What is the Disclosure and Barring Service?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) processes, and issues DBS checks for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. As an Umbrella Body, Aaron’s Department checks each application before it gets to the DBS, to make sure all the information is correct.
On top of this, the DBS also maintains the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists, and makes decisions as to whether an individual should be included on one or both of these lists, barring them from engaging in regulated activity.
The DBS & DBS Checks
Formerly known as the CRB, the DBS processes each check they receive to help employers make well-informed decisions.
The DBS handles all levels of checks, which include:
- Basic DBS checks
- Standard DBS checks
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks
Making a Referral To The DBS
If an employer, volunteer manager, or other organisation has concerns that someone has either caused harm or has the potential to cause harm to vulnerable groups, they can submit a barring referral.
If you need to make a referral, you do so via an online account, or by completing a DBS paper referral form.
Who Do The DBS Work With?
- Police forces in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man: the police provide information that is held locally, or on the Police National Computer
- ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO): they manage criminal record information and improve the exchange of criminal records and biometric information
- Responsible Organisations: a Responsible Organisation is an organisation that is registered with DBS to submit Basic DBS checks
- Registered Bodies: a Registered Body (like Aaron’s Department) is an organisation that is registered with DBS to submit Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS checks.
Summary – What is the Disclosure and Barring Service?
The Disclosure and Barring Service processes DBS checks, as well as maintaining the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists. They make decisions whether an individual should be included on one, or both, of these lists and barred from engaging in regulated activity.
Further Reading
If you found this interesting, you may also want to read about:
Why Is A DBS Check Important?
Is It Illegal To Work With No DBS Check?
What Is A CRB Check?
About The Author
John Schofield-Antoncich
John has processed more applications than days he has been alive, and has become the DBS expert. Got a question? He knows the answer!