What is a Standard DBS check?
A Standard DBS check is a type of background check used in England, Wales, and the Channel Islands. DBS checks are used by employers to screen their staff & new hires for specific roles.
Standard DBS checks are used for roles where a high level of trust is involved, but the role doesn’t involve working directly with Children or Vulnerable Adults.
What does a Standard DBS check show?
Once completed, Standard check applicants receive a certificate detailing any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, final warnings, and reprimands.
Who needs a Standard DBS check?
Standard DBS checks are used for roles where a high level of trust is involved, but the role doesn’t involve working directly with Children or Vulnerable Adults*. As such, there’s a lot of variety in when it comes to who needs a Standard DBS check.
It’s by no means exhaustive, but below is a list of common roles that require Standard checks:
- Actuaries
- Acupuncturists
- Bank Managers
- Barristers
- Bouncers & Doormen
- Cleaners in Hospitals & Residential Homes
- Clinical Receptionists
- Football Stewards
- Locksmiths
- Mortgage Advisors
- Private Investigators
- Traffic Wardens
- Treasurers
- Trustees
- Vets
Despite the name, Standard checks are only requested infrequently compared to Enhanced and Basic checks.
You can read the government’s eligibility guidance for standard checks by clicking here.
*Bear in mind that Vulnerable Adults, here, refers to a specific legal term. Click here to read more about it.
How to get a Standard DBS check
It is not possible to get a Standard DBS check for yourself – it must be requested by your employer.
If you’re looking to get Standard checks for your staff, you’ll require the services of an Umbrella Body to facilitate the check.
Here at Aaron’s Department, that’s a service we provide! Click here to read more about our Standard DBS check services.
