DBS checks are a key part of safer recruitment across the UK, particularly in sectors where individuals may work with children, young people, vulnerable adults, or in positions of trust.
For employers and organisations, understanding how DBS checks work is essential for maintaining compliance, safeguarding standards, and building a safe and trusted workforce.
This guide explains what DBS checks are, how they are used, who is responsible for them, and how organisations can process them efficiently through a DBS umbrella service like Completely Checked.
What is a DBS check?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a background screening process used to help employers make safer recruitment decisions.
It provides information about a person’s criminal record history and helps determine whether they are suitable to work in certain roles.
There are three main levels:
- Basic DBS check – shows unspent convictions
- Standard DBS check – shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions and warnings
- Enhanced DBS check – includes additional police information relevant to the role
- Enhanced with barred list check – confirms whether someone is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults
Basic DBS checks can be applied for directly by individuals. Standard and Enhanced DBS checks usually require an organisation or approved processing route.
What are DBS checks used for?
DBS checks are used to support safer recruitment decisions in roles where individuals may work with vulnerable groups.
They help employers:
- Confirm suitability for regulated roles
- Reduce safeguarding risks
- Meet legal and compliance requirements
- Build trust with service users and families
- Strengthen internal recruitment processes
A DBS check is not a judgement of character. It is a safeguarding tool used to support informed hiring decisions.
Which sectors require DBS checks?
DBS checks are required across a wide range of sectors where individuals may work with children, vulnerable adults, or in positions of trust. These include:
Care, Health & Support Services
- Social care roles such as support workers, residential care and community care staff
- Healthcare roles across NHS and private settings, clinical and non-clinical
- Adult social care and domiciliary care services
- Supported living and assisted accommodation services
- Mental health and learning disability services
- Children’s residential care and safeguarding roles
Childcare, Early Years & Education
- Nurseries and early years providers
- Pre-schools and childcare services
- Primary and secondary schools
- SEN and specialist education provision
- Colleges and further education
- Private tutoring and education support roles
Legal, Professional & Advisory Services
- Solicitors and legal professionals
- Paralegals and legal support staff
- Family law and court-related roles
- Roles involving sensitive client casework
Finance, Banking & Corporate Services
- Financial advisers and client-facing financial roles
- Compliance, audit, and risk management positions
- Roles involving access to sensitive financial data
- Positions with fiduciary responsibility
Housing, Community & Support Services
- Housing officers and tenancy support workers
- Supported housing and homelessness services
- Community outreach and inclusion services
- Youth support and family intervention services
Youth Work, Sports & Activity Services
- Youth workers and outreach staff
- Sports coaches and instructors
- After-school and holiday club staff
- Activity leaders and group facilitators
Security, Transport & Regulated Environments
- Security personnel
- Airport and port workers in vetted roles
- Transport roles requiring safeguarding clearance
- Positions in restricted or controlled access environments
We work with organisations across a wide range of regulated and professional sectors where DBS checks are required, including healthcare, social care, childcare, education, as well as legal, finance, housing, and other trusted service environments.
Who is responsible for getting a DBS check?
In most cases, the employer or organisation is responsible for initiating and processing DBS checks for their staff.
This includes:
- Determining the correct level of DBS required for the role
- Collecting identity documentation
- Submitting the application through an approved route
- Ensuring compliance with safeguarding requirements
Employees and candidates cannot usually complete Standard or Enhanced DBS checks independently.
How organisations can obtain DBS checks for their staff
Organisations that regularly recruit staff need a DBS process that is simple, compliant, and easy to manage alongside day-to-day hiring demands.
A DBS umbrella body service provides a structured and efficient way to manage applications from start to finish, ensuring everything is completed correctly and in line with DBS requirements.
This typically includes:
- End-to-end submission of DBS applications
- Identity verification and document checking
- Full compliance with DBS guidelines and safeguarding standards
- Application processing and administrative support
- Guidance on the correct DBS level for each role
Beyond administration, the real value lies in having a process that removes uncertainty, reduces delays, and ensures recruitment remains compliant without placing pressure on internal teams.
How Completely Checked can help
At Completely Checked, we provide a high-quality, hands-on DBS service built around personal support, accuracy, and clear communication throughout the process.
We work with organisations across a wide range of regulated and professional sectors where DBS checks are required, including healthcare, social care, childcare, education, as well as legal, finance, housing, and other trusted service environments.
We specialise in supporting Standard and Enhanced DBS applications, ensuring every check is processed efficiently, accurately, and in full compliance with DBS requirements.
We support employers by:
- Managing Standard and Enhanced DBS applications efficiently and accurately
- Providing clear guidance on the correct DBS level required for each role
- Reducing internal workload by handling the full administrative process
- Supporting safer recruitment across growing or high-volume staff teams
- Helping maintain ongoing compliance with safeguarding requirements
What sets us apart is our personal approach. Every organisation has access to experienced staff who can talk you through the process, answer questions, and provide clear, practical advice when needed.
We understand that DBS checks are not just an administrative requirement — they are a critical part of safe recruitment. That is why we focus on providing a reliable, responsive, and human service, ensuring you always know what is happening and what comes next.
Key takeaway
DBS checks are a fundamental part of safer recruitment across multiple sectors. They help organisations make informed hiring decisions, reduce risk, and ensure compliance when working with children, vulnerable adults, or in positions of trust.
Where to go next
If your organisation needs support with DBS checks, Completely Checked provides a simple, compliant, and fully supported processing service.
Visit www.completelychecked.co.uk for more information.