | UK - not mobile telephone bill | Issued in last 3 months |
| Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, pension | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, for example from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRC | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| EEA National ID card | Must still be valid | |
| Irish Passport Card | Cannot be used with an Irish passport | Must still be valid |
| Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands | Must still be valid |
| Letter from head teacher or college principal | UK - for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education - only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided | Must still be valid |
Please note that whilst links on this page go directly to the UK government guidance pages. I am not endorsing or responsible for the content of external websites. By clicking on the links you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.
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