What are Enhanced DBS Checks and When are They Needed?

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, previously known as enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, are more rigorous background checks primarily for those working closely with children and adults at risk. They provide details on a person’s criminal history to help employers assess if someone is suitable to work in positions of trust. But when precisely are they required and what additional information do they provide over a standard DBS check?

What is Included in an Enhanced Check?

A standard DBS check reveals details on spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings held on the Police National Computer. An enhanced test delves deeper, checking for additional information held by local police forces. If a role involves close contact with vulnerable groups, police can use discretion to disclose further details about a person’s background that may have a bearing on their suitability.

For instance, this could include details of arrests, acquittals or circumstances surrounding dropped cases. While this information will be treated as confidential, its disclosure aims to provide a fuller picture to help assess risks.

When are Enhanced Checks Needed?

Many professions require standard or enhanced DBS checks. But broadly speaking, you will need to apply for enhanced DBS before working in roles involving regular, intensive contact with children or vulnerable adults. This includes:

• Teachers: Enhanced DBS is required for all school-based staff.
• Healthcare professionals: Doctors, nurses, and wider hospital employees need enhanced checks before dealing with patients.
• Care workers: Essential for care home employees, home carers and others working with the elderly or disabled.
• Community support: Charity workers, council staff and other providers in close contact with vulnerable residents.
• Sports coaches, Scouts’ leaders and similar roles involving supervision of children.
• Other situations involving responsibility for children such as childminders, foster carers or taxi drivers ferrying unaccompanied minors.

Enhanced checks provide accountability and public safeguarding where individuals occupy privileged positions of trust. Those unable to obtain clearance on their DBS check risk being barred from such occupations altogether.

How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check

Most employers requiring enhanced checks will guide new recruits through the application process. But individuals can also apply directly for an enhanced DBS check by following these steps:

1. Register online via the government website
2. Provide ID such as a passport or driving license
3. Give addresses for the past 5 years
4. Specify the job role requiring the enhanced check
5. Make the £40 payment

The process normally takes up to 14 days. The completed check will then be issued to the applicant only, who must show the original certificate to their employer or prospective employer.

Enhanced DBS checks enable closer scrutiny of an individual’s background where positions require high levels of trust and responsibility. While strictly confidential, they may reveal additional details not shown on standard checks to establish someone’s suitability for working with vulnerable groups.

Ultimately designed to balance privacy and disclosure for the sake of public safeguarding, enhanced checks aim to provide employers with fuller accountability regarding candidates whose roles substantially impact children and adults at risk.