Standard/Enhanced DBS Application guide

An enhanced DBS check will contain details of any cautions, warnings, reprimands, or convictions on an individual's criminal history, as long as they’re not protected by filtering rules. If relevant, local police forces can add any necessary information about the applicant.

This will also include Barred list information (if working in Regulated Activity). The barred lists are maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

It include searches of the Police National Computer (PNC), including Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands and Warnings in England and Wales, and most of the relevant convictions in Scotland and Northern Ireland may also be included. (The DBS reserves the right to add new data sources). 

This information will be used to decide on your suitability to fulfil the role you have applied for.

A Standard Disclosure will contain details of any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings the applicant has, as long as they’re not protected by filtering rules. 
 
It include searches of the Police National Computer (PNC), including Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands and Warnings in England and Wales, and most of the relevant convictions in Scotland and Northern Ireland may also be included. (The DBS reserves the right to add new data sources). 

This information will be used to decide on your suitability to fulfil the role you have applied for.

If you are applying for a standard or enhanced DBS Check before starting the online application, you must complete a self-declaration form. This includes your consent for a DBS check (unless this is a renewal and your contract contains a clause requiring you to disclose any warning, reprimand or conviction history).

The form will be provided by your Recruiter and should be returned to them. Please note, if you are part of a Church of England or another large organisation, they may have their confidential declaration form so you should check with your parish before completing our standard form. 

The Recruiter in your organisation will be able to provide you with your organisation’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Handling of DBS Information Policy 

You will read our Statement of Fair Processing when you start your application.  

For the purpose of this electronic application, access to information supplied by and relating to you is given to our agent in order to process the disclosure application. All information is stored with the utmost of security in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and UK Data Protection legislation and GDPR). 

Our data is securely hosted by Security Watchdog in the UK – which means full compliance with UK data protection law. The system works to global best practice standards and Security Watchdog holds an internationally recognised certificate in information security management (ISO 27001 Accredited). The system is regularly tested and monitored (including vulnerability and penetration testing) – which ensures the security of the data is never compromised. All confidential data is encrypted using an advanced combination of three encryption techniques in addition to regular backups – which prevent unauthorised access. Security Watchdog high-security data centre operates the latest monitoring and protection systems – including sophisticated anti-virus and online security programmes. 

If you supply an email address whilst completing your application, as soon as your application has been received at the DBS and is assigned a DBS Application Reference number you will receive an email with details to enable you to track the progress of your application.

Once the disclosure process is complete, the DBS will post your certificate directly to you at the current address you provided on your application.

Please be aware that this is an important document and your Recruiter may need you to show your certificate to them before you start work in your role. 

If your certificate fails to arrive in the post, a free of charge reprint can be requested within 93 days of the original issue date. Details of how you can request a reprint can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-certificate-reprint-guide/dbs-certificate-reprint-guide  
 
If a certificate has been lost or misplaced, a new application will need to be completed to obtain another copy. 

To contact the sensitive applications team, please telephone 0300 131 2784 or email [email protected].

Further information can be viewed here