Who Needs a DBS Check?

What is a DBS check?

Before we list the jobs that require DBS checks, we must first understand what a DBS check is and why specific roles require them. 

DBS checks are a type of background check used by employers to access a candidate’s criminal history. There are various DBS checks, each one with a different purpose: Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred Lists. 

Who needs a DBS check?

DBS checks are essential for organisations looking to reduce risk when bringing new people into a business. Criminal background checks help identify whether an applicant poses a risk or would be unsafe to work with. Employers can access these checks through a third party or their ATS provider.

Equally as important as mitigating hiring risk is remaining compliant with employment law. Some roles, particularly those retaining a higher level of risk or working with vulnerable adults or children, must undergo pre-employment checks such as standard or enhanced DBS checks. This safeguards organisations and confirms candidates are eligible and trusted to work for an organisation. 

What jobs need a DBS check?

Different jobs require a different level of DBS check, depending on the nature of the work and how high-risk the role is. Let’s take a look at the jobs that need either a basic, standard or enhanced DBS check.

What jobs need a basic DBS check?

Basic DBS checks are the lowest level criminal record checks, only disclosing unspent convictions. This type of background check isn’t a legal requirement for any role; however, many employers request candidates to complete a basic DBS check before employment. Conducting basic background checks ensures employers are aware of a candidate’s criminal history and can make a hiring decision based on the information.

Although basic DBS checks aren’t a legal requirement, many employers will likely request a basic DBS check for the following positions:

• Pilot 
• Civil servant 
• Electrician 
• Hospitality 
• Lorry driver
• Train driver 
• Architect 
• Butcher 
• Fire service 
• Journalist 
• Milkman

What jobs need a standard DBS check?

Standard and enhanced DBS checks aren’t like basic checks; only jobs posing a significant risk are eligible and must undergo this screening process. Both standard and enhanced checks offer a more comprehensive look into a candidate’s criminal history, revealing both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and any other information stored by the police that may be relevant. 

Examples of roles that require standard DBS checks are:

• Solicitors 
• Accountants and financial advisors (and any other positions that the Financial Conduct Authority regulates)
• Health and social care professionals 
• Veterinary surgeons 
• Locksmiths 

What jobs require an enhanced DBS check?

Although enhanced and standard DBS checks show much of the same information, enhanced checks offer slightly more insight and offer more protection when hiring for high-risk roles. 

Enhanced DBS checks are utilised for roles that involve working with children or vulnerable adults. However, some other roles also require this rigorous screening; these include:

• Those working within the gambling industry
• Individuals applying for national security roles
• Individuals employed by the Crown
• Judicial appointments

Jobs that don’t require a DBS check

There are countless jobs that don’t require a DBS check. Most of these roles will pose little to no risk, so candidates aren’t legally required to undergo a criminal records check. These can include delivery driver positions, some retail roles, and call centre jobs, for example.

However, by bypassing any background screening, organisations expose themselves to any potential risk a new hire may possess, so we still recommend that some screening checks take place.

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