Enhanced DBS Checks with DBS.care
Health and Social Care employers choose DBS.care to handle their Enhanced DBS Checks
Enhanced DBS Check Within 48 Hours
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All About Enhanced DBS Checks
What is the Enhanced DBS Check?
What does an Enhanced DBS Check cost?
What is an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists?
Who can request an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced DBS Check cannot be requested by an individual acting alone. In the Health and Social Care sector, it must be initiated by a registered organisation or employer with a valid and lawful reason for requesting this comprehensive level of disclosure. This requirement ensures that Enhanced Checks are only used when necessary and comply with safeguarding laws designed to protect vulnerable people.
1. Registered Organisations in Health and Social Care
Only organisations registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) can request Enhanced DBS Checks directly. In the Health and Social Care sector, these organisations often include:
NHS Trusts and other healthcare providers
Care homes and domiciliary care agencies
Local authorities responsible for social care services
Specialist mental health services
Children’s services and safeguarding teams
These registered bodies are legally obligated to ensure that applications for Enhanced DBS Checks correspond to roles that meet the strict eligibility criteria within Health and Social Care.
2. Umbrella Bodies Supporting Health and Social Care Providers
Smaller providers or organisations without DBS registration can still obtain Enhanced DBS Checks by using a government-approved umbrella body. Umbrella bodies act as authorised intermediaries that manage the application process on behalf of third parties.
Their responsibilities include:
Assessing whether a role qualifies for an Enhanced DBS Check in line with Health and Social Care regulations
Assisting with the correct completion of application forms to avoid delays
Submitting the applications securely to the DBS on behalf of the organisation
Examples of umbrella bodies include DBS.care, which specialises in supporting Health and Social Care organisations with efficient and compliant DBS checking services.
What about Sole Traders?
If you are a sole trader in the Health and Social Care sector—such as a self-employed carer, support worker, or contractor providing services directly to children or vulnerable adults—obtaining an Enhanced DBS Check can be more complex but is still achievable.
As a sole trader, you cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS Check independently, as this level of check must be requested by a registered organisation or employer. Individuals are not permitted to submit Enhanced DBS checks on their own.
However, there are two main options available:
Option 1: Use DBS.care
Sole traders in Health and Social Care can apply for an Enhanced DBS Check through a government-registered Umbrella Body like DBS.care. This is only possible if the role qualifies under the eligibility criteria for regulated activity. You will need to clearly describe the nature of your work—for example, providing personal care to vulnerable adults or delivering support services in a healthcare setting. DBS.care will assess whether your role meets the eligibility requirements.
Option 2: Request Through a Contracting Organisation
If you are working under contract for a larger Health and Social Care provider—such as an NHS Trust, care home, local authority, or agency—these organisations can request the Enhanced DBS Check on your behalf. This is often the most straightforward route for sole traders working within the sector to obtain the necessary checks.
What shows up on an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced DBS Check is the most detailed type of criminal record check available in the UK. It provides employers or authorised organisations with a thorough view of an individual’s background, especially when the role involves working with children or vulnerable adults.
Here’s what appears on an Enhanced DBS Check:
1. Convictions, Cautions, Warnings, and Reprimands
- Spent convictions (those that would normally be considered “wiped” after a rehabilitation period under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).
- Unspent convictions (those still considered active).
- Formal police cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
2. Local Police Information (Relevant Police Intelligence)
The local police can include any non-conviction information they hold that is considered relevant to the specific role.
Examples may include:
Allegations that didn’t lead to arrest or prosecution.
Information from investigations that were dropped.
Suspected involvement in criminal activity or safeguarding concerns.
This information is disclosed at the discretion of the Chief Police Officer, and only if they believe it’s relevant and necessary to disclose for safeguarding.
3. Barred List Checks (Optional)
If requested, the Enhanced DBS Check can include checks against one or both of the following:
Children’s Barred List
Adults’ Barred List
These are lists of individuals who are legally banned from working with children or vulnerable adults due to serious safeguarding risks.
What doesn't show up on an Enhanced DBS Check?
Certain types of information are not included on DBS checks. For example, civil matters such as County Court Judgments (CCJs) or unpaid debts are not disclosed. Similarly, parking fines, fixed penalty notices, and other minor offences are excluded.
Non-conviction information is only disclosed if considered relevant by local police. Minor convictions or cautions may also be filtered out based on DBS filtering rules. This means that very old convictions and youth convictions can be excluded from Enhanced DBS Checks if they meet specific criteria.
Filtering is the process used to determine which criminal record information appears on Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks. Certain minor or older offences are excluded from disclosure; these are known as ‘protected’ offences.
However, there is a list of ‘specified offences’ that must always be disclosed unless the offence resulted in a youth caution. These specified offences generally cover serious crimes, such as sexual offences, violent acts, or offences related to the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults.
Additionally, any conviction that led to a custodial sentence, including suspended sentences, will always appear on an Enhanced DBS Check, no matter how long ago it occurred.
Finally, most youth cautions, warnings, and reprimands are no longer automatically disclosed on Enhanced DBS Checks. That said, Youth Conditional Cautions may still be disclosed depending on the circumstances.
How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check
DBS.care is a cutting-edge, AI-powered online platform designed to simplify how Health and Social Care organisations manage their DBS check requirements. The system streamlines every stage of the process, providing intelligent guidance and automation from start to finish, ensuring compliance with sector-specific safeguarding standards and regulations.
Getting Started
After registering your Health and Social Care organisation for an account, you will receive a secure login. You can then add internal users, such as HR professionals, safeguarding leads, or compliance officers, and assign them permissions to manage Enhanced DBS checks on your organisation’s behalf.
Initiating a DBS Check
To initiate an Enhanced DBS check, simply enter the applicant’s name and email address into the system. The platform sends an invitation to the applicant to access their application form.
When the applicant sets up their password and completes the form, AI-powered validation helps prevent common errors such as incorrect National Insurance numbers or incomplete address histories, which are crucial for timely processing in Health and Social Care roles.
Verifying ID and Submitting the Check
Once the applicant completes their section, you will be notified to carry out identity verification. You confirm the ID documents presented, and DBS.care’s intelligent validation ensures that the combination complies with legal requirements, alerting you when everything is in order.
Next, the platform guides you to select:
The correct DBS check level (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced)
The specific job role within Health and Social Care
Whether Barred List checks should be included
Whether the role is voluntary
Whether the role is home-based
The AI helps minimise errors by flagging eligibility issues based on your selections, which is particularly important in safeguarding-sensitive Health and Social Care positions.
Sector-Specific Compliance
DBS.care supports compliance with key Health and Social Care regulations, including:
The Care Act 2014
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
The Children Act 1989 and 2004
NICE guidelines on safeguarding adults and children
CQC (Care Quality Commission) requirements
Using DBS.care helps ensure that your organisation meets these regulatory obligations by maintaining accurate and up-to-date staff screening records.
Examples of Typical Health and Social Care Roles
DBS.care is suited for a wide range of Health and Social Care roles, including but not limited to:
Registered nurses and healthcare assistants
Social workers and support workers
Care home staff and domiciliary carers
Mental health professionals
Therapists and counsellors
Childcare workers and early years practitioners
Clinical and non-clinical hospital staff who have patient contact
Payment Options
Payment can be made using flexible options including:
Pay-as-you-go
Prepaid credit bundles
Delegated billing, where the applicant receives the invoice and pays directly—ideal for contractors or agency workers in Health and Social Care who cover their own DBS check fees
Submission and Results
Once payment is confirmed or credits applied, the Enhanced DBS application is securely submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Both your organisation and the applicant receive notifications containing a unique reference number and a direct link to track the application status in real time.
Upon completion:
The applicant receives their official paper Enhanced DBS certificate by post
Your organisation can view an electronic summary of the result through the platform
Throughout the process, DBS.care’s AI-driven system keeps everyone updated with timely notifications, ensuring transparency and compliance with Health and Social Care safeguarding regulations at every stage.
Need to ask a question before registering…?
If you are already a customer, please login and use the regular support channels on the platform
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular questions we get about Enhanced DBS Checks
How much does an Enhanced DBS Check cost?
When applying for an Enhanced DBS check through an Umbrella Body, the total cost is generally made up of two key parts.
The first part is the fixed fee charged by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This fee is consistent regardless of how many applications are submitted. For an Enhanced DBS check—which includes vital checks against the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists—the current fee is £49.50. This comprehensive check is especially important for Health and Social Care roles where safeguarding vulnerable adults and children is paramount.
The second part is the administrative fee charged by the Umbrella Body for managing and processing the application on your behalf. This fee can vary depending on the number of checks being processed at any given time. At DBS.care, administrative fees start from £6.00 per application, making it an affordable and efficient option for Health and Social Care providers who need to maintain high safeguarding standards.
By using a reputable Umbrella Body like DBS.care, Health and Social Care organisations can ensure applications are handled smoothly and in full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, helping to protect both staff and service users.
Which identification documents are required for an Enhanced DBS Check?
Applicants undergoing an Enhanced DBS check within the Health and Social Care sector must provide valid identification documents to an authorised ID checker within the client organisation. This step is crucial to verify the applicant’s identity accurately and maintain the integrity of the DBS process, which is especially important in roles involving vulnerable adults and children.
The exact documents required will depend on what the applicant has available, but all must be valid, current, and compliant with the Disclosure and Barring Service’s strict guidelines. Typical forms of identification include passports, driving licences, and birth certificates, alongside proof of address documents such as utility bills or bank statements. It is essential that these documents are original and not expired to meet legal requirements.
Authorised ID checkers within Health and Social Care organisations are responsible for carefully reviewing and confirming that the documents presented meet DBS standards. This verification step helps prevent identity fraud and ensures that the person undergoing the Enhanced DBS check is correctly identified before their application proceeds.
By adhering to these identification protocols, Health and Social Care providers can uphold safeguarding standards and comply with regulatory obligations, thereby protecting vulnerable service users and supporting safer recruitment practices.
For the most current guidelines on accepted documents, visit here
What is an Adult First Check, and is it the same as an Adults' Barred List check?
The Adults’ Barred List check and the Adult First check are related but serve distinct functions within the DBS process.
The Adults’ Barred List check is an optional component of an Enhanced DBS check. It determines whether an individual is legally prohibited from undertaking Regulated Activity with vulnerable adults. Regulated Activity includes tasks such as delivering healthcare, providing personal care, or managing finances on behalf of vulnerable adults.
While some roles require only an Enhanced DBS check, others also need an Adults’ Barred List check. For example, a receptionist at a care home may undergo an Enhanced DBS check but would not require a barred list check as they do not perform Regulated Activity. Conversely, a care assistant involved in personal care must have both the Enhanced DBS and Adults’ Barred List checks completed.
The Adult First check offers a faster preliminary screening against the Adults’ Barred List and can only be requested alongside an Enhanced DBS check that includes the barred list check. Results are typically returned within 72 hours and will confirm whether the applicant is not on the barred list or if additional investigation is necessary. It is important to note that a requirement for further checks does not necessarily mean the applicant is barred.
There is no cost difference between an Enhanced DBS check with or without the Adults’ Barred List included. However, the Adult First check is an optional service and incurs a small additional fee.
Currently, there is no similar rapid check service available for the Children’s Barred List.
What is the Adults' Barred List?
The Adults’ Barred List is a confidential register maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It contains the names of individuals who are legally barred from carrying out Regulated Activity involving vulnerable adults.
In the context of Health and Social Care, Regulated Activity includes specific duties such as providing personal care or managing the finances of a vulnerable adult. Detailed guidance outlines the exact activities that qualify as Regulated Activity.
Importantly, a person can be placed on the Adults’ Barred List even without any criminal convictions. Being barred is a legal restriction separate from having a criminal record.
Whether an Enhanced DBS check includes an Adults’ Barred List check depends on the nature of the role. For instance, a cleaner working in a care home is not considered to be undertaking Regulated Activity and therefore would not be subject to a barred list check. However, a care worker providing personal care in the same environment would require the barred list check as part of their Enhanced DBS.
There is no additional cost difference between an Enhanced DBS check with or without the Adults’ Barred List check included.
What is the Children's Barred List?
The Children’s Barred List is a confidential register maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It contains the names of individuals who are legally prohibited from working with children due to safeguarding concerns.
Importantly, a person can be included on the Children’s Barred List even if they have no criminal convictions. Being barred is a legal status that does not rely on a criminal record or conviction but rather on safeguarding decisions made to protect children.
Whether an Enhanced DBS check includes a check against the Children’s Barred List depends on the nature of the role. Positions that involve direct or regular contact with children, such as those in health, social care, education, or childcare, typically require this check. Conversely, roles that involve working exclusively with adults would not normally qualify for a Children’s Barred List check.
For Health and Social Care organisations, ensuring the correct use of the Children’s Barred List check is essential to safeguarding vulnerable children and complying with legal requirements.
There is no additional cost difference between an Enhanced DBS check that includes the Children’s Barred List check and one that does not, making it a vital and cost-effective safeguard for eligible roles.
What is the DBS Update Service?
The DBS Update Service is a subscription-based service offered by the Disclosure and Barring Service that enables individuals and employers to keep Enhanced DBS checks current and verify their status online. This service transforms a one-time DBS certificate into a continuously updated record, reducing the need for repeated full checks.
After receiving an Enhanced DBS certificate, individuals in the Health and Social Care sector can subscribe to the Update Service for £16 per year. Subscription must occur within 30 days of the certificate being issued or during the application process using the certificate reference number.
Once subscribed, the certificate can be used for multiple roles, as long as each role requires the same level of check and falls within the same workforce group, such as working with children or vulnerable adults. The subscription requires annual renewal to remain active.
With the individual’s consent, Health and Social Care employers can perform a free online status check to confirm whether the Enhanced DBS certificate remains valid. The system will indicate either that the certificate is up to date, or that it needs to be renewed or further reviewed, which may trigger the need for a new DBS check.
These checks are conducted using the Enhanced DBS certificate number, along with the individual’s name and date of birth, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection.
This service helps Health and Social Care organisations streamline recruitment and safeguarding processes while maintaining up-to-date staff screening.
More information can be found here.
What does an Enhanced DBS Check look for?
An Enhanced DBS check is the most thorough form of criminal background screening used in the UK and is typically required for roles involving direct contact with children, vulnerable adults, or positions with significant responsibility. This level of check reveals both spent and unspent convictions, as well as cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer. While certain offences may be excluded under DBS filtering rules, a broad range of relevant criminal history can still be disclosed.
What distinguishes the Enhanced DBS check is its inclusion of information held by local police forces. This may cover non-conviction data, such as ongoing investigations or allegations, if deemed relevant by the police to the specific role within the Health and Social Care sector.
Moreover, the Enhanced DBS check can include searches of the barred lists to confirm whether an individual is legally barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. These checks are only conducted when specifically requested based on the role’s eligibility.
In Health and Social Care, Enhanced DBS checks are essential for roles such as healthcare professionals, social workers, care workers, and other positions where safeguarding vulnerable individuals is critical. The purpose of this level of screening is to provide employers with comprehensive information about a candidate’s background, helping to maintain a safe and secure environment for those under their care.
How long does an Enhanced DBS Check take?
Enhanced DBS Checks go to Local Police Forces. These can be very quick, back the same day, but on average they take longer than Standard and Basic DBS Checks.
How do I get an Enhanced DBS Check for my Employees \ Volunteers?
If you an organisation looking for Enhanced DBS Checks, then you first need to register with us by clicking here
Once your organisation is registered, you will receive a secure client login to our dedicated portal within one working day. This access allows you to begin adding the individuals who require DBS checks as part of your Health and Social Care recruitment or compliance processes.
Each applicant will be provided with their own unique login credentials, enabling them to securely access the portal and complete their portion of the DBS application form at their convenience. Once an applicant submits their information, you will be promptly notified so you can proceed to the next stage.
You will then log into the client area of the portal to carry out the identity verification step. This involves reviewing and confirming the applicant’s identification documents to ensure they meet the stringent standards set by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Following this, you will select the appropriate type of DBS check required for the role, whether Basic, Standard, or Enhanced.
After these steps are completed, the application is submitted electronically to the Disclosure and Barring Service. The system is designed to make this process seamless and secure, providing peace of mind that all safeguarding requirements are being met.
When the DBS check has been processed, the applicant will receive their official paper certificate by post. Within one working day of the certificate being issued, your organisation will gain access to an electronic summary of the Enhanced DBS certificate through the portal. This enables you to keep accurate records and maintain up-to-date compliance easily.
The entire process is clearly structured with intuitive guidance and well-marked steps, making it straightforward for Health and Social Care organisations to manage multiple applications efficiently. The tracking system provides transparent updates at every stage, allowing both employers and applicants to monitor progress with ease.
How long is an Enhanced DBS Check valid?
A DBS check does not have a formal expiry date. It provides a snapshot of an individual’s criminal record as it stood on the date the certificate was issued.
The information on the DBS certificate is accurate only up to that point in time. Unlike documents such as passports, DBS checks do not expire after a fixed period. However, they will not reflect any new offences or cautions that occur after the issue date. For this reason, employers should always consider the date of issue and assess whether a fresh DBS check is necessary based on how old the certificate is and the specific safeguarding requirements of the role.
In Health and Social Care, where working with vulnerable people is common, regularly updating DBS checks is regarded as best practice and is often mandated by regulators. A typical renewal interval is every three years, although some organisations may require more frequent checks depending on the level of contact and risk involved.
How do I track an Enhanced DBS Check application?
All tracking information for an Enhanced DBS application is readily available to both employers and applicants through our secure online platform.
From the moment the application is submitted, you can monitor its progress clearly at every stage of the process. This transparency helps Health and Social Care organisations keep recruitment and safeguarding workflows on track.
Once the application reaches the Disclosure and Barring Service, the platform provides a dedicated button that links directly to the official DBS tracking system. This feature allows users to access real-time updates on the status of the check, ensuring complete visibility and peace of mind throughout the process.
What is a Home-Based Position?
A Home-Based position refers to a role where the individual undergoing an Enhanced DBS check performs regulated activity within their own home.
For example, a music teacher who provides lessons to children at their own residence would be classified as holding a Home-Based position.
In contrast, a home care worker delivering personal care to a vulnerable adult in the adult’s home is not considered to be in a Home-Based role for the purposes of an Enhanced DBS check.
These distinctions are important because Home-Based positions trigger additional checks by local police. It is therefore essential that only roles genuinely meeting the criteria are marked as Home-Based to ensure accurate processing.
There is no difference in cost between an Enhanced DBS check for a Home-Based role and one for a non-Home-Based role.
What are 'filtered' cautions and convictions?
An Enhanced DBS check is the most comprehensive form of criminal background screening available in the UK. It is generally required for roles that involve direct contact with children, vulnerable adults, or positions that carry significant responsibility for safeguarding. This level of check reveals both spent and unspent convictions, as well as cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer. Although certain offences may be excluded under the DBS filtering rules, a wide range of relevant criminal history can still be disclosed to ensure thorough vetting.
What sets the Enhanced DBS check apart is that it can include additional information held by local police forces. This may consist of non-conviction data, such as ongoing investigations or allegations, if the police consider the information pertinent to the role within the Health and Social Care sector.
Additionally, the Enhanced DBS check can incorporate searches of the barred lists to determine whether an individual is legally barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. These barred list checks are only carried out when explicitly requested based on the eligibility of the role.
Within Health and Social Care, Enhanced DBS checks are essential for a range of roles, including healthcare professionals, social workers, care workers, and other positions where the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals is paramount. The purpose of this screening is to provide employers with detailed and reliable information about a candidate’s background, thereby helping to maintain a safe and secure environment for those in their care.