What are the different levels of DBS checks?
There are 3 different levels of DBS checks:
Basic, Standard, and Enhanced.
A Basic DBS check will show any unspent convictions or conditional cautions the applicant has. It can be used for any position or purpose. As the name suggests, Basic is the least detailed level. Basic and Standard are not the same thing. The main difference is anyone can request a Basic DBS check where as a Standard DBS check, only a employer can request. There are no legal requirements.
At Cavity, we offer two types of DBS:
Standard DBS check - £18
Enhanced DBS check - £38
What is a Standard DBS check?
A standard DBS check is an in-depth criminal record check used by employers to ensure applicants are suitable for the role in question. Requested only by employers.
What does a Standard DBS check cover?
- Caution
- Convictions
- Reprimands and warnings (now replaced by youth cautions)
- Previously stepped-down cautions or convictions
What jobs require a Standard DBS check?
Here are some professions that will require a Standard DBS check:
- Lawyers
- Accountants
- Security guard
What is an Enhanced DBS check?
Similar to the Standard DBS check, this level is only available to employers. When working with children or vulnerable adults, you will mostly like need an Enhanced DBS check.
What does an Enhanced DBS check cover?
- Spent or unspent convictions
- Cautions
- Reprimands or warnings the applicant has, as well as any other relevant information held by the applicant’s local police force
What jobs require an Enhanced DBS check?
Here are just some professions that will require an Enhanced DBS check:
- Roles within the education sector, e.g. Teachers, Teaching assistants and support staff
- Dental Professionals
- Caregivers
- Social Workers
- Anyone registered with CQC needs to have an Enhanced DBS check.
DBS Check Update Service
The DBS update service is a yearly subscription service provided directly by the DBS for applicants. Currently the service cost is £13 per applicant per year. If the DBS applicant subscribes to the service (this must be done within 19 days of receiving your certificate) their DBS certificate will be securely stored online, allowing the applicant to check their certificate or present it to the employer at any time. The applicant can register subsequent DBS applications with the service.
The service is fully portable - allowing applicants to carry their certificate between different employments, providing the employment requires the same level of check.
The service also updates regularly meaning that employers will only have to request a new DBS check to be undertaken if new information has arisen since the last DBS check. This means the issue date of a DBS certificate will no longer be relevant as long as the applicant has subscription to the update service.
Please get in touch with us if you have any further questions.
compliance@cavitydentalstaff.co.uk