DBS CHECKS
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A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate is required to be held within certain roles and situations where the law, regulations, licences, or safer-recruitment practice demands it.
WHAT A DBS CERTIFICATE IS
A DBS certificate is the official document you receive after completing a DBS check — a criminal record check processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service. There are different levels:
- Basic – shows unspent convictions.
- Standard – full criminal record (spent & unspent).
- Enhanced / Enhanced with Barred Lists – includes police information and, where applicable, checks against lists of people barred from working with vulnerable groups.
Some jobs or licences require a DBS certificate by law:
- Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, social workers).
- Childminders and foster carers.
- Security industry roles and certain licensing sectors (e.g., taxi or private hire drivers).
- Roles included under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order), where spent conviction disclosure is permitted and necessary.
- BOOMS and MLRO as designated under the Money Laundering Regulations
4. Licences & Regulatory Requirements
Certain licences and regulated permissions require a DBS certificate before they are granted or renewed, even outside traditional employment. Examples include:
- Some licences to sell alcohol (basic certificate may be needed).
- Licences related to regulated industries (security, gambling, scrap metal).
5. Employers Can Require DBS Checks
For many roles, an employer can request a Basic DBS check, but this is not always a legal obligation — rather it is part of their recruitment and safety policies. Only roles that meet specific legal eligibility criteria can legally be asked for Standard or Enhanced checks. However an employer can request a Basic DBS as a provision of employment
- A DBS certificate doesn’t expire by itself, but employers or regulators often require fresh certificates periodically or proof of enrolment on the DBS Update Service.
- Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS check on themselves at any time, but Standard/Enhanced checks can only be requested through an employer or authorised organisation when the role is eligible.
You are required to hold a valid DBS certificate in the UK if:
- Your role involves regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults
- Your profession or licence demands it by law or regulation.
- An employer legally requests you to undergo a Standard or Enhanced DBS check because the role meets eligibility criteria.
In other cases, DBS certificates may be requested by employers or bodies as part of a recruitment or licensing process, but it isn’t a universal legal obligation for everyone.
Complyport supports the provision of DBS certificates and vetting with our simple to use speedy process.
OUR SERVICES
Complyport can help members by completing DBS checks for member, BOOMs and MLROs. These checks may also be used from pre-employment history to develop an understanding of an individual’s background. DBS checks can be conducted on new clients, offering peace of mind and helping to reduce risk for a practice or business.
Complyport provides a UK and EU based support team to members to support their vetting requirements.
Vetting is processed through an automated portal, ensuring speed of response and an efficient service.
Other services, such as due diligence, can be completed upon request.
KEY BENEFITS
- Speed: an automated system provides quick time results to ensure no delay in employment and regulatory compliance
- System Access: employers can hold individual private access to their client database to ensure checks are up to date and completed or can be urgently requested if required
Speak to our team about obtaining access to the system as an employer
- Legally Compliant: the system is fully legally compliant to provide DBS and Vetting checks from any country globally.
OUR EXPERTS
Our engagements are led by senior vetting practitioners and security clearance specialists with decades of experience in high-level personnel screening and background investigations. By leveraging the multi-agency delivery capability of the ComplyMAP Group, incorporating the specialist investigative pedigree of Gentium UK, we provide a scalable expert model that combines industry-leading turnaround times with deep investigative rigour.
We have a proven track record of managing complex global vetting and DBS functions for a wide range of regulated industries, including financial services, government-adjacent sectors and international organisations. We specialise in delivering high-accuracy screening solutions that ensure full regulatory compliance, providing employers with absolute peace of mind and the assurance that their personnel meet the highest standards of integrity.
If you are looking to streamline your DBS requirements, require enhanced vetting for sensitive or high-risk roles, or need to ensure your screening processes meet evolving international security standards, contact our team to discuss your specific needs, volume and mobilisation options.
Andrew Tennant
Director of Investigations, Crypto‑Financial Crime & Training
+44 (0)20 7399 4980
andrew.tennant@complyport.co.uk
Why choose Complyport?
-
Extensive Regulatory Expertise
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Complyport offers unparalleled expertise in regulatory compliance, ensuring your firm stays ahead of evolving regulations. -
Tailored Compliance Solutions
We provide bespoke compliance solutions that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of your business, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met efficiently and effectively. -
Senior-Level Guidance
Our team of seasoned professionals, including former regulators and industry experts, leads all engagements, offering deep insights and practical advice to help you manage compliance risks effectively.
-
Comprehensive Service Offering
From AML audits to risk management and regulatory reporting, Complyport provides a full spectrum of compliance services, allowing you to streamline your compliance processes and focus on your core business activities. -
Client-Centric Approach
We prioritise open and transparent communication, building strong relationships with our clients based on trust and mutual respect. Our commitment to excellence ensures that we deliver high-quality services with courtesy, patience, and flexibility. -
Innovative Fintech, Regtech, and AI Solutions
Leveraging cutting-edge fintech, regtech, and AI tools, Complyport enhances your compliance processes with advanced technology, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and real-time regulatory updates. Our innovative solutions empower your firm to stay compliant while maximising operational efficiency.
Extensive Regulatory Expertise
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Complyport offers unparalleled expertise in regulatory compliance, ensuring your firm stays ahead of evolving regulations.
Tailored Compliance Solutions
We provide bespoke compliance solutions that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of your business, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
Senior-Level Guidance
Our team of seasoned professionals, including former regulators and industry experts, leads all engagements, offering deep insights and practical advice to help you manage compliance risks effectively.
Comprehensive Service Offering
From AML audits to risk management and regulatory reporting, Complyport provides a full spectrum of compliance services, allowing you to streamline your compliance processes and focus on your core business activities.
Client-Centric Approach
We prioritise open and transparent communication, building strong relationships with our clients based on trust and mutual respect. Our commitment to excellence ensures that we deliver high-quality services with courtesy, patience, and flexibility.
Innovative Fintech, Regtech, and AI Solutions
Leveraging cutting-edge fintech, regtech, and AI tools, Complyport enhances your compliance processes with advanced technology, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and real-time regulatory updates. Our innovative solutions empower your firm to stay compliant while maximising operational efficiency.
key figures
Over
25 Years
Over
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Over
700
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