How to Choose the Right Background Checker in the UK (2025)
Looking for the best background checker in the UK? Discover 5 key questions to ask in 2025 to ensure compliance, speed, and accuracy.
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How does standard DBS check work?
1Complete the online application
2The DBS accepts and validates the application
3The Police National Computer (PNC) is checked
4Completion – the disclosure is printed and sent to the applicant’s home address
Let’s help you find the right level of criminal record check
You may need basic, standard, or enhanced DBS - depending on the level of assurance your employer needs. To see if you are suitable for a certain job. This might include jobs like accountants, legal assistants, those working with children or vulnerable adults.
Checks Include
- Unspent Convictions
- Spent Convictions
- Cautions & Reprimands
- Final Warnings
- Additional info held by Police
- Adult & Children Barring List (Optional)
- Dedicated Customer Experience Team
- Dedicated Applicant Support Team
- Compliance & Eligibility Checks On Each Application
Basic Dbs
For Peace of Mind- Unspent Convictions
- Spent Convictions
- Cautions & Reprimands
- Final Warnings
- Additional info held by Police
- Adult & Children Barring List (Optional)
- Dedicated Customer Experience Team
- Dedicated Applicant Support Team
- Compliance & Eligibility Checks On Each Application
Standard Dbs
Essential for regulatory compliance- Unspent Convictions
- Spent Convictions
- Cautions & Reprimands
- Final Warnings
- Additional info held by Police
- Adult & Children Barring List (Optional)
- Dedicated Customer Experience Team
- Dedicated Applicant Support Team
- Compliance & Eligibility Checks On Each Application
Enhanced Dbs
Safeguard the vulnerable- Unspent Convictions
- Spent Convictions
- Cautions & Reprimands
- Final Warnings
- Additional info held by Police
- Adult & Children Barring List (Optional)
- Dedicated Customer Experience Team
- Dedicated Applicant Support Team
- Compliance & Eligibility Checks On Each Application
Standard DBS FAQs
- What is a standard DBS Check?
A Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is an in-depth background check primarily used for employment vetting by employers on behalf of applicants to verify if a candidate is suitable to hire for work in a specific industry.
- Is a standard DBS Check suitable for me?
This level of DBS check is only available to organisations to access on behalf of their employees; an individual cannot apply for a check on themselves. Once the application has been processed, the certificate will be sent directly to the applicant. Prior to starting their job they will be required to show this to their new employer.
Employers that may ask for standard checks are:
- those regulated by the FCA or PRA such as accountants, financial advisers, etc.
- security companies
- solicitors and barristers
- health and social care
- How do I apply for a standard DBS check?
Employers can apply for a standard DBS check using our online platform which is fast and secure.
- How much does a Standard DBS check cost and how should I pay?
Standard DBS Check is £35 excl VAT. Payment can be made online with a debit or credit card.
- How long will a standard DBS check take?
It may take up to 14 days. However, it can take longer if the details given for the check are incorrect or several police forces need to be involved in the standard DBS check.
- What information is disclosed on a standard DBS check?
Standard DBS Certificate will show details of all cautions, warnings, reprimands, as well as all spent and unspent convictions, held on an individual’s criminal record.
- What will you need to apply for a standard DBS check?
Applicants need to provide 3 forms of ID in support of a standard DBS Check. You can find a full list of all the valid ID that can be used here.
- How long does standard DBS Check last?
Standard DBS checks do not have an expiry date. The information provided on a standard DBS Certificate is only correct for the period of time preceding its issue. Most organisations have their own rules around how often a standard DBS Check should be carried out. This is usually between 1-2 years.
- Is there an update service for standard DBS check?
The update service is available for standard DBS checks. The DBS fee is £13 per year, and you can pay by debit or with credit card.
- Are standard DBS checks free?
Standard DBS Checks are not free and cost £35 excl VAT.
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