DBS Checks

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.  

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.